long prison term

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long prison term" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the duration of a sentence given to someone convicted of a crime, typically indicating that the sentence is for an extended period. Example: "After being found guilty of fraud, the defendant was sentenced to a long prison term of fifteen years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Seemingly doomed to death, Kamo then had the good luck along with other prisoners to have his sentence commuted to a long prison term as part of the celebrations of the Romanov dynasty tricentennial in 1913.

Wikipedia

A long prison term still awaits, however.

The New Yorker

A long prison term could be devastating for his family.

The New York Times

Anyone convicted of a violation could be sentenced to a long prison term.

The New York Times

But numerous studies have failed to establish that execution deters better than a long prison term.

The Economist

"To imprison someone for a long prison term, it is only sufficient to have his confession.

The New York Times

He had faced a long prison term and banishment from cycling before he was cleared.

The New York Times - Sports

If indicted and convicted, Mr. Hu could be sentenced to a long prison term.

The New York Times

She was resentenced to death with a two-year reprieve, which usually is commuted to a long prison term.

The New York Times

Many of these face a preliminary charge of "attacks against the public peace", which carries a long prison term.

The Guardian

He was threatened with a long prison term, which he avoided, in part, by becoming a paid informant.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "long prison term", consider the specific context to determine if a more precise duration or alternative phrasing would be more appropriate. For instance, specify the number of years if known, or use a term like "life sentence" if applicable.

Common error

Avoid using "long prison term" casually. Ensure that the context warrants the description of a significantly lengthy period of incarceration. Overusing the term can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long prison term" functions as a noun phrase that describes the duration of imprisonment. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe sentences for various crimes. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long prison term" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe an extended period of incarceration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic discussions. While generally neutral in register, consider the specific context and audience when choosing this phrase. Alternatives like "lengthy sentence of imprisonment" may be more appropriate in formal settings, while others like "extended period behind bars" can offer a more informal tone. Ensure accurate usage to avoid diminishing the severity it implies. Remember that while 'jail' and 'prison' are often confused the sentence implies a formal process so should be preferred use of the word "term" instead of "sentence".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial incarceration period

Substitutes "long" with "substantial" and uses a formal term for imprisonment.

lengthy custodial sentence

Uses the term "custodial sentence" which is often used in legal contexts.

lengthy sentence of imprisonment

Replaces "prison term" with a more formal synonym, slightly altering the tone.

protracted confinement in jail

Employs a more descriptive and formal vocabulary.

many years of imprisonment

Directly quantifies the length of the sentence, emphasizing the duration.

extended period behind bars

Uses a more informal and metaphorical expression to convey the same meaning.

significant time in custody

Replaces "prison term" with a broader term, focusing on the state of being in custody.

considerable stretch in prison

Uses a more colloquial term ("stretch") to refer to the duration of imprisonment.

a very long stretch

Informal way of describing a considerable duration in prison.

a life sentence

Suggests a very long prison term, specifically one lasting the remainder of the person's life.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "long prison term"?

For a more formal alternative, consider using "lengthy sentence of imprisonment" or "substantial incarceration period", which offer a more refined tone.

Can I use "long jail term" instead of "long prison term"?

While "jail" and "prison" are often used interchangeably, "prison" typically refers to a longer sentence after conviction, whereas "jail" might refer to pre-trial detention or shorter sentences. Therefore, "long prison term" is generally more appropriate for post-conviction sentences.

What implications does a "long prison term" have?

A "long prison term" suggests a severe crime and can have significant impacts on the individual's life, including loss of freedom, social stigma, and difficulty reintegrating into society after release.

Which crimes typically result in a "long prison term"?

Crimes such as murder, aggravated assault, large-scale fraud, and drug trafficking often result in a "long prison term", depending on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances of the case.