needs to be prosecuted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs to be prosecuted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the necessity of legal action against someone for a crime or wrongdoing. Example: "The evidence against the suspect is overwhelming, and it clearly needs to be prosecuted to ensure justice is served."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Prosecutors in this case have decided she needs to be prosecuted in the magistrates court.

Independent

If someone has a pattern of breaking the law, he needs to be prosecuted.

The New York Times

"If you walked up to someone and they were holding a gun and someone was dead on the ground, it doesn't mean that they've committed a murder that needs to be prosecuted.

The Washington Post

But he needs to be prosecuted for the constitutionally unprotected material, not anything that's constitutionally protected".

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

You need to be prosecuted".

The Guardian

But there is another reason corporate executives need to be prosecuted when corporate crimes take place.

The New York Times

"But when a case needed to be prosecuted for the county, I had to leave the private practice work behind".

The New York Times

Jurors who conduct online research on cases they are trying may need to be prosecuted under a new criminal offence, the Law Commission proposes in a consultation.

The Guardian

"You don't need no cultural orientation to stop choking a man saying 'I can't breathe.' You need to be prosecuted".

The Guardian

The results "shall be sent to all security branches, so that they can be used in the identification of new targets that need to be prosecuted".

The New Yorker

Starmer said: "There's a lot of stuff out there that is highly offensive that is put out on a spontaneous basis that is quite often taken down pretty quickly and the view is that those sort of remarks don't necessarily need to be prosecuted".

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "needs to be prosecuted" when emphasizing that legal action is essential for justice, accountability, or public safety. Consider the specific context to determine if a stronger or weaker alternative phrase is more appropriate.

Common error

While "needs to be prosecuted" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or unclear. Consider rephrasing to emphasize the actor, for example, "the authorities need to prosecute" to create a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be prosecuted" functions as a predicate in a sentence, expressing the necessity of legal action. It's a passive construction indicating that someone or something is the recipient of the action of prosecuting. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "needs to be prosecuted" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that expresses the necessity of legal action. As stated by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, though most frequently used in news and media. While the phrase is generally acceptable, being mindful of overusing the passive voice in writing is crucial. Consider alternatives like "should be prosecuted" or "must be prosecuted" to adjust the emphasis and tone. Remember that the best choice depends on the specific nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be prosecuted

Suggests a recommendation or advisability of prosecution, rather than a strict necessity.

ought to be prosecuted

Implies a moral obligation or duty for prosecution.

must be prosecuted

Conveys a stronger sense of obligation and requirement than the original phrase.

warrants prosecution

Focuses on the action justifying legal proceedings.

deserves to be prosecuted

Emphasizes the idea that someone's actions merit legal consequences.

is liable to be prosecuted

Indicates a legal risk or possibility of prosecution.

is subject to prosecution

Highlights that prosecution is a potential outcome under the law.

faces prosecution

Focuses on the person and their current situation regarding possible legal action.

requires legal action

Replaces the explicit mention of "prosecution" with a more general term.

demands legal accountability

Shifts the focus from the act of prosecuting to the broader concept of being held responsible under law.

FAQs

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

The phrase "needs to be prosecuted" is appropriate when emphasizing the necessity of legal action against an individual or entity due to suspected criminal activity or severe wrongdoing. It indicates that prosecution is not just an option, but a required step towards justice and accountability.

What are some alternatives to saying "needs to be prosecuted"?

Alternatives include "should be prosecuted", "must be prosecuted", "warrants prosecution", or "deserves to be prosecuted". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "needs to be prosecuted" the same as "should be prosecuted"?

While both phrases suggest legal action, "needs to be prosecuted" implies a greater sense of necessity or urgency than "should be prosecuted". "Needs" suggests it's essential, whereas "should" indicates a recommendation.

Can "needs to be prosecuted" be used in formal and informal contexts?

The phrase "needs to be prosecuted" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in news reports, legal discussions, and other professional settings. In very casual settings, simpler language might be preferred.