fear of prosecution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fear of prosecution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concerns about being legally charged or punished for a crime or wrongdoing. Example: "Many individuals may choose to remain silent during an investigation due to their fear of prosecution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One technique that C.I.A. officers could use under certain circumstances without fear of prosecution was strapping a subject down and making him experience a feeling of drowning.

The New York Times

Fear of prosecution leads to self-censorship by journalists.

The Economist

His "commutation will encourage other whistle-blowers to come forward without fear of prosecution.

The New York Times

But unlike Kevorkian, Minelli has been free to help kill the suicidal without fear of prosecution.

The New York Times

By removing the fear of prosecution, does the government actually encourage addicts to seek treatment?

The New Yorker

Intra will let them access this banned information without fear of prosecution.

MIT Technology Review

We have seen mercenaries gun down Iraqi civilians with no fear of prosecution.

The New York Times

The bill would let women leave newborns anonymously and without fear of prosecution.

The New York Times

The law allows anyone to leave a child at a hospital without fear of prosecution.

The New York Times

"The fear of prosecution and reprisal prevents whistleblowers from speaking out".

The Guardian

However, in the UK, a legal loophole allows garages to remove the devices without fear of prosecution.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal reforms or protections, use "fear of prosecution" to emphasize how changes in the law can encourage individuals to act without legal intimidation.

Common error

Avoid using "fear of prosecution" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler terms like "fear of getting caught" or "concern about consequences" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fear of prosecution" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a preposition (e.g., "without fear of prosecution") or as a subject complement. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fear of prosecution" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the apprehension related to potential legal charges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for formal contexts like news reporting, legal discussions, and academic analyses. While the phrase is most prevalent in "News & Media", it also appears in scientific and business contexts. Alternatives such as "apprehension of legal action" or "concern about being charged" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different emphasis. It's important to avoid overuse in casual conversation, where simpler language might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apprehension of legal action

Replaces "fear" with "apprehension" and "prosecution" with "legal action", focusing on the formal concern.

concern about being charged

Replaces "fear" with "concern" and specifies "being charged" instead of the broader "prosecution".

dread of legal repercussions

Uses stronger words like "dread" and "repercussions" to emphasize the severity of the potential legal consequences.

risk of indictment

Focuses specifically on the "risk" of being formally accused of a crime.

threat of legal proceedings

Highlights the "threat" aspect and uses the more formal term "legal proceedings".

possibility of being sued

Specifies a civil legal action ("being sued") rather than criminal prosecution.

liability concerns

Focuses on the potential "liability" or legal responsibility for actions.

legal jeopardy

Uses a more concise term to express the situation of being at risk legally.

potential for legal action

Emphasizes the "potential" or possibility that legal steps might be taken.

exposure to litigation

Highlights the "exposure" or vulnerability to being involved in lawsuits or legal disputes.

FAQs

How can I use "fear of prosecution" in a sentence?

You can use "fear of prosecution" to describe situations where someone is deterred from taking action due to the possibility of being legally charged. For example, "Whistleblowers often remain silent due to their "fear of prosecution"".

What are some alternatives to "fear of prosecution"?

Alternatives include "apprehension of legal action", "concern about being charged", or "risk of indictment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "without fear of prosecution"?

Yes, "without fear of prosecution" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that someone can act freely without the threat of legal charges. For example, "The law allows individuals to report illegal activities without "fear of prosecution"".

What's the difference between "fear of prosecution" and "fear of persecution"?

"Fear of prosecution" refers specifically to the anxiety or apprehension related to potential legal charges or a trial. "Fear of persecution", on the other hand, involves a broader concern about being harassed, oppressed, or treated unfairly, often due to one's beliefs or identity.