can be prosecuted

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be prosecuted" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe the possibility or potential for legal action to be taken against someone. You can use it in a variety of situations, such as discussing a specific crime or law, or describing potential consequences for a certain action. Example: The company's CEO was aware that their actions could be illegal and they could be prosecuted for fraud.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People can be prosecuted for not working.

The New Yorker

If they are not, they can be prosecuted.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Only companies, not individuals, can be prosecuted on antitrust charges.

The New York Times

"If I name shops then I can be prosecuted.

The Guardian

Finally, Congress should make clear who can be prosecuted.

The New York Times

If there is a natural disaster, who can be prosecuted?

The Guardian

If they had stolen, it's not controversial that they can be prosecuted for the theft.

Harvard University

Where there is sufficient evidence, members of HM Forces can be prosecuted".

Independent

If those leaders can be prosecuted, then I am ready to be prosecuted as well".

The New York Times

Under the Lacey act, American animal traffickers who break foreign laws can be prosecuted at home.

The Economist

We can be prosecuted for the former and sued for the latter.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be prosecuted" to signal potential legal ramifications, encouraging responsible conduct and adherence to applicable laws and regulations.

Common error

Avoid using "can be prosecuted" when the possibility of legal action is speculative or unsubstantiated. Use more cautious language like "may face investigation" or "could be subject to review" if the situation is uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be prosecuted" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility of someone facing legal charges. It expresses potential legal consequences, as Ludwig AI also highlights.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be prosecuted" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote the possibility of facing legal action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, especially in news and legal domains, signaling potential consequences for unlawful actions. While widely accepted, it's essential to use it accurately and avoid overstating the certainty of prosecution. Related phrases like "may face prosecution" or "are subject to prosecution" can provide alternative phrasing depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may face prosecution

Replaces "can be" with "may face", indicating a possibility or likelihood of prosecution.

could be charged

Substitutes "prosecuted" with "charged", focusing on the formal accusation aspect.

are subject to prosecution

Emphasizes the condition of being exposed or liable to legal proceedings.

may be held liable

Shifts the focus to legal responsibility and potential accountability.

could face legal action

Broadens the scope to include any form of legal proceedings, not just criminal prosecution.

are criminally liable

Highlights the criminal aspect of responsibility for an action.

risk legal consequences

Focuses on the potential negative outcomes resulting from illegal actions.

are open to litigation

Implies a vulnerability to being sued or involved in a lawsuit.

might be indicted

Specifies the formal process of being charged with a crime by a grand jury.

are at risk of being sued

Highlights the chance of facing a lawsuit.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is said to "can be prosecuted"?

It indicates that an action or behavior could lead to legal charges and a trial in a court of law.

Which is a more formal alternative to "can be prosecuted"?

A more formal alternative is "are subject to prosecution", which emphasizes the liability under the law.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "can be prosecuted"?

This phrase is appropriate when discussing potential legal consequences for specific actions, such as in legal documents, news reports, or academic discussions, or "may face prosecution".

What are some common reasons why someone "can be prosecuted"?

Common reasons include violating laws, engaging in criminal behavior, or failing to comply with regulations. The specific reasons depend on the legal jurisdiction and the nature of the offense.