getting conviction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting conviction" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning.
It could be used in contexts related to gaining a sense of belief or certainty about something, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "After much reflection, I found myself getting conviction about my decision to change careers."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He warned that just getting conviction rates up was not enough because stalking is a "characteristic of obsessive behaviour".

BBC

"Investors looked at same-store retail sales trends for the month of June and have a hard time getting conviction there would be an upward earnings revision for the quarter, and that's what's given up the gains seen earlier".

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In four instances they were unnecessary in getting convictions.

The New Yorker

In nearly every case, it was family members who were responsible for getting convictions overturned.

The Guardian

That means investigations may take longer and getting convictions may be more difficult.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tribunals just haven't been very good at getting convictions so far.

The New Yorker

"If people view prosecutors as just the guys in the courthouse, who are concerned only with getting convictions, then you are creating a barrier," he said.

The New Yorker

"A creeping buildup of bad information isn't helpful" in getting convictions, said Peter Henning, a white-collar-crime legal scholar at Wayne State University.

Forbes

"… I am concerned about the criminality of alcohol… it's one thing to go through the courts and get a fine, but as soon as you start getting convictions recorded… the inability to get blue cards, the way Indigenous communities work in placing kids around family to make sure they get the best upbringing they can… like blue cards, you can't get that".

Health & Justice

Crossbencher peer Baroness Butler-Sloss said the bill as it stood "overlooked the position of victims both as victims in need of support, but also as essential to getting convictions".

BBC

"He should see his job as administering justice, not getting convictions.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, consider using more common phrases like "securing a conviction" or "obtaining a conviction" in legal contexts. If aiming for expressing certainty, prefer using something like "achieving certainty" or "gaining confidence".

Common error

Avoid using "getting conviction" when you intend to convey "achieving a verdict". The phrase might be misunderstood as the act of reaching a strong personal belief, especially when not used in a formal legal context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting conviction" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, typically related to the legal process of successfully achieving a guilty verdict in court. Ludwig identifies the phrase, but indicates infrequent usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting conviction" is a phrase that, while grammatically sound, is relatively rare in modern English. As Ludwig AI points out, its primary use revolves around describing the process of successfully achieving a guilty verdict in a legal setting. However, it can also be used to depict the act of developing a strong personal belief, although this usage is less common and potentially ambiguous. When writing, consider the context and audience, and opt for clearer, more common alternatives like "securing a conviction" or "achieving certainty" to avoid potential misunderstandings. Always prioritize precision and clarity in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

securing a conviction

Focuses on the act of successfully obtaining a guilty verdict through legal means, emphasizing the legal process.

obtaining a conviction

Similar to 'securing a conviction', but with a slightly broader connotation, encompassing various methods of achieving a guilty verdict.

achieving certainty

Shifts the focus from legal outcomes to the attainment of a firm belief or understanding.

gaining confidence

Emphasizes the process of developing assurance or a strong belief in something.

finding assurance

Highlights the act of discovering or receiving confirmation that reduces doubt.

developing a belief

Focuses on the gradual formation of a conviction or strong opinion.

strengthening belief

Emphasizes reinforcing an existing belief or conviction to make it more resilient.

cultivating certainty

Suggests actively nurturing a sense of sureness or conviction over time.

fostering conviction

Highlights creating an environment or conditions that promote strong beliefs.

building confidence

Focuses on gradually increasing one's self-assurance or belief in one's abilities or ideas.

FAQs

What does "getting conviction" mean in a legal context?

In a legal context, "getting conviction" generally refers to the process or act of securing or "obtaining a conviction" against someone in a court of law. It means successfully proving someone's guilt and receiving a guilty verdict.

Is "getting conviction" grammatically correct?

Yes, "getting conviction" is grammatically correct, although it's not a particularly common or idiomatic phrase. More common alternatives such as "securing a conviction" or "obtaining a conviction" might be preferred for clarity.

When can I use "getting conviction" outside of legal contexts?

While less common, "getting conviction" can be used metaphorically to describe the process of someone developing a strong belief or certainty about something. However, be aware that this usage may not be immediately clear, and "achieving certainty" or "gaining confidence" might be clearer alternatives.

What are some alternative phrases for "getting conviction" in general?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "securing a conviction" (legal context), "obtaining a conviction" (legal context), "achieving certainty" (developing belief), or "gaining confidence" (developing belief). The best alternative will depend on the specific meaning you want to convey.