may face prosecution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may face prosecution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts to indicate that someone could be charged with a crime or legal offense. Example: "If the evidence is sufficient, the suspect may face prosecution for their actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

One of the most shocking dimensions of this latest scandal is that no one may face prosecution.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ten other troopers may face prosecution for filing false documents about the race of people they stopped, Mr. Dunbar said.

The New York Times

Those who formed long-term sexual relations with women may face prosecution for misconduct in public office.

The Guardian

Not just reporters and media owners, but anyone expressing himself in the media (or failing to report news the authorities consider essential) may face prosecution.

The Economist

Many in Britain's intelligence community, said one person with detailed knowledge of internal discussions, are now distinctly worried they may face prosecution.

The New York Times

British soldiers who have served in Iraq may face prosecution for crimes including murder, the head of the unit established by the Ministry of Defence to investigate allegations of torture and unlawful killing in the war-torn country has said.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But local officers said that while they may not face prosecution, they often do face internal bureaucratic wrath whenever someone is shot.

The Washington Post

Now amateurs can post anything they want online (though they may eventually face prosecution) and editors are subject to the tyranny of the click: the more the stories they publish are clicked on by readers, the longer they are likely to survive in their jobs.

The Economist

The downfall of Jonathan Aitken, the former Conservative MP for Thanet South, following the collapse last week of his action against the Guardian and Granada TV, is a reminder that libel has other catalysts, not least hubris.Mr Aitken, who may now face prosecution on criminal charges for perjury and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, has long had a reputation as a chancer.

The Economist

A hotel receptionist granted immunity for his part in the honeymoon murder of Anni Dewani may still face prosecution, a judge in South Africa has ruled.

BBC

Traverso told Mbolombo, who may still face prosecution, that neither call could be found on phone records agreed upon by the State and defence.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may face prosecution", ensure the context clearly establishes the potential legal transgression and the evidence or circumstances that suggest prosecution is a possibility.

Common error

Avoid using "may face prosecution" when there is no credible basis for assuming legal action. Use softer language like "may be investigated" if the situation is less certain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may face prosecution" functions as a verb phrase indicating a potential future action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, suggesting its role in describing possible legal outcomes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may face prosecution" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the possibility of someone being charged with a crime. Ludwig AI indicates that it's frequently found in news and media contexts, signaling potential legal consequences. While it is not the most common phrase, its usage is accurate and conveys a clear meaning. For situations requiring alternative phrasing, options like "could be prosecuted" or "might face legal action" can be used depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be prosecuted

Indicates a possibility of prosecution, similar to "may face prosecution" but uses 'could' to express the potential.

might be prosecuted

Uses 'might' to suggest a slightly lower probability of prosecution compared to "may".

potentially face charges

Emphasizes the possibility of formal charges being filed.

could be subject to prosecution

More formal and emphasizes the legal process to which someone might be subjected.

are at risk of being prosecuted

Focuses on the vulnerable position of potentially being prosecuted.

risk prosecution

Highlights the risk or danger of being prosecuted.

are liable to be prosecuted

Formal expression indicating legal responsibility and the potential for prosecution.

might face legal action

Broader term encompassing various forms of legal action, not necessarily criminal prosecution.

are subject to criminal charges

Specifically mentions criminal charges, making it suitable for contexts involving potential criminal offenses.

could be held liable

Focuses on potential legal responsibility for damages or wrongdoing.

FAQs

What does "may face prosecution" mean?

The phrase "may face prosecution" indicates that it is possible someone could be charged with a crime and brought to trial, but it's not a certainty.

What's a synonym for "may face prosecution"?

Alternatives include "could be prosecuted", "might face legal action", or "risk prosecution".

Is it correct to say "will face prosecution" instead of "may face prosecution"?

Saying "will face prosecution" implies a higher degree of certainty than "may face prosecution". "Will" suggests prosecution is definite, while "may" suggests it's a possibility.

When is it appropriate to use "may face prosecution" in writing?

Use "may face prosecution" when discussing potential legal consequences where there's a reasonable possibility of charges being filed, but the outcome is not yet determined.