death penalties

USAGE SUMMARY

"death penalties" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to the punishment of death imposed by a court as a consequence for committing a serious crime. Example: Many people believe that the use of death penalties is inhumane and should be abolished.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Death penalties were issued.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mutilation and death penalties rarely were invoked.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nine of the sentences were death penalties.

The New York Times

Juries are returning fewer death penalties these days.

The New York Times

In games of the 1990's, death penalties were generally harsher, he said.

The New York Times - Tech

About half of all death penalties in the last 10 years have been commuted.

The Guardian

To quell disorder it has been alleged that they literally decimated battalions, while Haig commuted nearly 2,000 death penalties.

Independent

The current Justice Department has obtained about two death penalties a year, slightly fewer than earlier administrations.

The New York Times

Nationwide, federal prosecutors win death penalties about one-third of the time, according to the group's statistics.

The New York Times

And in further echoes of the Delhi bus rape, supporters are calling for harsh death penalties for the perpetrators.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The same three countries also handed down more two-thirds of all of the death penalties in the region.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "death penalties", consider the specific legal and ethical implications. Use precise language to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity in your arguments.

Common error

Be careful to use the correct form depending on the context. "Death penalty" is singular and refers to the concept in general, while "death penalties" is plural and refers to multiple instances or applications of the death penalty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "death penalties" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to multiple instances of the death penalty being imposed as a legal punishment, which is supported by examples available on Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "death penalties" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase referring to multiple instances of capital punishment. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English. Predominantly found in neutral contexts within news and media, it is also present in encyclopedic and wiki resources. When discussing this phrase, be sure to use it correctly to refer to multiple instances of the death penalty. Common alternatives include "capital punishment" and "execution". Understanding the subtle differences in meaning will allow for clearer and more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capital punishment

Formal term referring to the legally authorized killing of someone as punishment for a crime.

execution

Refers to the act of carrying out a death sentence.

capital sentence

A sentence of death.

lethal punishment

A punishment that results in death.

state-sanctioned killing

Highlights the role of the state in authorizing the killing.

judicial execution

Emphasizes the legal and judicial process involved.

extreme penalty

General term for the most severe punishment.

ultimate sanction

Refers to the finality of the death penalty as a form of punishment.

sentences of death

Focuses on the legal pronouncement of the death penalty.

death row

Refers to the section of a prison where inmates awaiting execution are held.

FAQs

What is the difference between "death penalty" and "death penalties"?

"Death penalty" is the singular form, referring to the concept or system of capital punishment in general. "Death penalties" is the plural form, referring to multiple instances or applications of the death penalty.

What are some synonyms for "death penalties"?

Synonyms for "death penalties" include "capital punishment", "execution", and "capital sentence". The best choice depends on the specific context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the term "death penalties"?

The term "death penalties" is appropriate when discussing multiple instances of the death penalty being applied, such as in statistics (e.g., "the number of death penalties issued") or when comparing different legal systems' use of the death penalty.

Is the phrase "death penalties" grammatically correct?

Yes, "death penalties" is grammatically correct when used as the plural form of "death penalty". Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.