it can be prosecuted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can be prosecuted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in legal contexts to indicate that an action or behavior is subject to legal action or charges. Example: "The defendant's actions were so severe that it can be prosecuted under the law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

If a Web site lies about its information practices, it can be prosecuted for deceptive sales practices by the Federal Trade Commission, but buyers and sellers are basically free to make their own choices online.

Forbes

The decision established three principles: that a company need not have any evil intention to be guilty; that it is responsible for the actions of its employees; and that it can be prosecuted as if it were a person.

The Economist

We will do everything possible to bring this to some kind of position where it can be prosecuted".

The New York Times

While pornography by itself is not illegal, it can be prosecuted as obscenity if it fits the definition laid out by the Supreme Court more than 30 years ago.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"If I name shops then I can be prosecuted.

The Guardian

So they carry high legal risks, too, as few teenagers appreciate that merely giving a friend an Adderall or Vyvanse pill is the same as selling it and can be prosecuted as a felony.

The New York Times

There are legal repercussions for distributing the drugs, as just giving a friend an Adderall or Vyvanese capsule is the same as selling it, and can be prosecuted as a felony.

Huffington Post

There has been a precedent here: in 2009 the FTC said that positive reviews posted without full disclosure of compensation (if it's there) can be prosecuted as a case of false or deceptive advertising.

TechCrunch

Witwer doesn't agree that a crime can be prosecuted before it happens, saying, "It's not the future if you stop it".

The New York Times

"In any international agreement it is very important that such crimes can be prosecuted even if it happens many years to the future".

The Guardian

"The victims I represent find it inconceivable that no one can be prosecuted," said Dux. "These people were complacent and nothing can be done about it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it can be prosecuted" when you want to clearly state that an action or entity is subject to legal prosecution under specific laws or regulations. For example: "If a website lies about its information practices, "it can be prosecuted" for deceptive sales practices."

Common error

Avoid assuming that all illegal or unethical actions automatically mean "it can be prosecuted". Prosecution depends on jurisdiction, evidence, and prosecutorial discretion. Ensure the context clearly indicates the possibility and legal basis for prosecution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be prosecuted" functions as a statement of possibility regarding legal action. According to Ludwig, this phrase indicates that something is liable to be taken to court and face legal charges. The examples provided by Ludwig confirm its usage in legal and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it can be prosecuted" is a statement indicating that an action or entity is liable to legal charges. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness in legal contexts. Though infrequent, its usage is clear and direct when emphasizing potential legal consequences. The primary sources, mainly from News & Media, suggest a neutral to professional register. When writing, ensure clarity regarding the legal basis and jurisdiction for prosecution to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is subject to prosecution

Emphasizes the state of being liable to legal action.

it is liable to be sued

Focuses on the potential for a lawsuit.

it is open to legal action

Highlights the possibility of legal proceedings.

it may face legal charges

Specifies the potential for formal accusations.

it could be brought to justice

Emphasizes the aspect of judicial accountability.

it is actionable in court

Highlights the characteristic of being suitable to bring an action in a court of law.

prosecution is a possibility

Indicates prosecution as one of the potential future events.

charges can be filed

Focuses on the act of formally presenting accusations.

legal proceedings may ensue

Emphasizes the potential start of legal processes.

it can face legal consequences

Highlights potential repercussions under the law.

FAQs

What does "it can be prosecuted" mean?

The phrase "it can be prosecuted" means that a particular action, behavior, or entity is subject to legal charges and can be taken to court for legal proceedings.

What are some alternatives to "it can be prosecuted"?

Alternatives include "it is subject to prosecution", "it is liable to be sued", or "it is open to legal action", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it can be prosecuted"?

Use "it can be prosecuted" when discussing legal matters or situations where specific actions may lead to formal legal charges. This phrase highlights the potential for legal accountability.

What factors determine whether something "it can be prosecuted"?

Whether something "it can be prosecuted" depends on various factors, including the existence of a relevant law, sufficient evidence, the jurisdiction in which the action occurred, and the discretion of legal authorities.