light sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "light sentence" is not correct and is not usually seen in written English.
If you want to describe a sentence that is not too harsh or extreme, you could use a phrase like "lenient sentence" instead. For example, "The judge gave the defendant a lenient sentence, considering the severity of the crime."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Cycling campaigner Carlton Reid dismissed light sentence.

Independent

It was a relatively light sentence.

The New Yorker

Did he buy himself a light sentence?

The Guardian

I ask for a light sentence," wrote Wang Guiquan.

The New York Times

Dyer pleaded guilty & was given a light sentence.

The New Yorker

Twitter already roiled in outrage at Monsegur's light sentence.

The New Yorker

After Polanski's guilty plea, his chances for a light sentence at first seemed good.

The New Yorker

Soon afterward he was shot to death by Louis, who in turn received a light sentence.

The New Yorker

An acquittal or a light sentence could ignite a new wave of street protests.

The New York Times

His comparatively light sentence was soon suspended, and he was released.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

When they are caught they get off with light sentences.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "light sentence" is widely used, consider using more grammatically sound alternatives such as "lenient sentence" or "mild sentence" to enhance clarity and credibility in formal writing.

Common error

Relying solely on the phrase "light sentence" may detract from the professionalism of your writing. Explore alternatives like "lenient sentence" or "reduced sentence" to convey the intended meaning with greater grammatical precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "light sentence" functions as a noun phrase, where "light" modifies the noun "sentence". Despite its frequent occurrence, Ludwig AI indicates that this specific phrase might not be the most grammatically correct choice. It describes the nature of a sentence imposed by a court.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "light sentence" is commonly used to describe a lenient punishment, Ludwig AI suggests it may not be grammatically ideal. Its frequent appearance in news and media contexts makes it understandable, but more formal writing benefits from alternatives like "lenient sentence" or "mild sentence". These alternatives offer greater grammatical precision without sacrificing clarity. The choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lenient penalty

This refers more directly to the mildness or permissiveness of the punishment.

mild sentence

This emphasizes the lack of severity in the judgment.

reduced sentence

Focuses on the action of lessening the original punishment.

easy sentence

Suggests the sentence is undemanding or not harsh.

soft sentence

Implies a lack of rigor or strictness in the punishment.

favorable sentence

Highlights the positive aspect from the defendant's perspective.

moderate sentence

Indicates the sentence is within reasonable bounds, not extreme.

compassionate sentence

Emphasizes the empathy behind the sentencing decision.

deferred sentence

Implies the sentence is postponed under specific conditions.

suspended sentence

Indicates the sentence is not currently enforced, pending good behavior.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "light sentence"?

You can use alternatives like "lenient sentence", "mild sentence", or "reduced sentence" depending on the context.

Is "light sentence" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, especially in news media, Ludwig AI identifies the phrase "light sentence" as grammatically questionable. Consider more precise alternatives in formal contexts.

How does the meaning change with different alternatives to "light sentence"?

The nuances vary. "Lenient sentence" focuses on permissiveness. "Mild sentence" highlights the lack of severity. "Reduced sentence" emphasizes the act of diminishing the punishment. Choose based on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

In what situations is "light sentence" most acceptable?

The phrase "light sentence" is most acceptable in informal contexts or news reporting where brevity is valued. However, in formal legal documents or academic papers, it's better to opt for more precise and grammatically accepted alternatives like "lenient sentence".