constitutional rights

USAGE SUMMARY

"constitutional rights" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to the rights specified by a government's constitution or other laws, such as the right to vote or free speech. For example, "The citizens of this country are protected by their constitutional rights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Constitutional rights".

The New York Times

The Constitutional rights.

The New York Times - Books

"Here, they have constitutional rights".

The New York Times

Constitutional rights are not cost-free.

The New York Times - Books

The man objected, citing his constitutional rights.

The Economist

Prisoners often misunderstand their constitutional rights.

The New York Times

I'm protecting individual constitutional rights".

The New York Times

"He will suspend constitutional rights.

The Guardian - Film

I'm all right with defending constitutional rights.

The New York Times

All constitutional rights have been suspended.

The Guardian

I am pursuing my constitutional rights".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "constitutional rights" in contexts where the rights are explicitly protected by a constitution or fundamental law.

Common error

Avoid using "constitutional rights" to describe rights that are not explicitly protected by a constitution. Instead, use terms like "human rights" or "legal rights" for broader contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constitutional rights" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the specific rights and protections guaranteed by a country's constitution, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "constitutional rights" is a very common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to the specific rights guaranteed by a nation's constitution. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts, primarily in news, academic, and legal settings. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific about the particular rights being discussed and to ensure that the context aligns with rights explicitly protected by a constitution. While the phrase can be used in general discussions about citizens' rights, its formal and neutral register makes it most appropriate for serious and informed discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rights under the Constitution

Specifies the source of these rights, linking them directly to the Constitution.

fundamental rights

Emphasizes the basic and essential nature of the rights.

basic rights

Highlights the fundamental and non-negotiable aspect of the rights.

individual liberties

Highlights the freedom of individuals within the legal framework.

civil liberties

Focuses on individual freedoms protected by law.

protected rights

Emphasizes the safeguarding of these rights.

inalienable rights

Stresses that these rights cannot be taken away.

guaranteed freedoms

Highlights the assurance and protection provided by law.

human rights

Broadens the scope to universal rights applicable to all individuals.

legal entitlements

Focuses on the legal aspect of possessing these rights.

FAQs

How do I use "constitutional rights" in a sentence?

You can use "constitutional rights" to refer to the specific rights granted and protected by a country's constitution. For example, "The defendant argued that his "constitutional rights" were violated during the arrest."

What are some other ways to say "constitutional rights"?

Alternatives include phrases like "civil liberties", "fundamental rights", or "rights under the Constitution" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "constitutional rights" and "human rights"?

"Constitutional rights" are specific to a particular country's constitution, while "human rights" are universal rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of nationality or location.

Are "constitutional rights" absolute, or can they be limited?

While "constitutional rights" are fundamental, they are not always absolute and can be subject to certain limitations, such as restrictions on free speech to prevent incitement to violence.