has been prosecuted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been prosecuted" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe that someone has been formally charged with a crime and is being taken to trial or legal action. Example: The suspect has been prosecuted for embezzlement and could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One tax evader has been prosecuted, which has led Labour to question why the prosecution rate has been so low.

BBC

Only one has been prosecuted.

Independent

Nobody has been prosecuted.

The Guardian

Only one person has been prosecuted.

The Economist

No one there has been prosecuted.

The New York Times

No management team has been prosecuted.

Independent

To date, no one has been prosecuted.

Independent

But nobody has been prosecuted or compensated.

The Economist

No one has been prosecuted.

The New York Times

Neither man has been prosecuted.

The Guardian

To date, only one has been prosecuted.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been prosecuted", ensure the context clearly identifies the entity doing the prosecuting (e.g. "He has been prosecuted by the state" is clearer than "He has been prosecuted").

Common error

Avoid using "has been prosecuting" when you mean to say someone is actively bringing charges; instead, use "is prosecuting" for the active voice or "has been prosecuted" for the passive voice when the action is completed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been prosecuted" functions as a passive perfect construction, indicating that someone has undergone the process of being formally charged and tried for a crime. Ludwig AI confirms this is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been prosecuted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily in the context of news and media. As verified by Ludwig AI, it denotes that someone has undergone legal proceedings. While alternatives such as "was charged" or "was indicted" exist, the phrase clearly communicates that a legal process has occurred. To ensure clarity, specify who initiated the prosecution. By paying attention to voice and tense, you can accurately describe the legal status of individuals or entities. In conclusion, the phrase is a valuable tool for clear and concise legal reporting and discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was subject to prosecution

Emphasizes the potential or ongoing state of being prosecuted.

was charged

Refers to the formal accusation by the authorities.

was tried in court

Highlights the process of undergoing a trial to determine guilt or innocence.

was brought to trial

Emphasizes the stage where evidence is presented in court.

was indicted

Focuses specifically on the formal accusation by a grand jury.

was arraigned

Denotes the initial court appearance where charges are formally read.

faced legal action

Indicates the broader process of being involved in a lawsuit or legal proceeding.

was defended against claims

Emphasizes the act of responding to legal accusations or charges.

was sued

Specific to civil cases where one party seeks damages from another.

was litigated against

Highlights the action of pursuing a case in court.

FAQs

What's the difference between "has been charged" and "has been prosecuted"?

"Has been charged" indicates a formal accusation has been made, while "has been prosecuted" means legal proceedings have commenced to prove the charges in court.

How to use "has been prosecuted" in a sentence?

Use "has been prosecuted" to describe someone who has faced legal proceedings. Example: "The company has been prosecuted for environmental violations."

What can I say instead of "has been prosecuted"?

Alternatives include "was indicted", "faced legal action", or "was brought to trial", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "will be prosecuted" instead of "has been prosecuted"?

Yes, "will be prosecuted" indicates a future action, meaning someone is expected to face legal proceedings in the future, whereas "has been prosecuted" refers to past or ongoing legal proceedings.