face a trial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'face a trial' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a court trial in which a person is being judged for a crime or alleged misconduct they have committed. For example: The witness was nervous but determined as he faced a trial for his part in the conspiracy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They face a trial next summer.

The New York Times

I would have him face a trial".

The New York Times

He could face a trial in his absence.

The Guardian

The group has said the men will face a trial in a Shariah court.

The New York Times

He may anyway face a trial of his own, for money-laundering.

The Economist

A district judge granted him conditional bail and he will face a trial next month.

The Guardian

Linc will face a trial in Dalby district court on a date to be set.

The Guardian

Resisters face a trial and the forfeiture of all property to the government.

The New York Times

A Nine spokesperson, however, said they believed their crew would still face a trial.

The Guardian

"I did not want to go through that process again and face a trial".

The New York Times

Skase's refusal to face a trial only deepened Australians' antipathy towards him.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "face a trial", ensure that the context clearly indicates the legal proceedings and the specific charges or allegations involved. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions with "face a trial". The correct form is "face a trial", not "face to a trial" or "face with a trial". Using the wrong preposition can alter the intended meaning and make the sentence grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face a trial" functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone is in the position of being subjected to a judicial trial. Ludwig AI confirms its usage is common across various sources, as demonstrated in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "face a trial" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression in English, predominantly found in news and media contexts. It signifies that an individual or entity is undergoing legal proceedings. Ludwig AI affirms its common usage, supported by numerous examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Alternatives such as "stand trial" or "undergo trial" can be used interchangeably depending on the specific nuance desired. When using the phrase, ensure clarity in conveying the legal context to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stand trial

Focuses on the act of participating in a trial as the defendant.

undergo trial

Emphasizes the experience of going through a trial process.

be brought to trial

Highlights the action of being made to face legal charges.

answer charges in court

More explicitly details the setting and purpose of the trial.

litigate a case

Emphasizes the legal action taken to resolve a dispute in court.

defend oneself in court

Focuses on the defendant's action during a trial.

contest allegations in court

Highlights the act of disputing accusations in a legal setting.

be subject to legal proceedings

More generally describes being involved in any form of legal process.

go through litigation

Focuses on the experience of participating in the legal process of litigation.

be prosecuted

Stresses the action of being formally charged and tried for a crime.

FAQs

What does it mean to "face a trial"?

To "face a trial" means to be subjected to legal proceedings in a court of law, where one must defend against accusations or charges.

What are some synonyms for "face a trial"?

Alternatives include "stand trial", "undergo trial", or "be brought to trial".

How is "face a trial" used in a sentence?

Example: "The defendant will "face a trial" next month on fraud charges."

Is it correct to say "face to a trial" instead of "face a trial"?

No, the correct phrasing is ""face a trial"". Using "face to a trial" is grammatically incorrect.