had been commuted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had been commuted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing a change in a sentence or a legal decision, particularly in relation to a sentence being reduced or altered. Example: "His life sentence had been commuted to twenty years due to good behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Part of the problem is that commutation often makes the criminal eligible for parole; if her sentence had been commuted, Ms Tucker could have been out on parole in 2003, an unpalatable thought to many Texans.

The Economist

Hood's sentence had been commuted.

The New Yorker

Some landlords responded by trying to reassert labour services where they had been commuted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mrs Clooney and her team claim the Maldives government made an official announcement that Mr Nasheed's sentence had been commuted to house arrest.

Independent

His sentence had been commuted to life imprisonment.Empowered peaceCarlos Westendorp, the West's overseer of Bosnia's peace, won more power to impose decisions on the country's leaders.

The Economist

The man on horseback is Thomas Francis Meagher, an Irish nationalist and recent immigrant whose death sentence had been commuted by Queen Victoria and who became a captain in the regiment.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

He had been commuting by bus to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, then walking across town to the United Nations.

The New York Times

Before the break, he had been commuting 190 miles by car and ferry to work.

The New York Times

For the past three months, he had been commuting every two weeks to an assignment in El Segundo.

The New Yorker

She said she had been commuting from New Milford, New Jersey, to Hoboken when the accident happened.

The Guardian

He also shipped a used Toyota Corolla from California to Mr. Luu, who had been commuting by bus.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "had been commuted" when you want to emphasize the formal or legal action of reducing a sentence or obligation, especially when referring to a decision made by an authority.

Common error

Avoid using "had been commuted" interchangeably with terms like "pardoned" or "acquitted". Commutation reduces a sentence; it doesn't erase the conviction like a pardon or finding of innocence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had been commuted" functions as a verb phrase in the passive perfect tense. It indicates that a past action (commutation) was completed before another point in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "had been commuted" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the reduction of a sentence or obligation. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct usage and prevalence in news and media, encyclopedias and wiki sources. While the phrase is neutrally toned and therefore quite versatile, its specific nuance suggests it is most appropriate for formal and legal contexts. Remember that commutation reduces a sentence, but does not erase the conviction. When choosing between similar phrases, consider the precise nuance you want to convey: "had been reduced" emphasizes the decrease in severity while "had been mitigated" highlights the alleviation of harshness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had been reduced

Focuses on the decrease in severity or length of a sentence.

had been lessened

Emphasizes the mitigation of a penalty or obligation.

had been mitigated

Highlights the alleviation of the harshness of a punishment.

had been shortened

Specifically refers to a decrease in the duration of a sentence.

had been revised

Indicates a more general alteration or modification of a sentence.

had been amended

Suggests a formal change or correction to a sentence.

had been converted

Emphasizes the transformation of a sentence into something different (e.g. community service).

had been transformed

Highlights the complete changing of a sentence from one form to another.

had been substituted

Focuses on the replacement of a sentence with an alternative.

had been discharged

Implies that the sentence was removed completely.

FAQs

How is "had been commuted" used in a sentence?

The phrase "had been commuted" indicates that a sentence, typically a prison sentence, has been officially reduced in severity. For example: "His death sentence "had been commuted" to life imprisonment".

What are some alternatives to "had been commuted"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives such as "had been reduced", "had been lessened", or "had been mitigated".

What is the difference between "had been commuted" and "had been pardoned"?

"Had been commuted" means the sentence was reduced, whereas "had been pardoned" implies that the conviction itself was forgiven, releasing the person from all legal consequences. A commutation leaves the conviction in place.

Is it appropriate to use "had been commuted" in informal contexts?

While "had been commuted" is grammatically correct and understandable, it is more commonly used in formal or legal contexts. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "was reduced" may be more suitable.