can be sentenced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be sentenced" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to the possibility of a person receiving a sentence as a punishment for a crime. Example: "If found guilty, the defendant can be sentenced to several years in prison."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Doctors who perform abortions and mothers who request them can be sentenced to long prison terms.

The New York Times

For the crime of being unemployed, you can be sentenced to 780hrs of work punishment.

The Guardian

People convicted of obstructing governmental administration can be sentenced to up to a year in jail.

The New York Times

Saudi citizens – and sometimes foreigners, too – can be sentenced to prison and floggings if they are caught.

Independent

In Missouri, people can be sentenced to life in prison if they infect others without their knowledge.

The New York Times - Sports

In New York, a mentally retarded person can be sentenced to life in prison without parole, but not death.

The New York Times

"The prosecutor was wrong in terms of saying there's no statute under which they can be sentenced," he said.

The New York Times

Violators are issued tickets for $50 to $500 and can be sentenced to up to six months in jail.

The New York Times

The goal, prosecutors said, is to ensure felony convictions so that repeat offenders can be sentenced to state prison.

The New York Times

Under Texas law, a person who commits a capital murder at 17 can be sentenced to death.

The New York Times

In Oklahoma, for example, a person can be sentenced to 30 days in jail for "injuring" fruit, melons or flowers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be sentenced" when discussing potential legal outcomes or penalties for specific actions or crimes. Be specific about the type of sentence (e.g., prison, fine) when possible.

Common error

Avoid using "can be sentenced" in informal writing. Opt for simpler language like "might get in trouble" or "could be punished" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be sentenced" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating the possibility of a particular legal consequence. As Ludwig AI points out, it's typically used in legal contexts to refer to the potential for a person to receive a sentence as punishment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be sentenced" is a grammatically correct and commonly used modal verb phrase, as Ludwig AI confirms. Primarily found in the News & Media context, it serves to inform about potential legal consequences. While often used in legal and journalistic contexts, it's essential to adjust the tone for informal writing, opting for simpler phrasing. With authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employing the expression, understanding its usage is crucial. "Can be sentenced" indicates the possibility of receiving a legal penalty, serving as a warning regarding the repercussions of specific actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could face imprisonment

Highlights the possibility of a prison sentence.

might receive a custodial sentence

Specifically refers to a sentence involving custody or imprisonment.

might be imprisoned

Suggests a lower probability of imprisonment compared to "can".

is subject to a sentence

Focuses on the judicial process of sentencing.

may be condemned

Emphasizes a more severe or definitive outcome.

may face penalties

Broader term encompassing various punishments, not just imprisonment.

is liable to punishment

A formal, legalistic way of saying someone will be punished.

may incur a penalty

Similar to 'may face penalties', but emphasizes the act of incurring the penalty.

could be penalized

Similar to 'may face penalties', but more general.

might be sanctioned

Implies an official punishment or disapproval.

FAQs

How to use "can be sentenced" in a sentence?

"Can be sentenced" is used to indicate the possibility of receiving a legal penalty. For example, "If convicted of fraud, the defendant "can be sentenced" to a lengthy prison term".

What can I say instead of "can be sentenced"?

Alternatives include "could face imprisonment", "might be imprisoned", or "may face penalties" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be sentenced" or "will be sentenced"?

"Can be sentenced" indicates a possibility, while "will be sentenced" implies a certainty. Use "can be sentenced" when the outcome is not yet determined, and "will be sentenced" after a decision has been made.

What's the difference between "can be sentenced" and "could be sentenced"?

"Can be sentenced" generally expresses a potential outcome within the bounds of the law, while "could be sentenced" suggests a more hypothetical or conditional possibility. The choice depends on the degree of certainty.