of high treason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of high treason" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or historical contexts to refer to the crime of betraying one's country, especially by attempting to kill the sovereign or overthrow the government. Example: "The defendant was charged with high treason for conspiring against the state."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For his part in instigating this violence, Gordon was arrested on a charge of high treason but was acquitted on the ground that he had no treasonable intentions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Accused of high treason, Kornilov mutinied.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He accused the academics of "high treason".

The Guardian

79 (1678), five defendants were accused of high treason.

Cornell University

Mr. Corvalán was later convicted of high treason.

The New York Times

The authorities issued an arrest warrant for Mr. Bemba, accusing him of "high treason".

The New York Times

A military tribunal convicted Grigory Pasko, a navy captain and military journalist, of high treason.

The New York Times

However if I'm prosecuted and convicted of high treason, it would be interesting.

The Guardian

Another petition filed early last week seeks to hold Mr. Musharraf guilty of high treason.

The New York Times

Some of their leaders and other activists will be accused of high treason.

The New York Times

The Czech Senate voted on Monday to accuse the outgoing president, Vaclav Klaus, of high treason.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical or legal matters, use "of high treason" to precisely denote the crime of betraying one's country, particularly in attempts to overthrow the government or harm the sovereign.

Common error

Avoid using "of high treason" loosely for any act of disloyalty. This phrase specifically refers to the crime of betraying one's country and should not be interchanged with terms like "sedition" or "espionage", which have distinct legal meanings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of high treason" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, typically a charge, accusation, or conviction. It specifies the type of treason, emphasizing its severity and significance in relation to the state. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of high treason" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term, primarily found in news, encyclopedias and wiki sources. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It specifies a grave crime against the state, and is typically used in legal or historical contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the crime of betraying one's country and avoid using it loosely for other forms of disloyalty. Alternatives like "treasonous conduct" or "betrayal of one's country" might be suitable in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

betrayal of one's country

Directly addresses the act of betraying the nation, suitable for emphasizing the violation of trust.

treachery against the state

Emphasizes the deceitful and disloyal nature of the actions.

treasonous conduct

Focuses on the action rather than the specific charge, implying behavior that constitutes treason.

act of betrayal

Highlights the betrayal aspect, suitable for contexts where the emotional or moral dimension is emphasized.

crime of sedition

Refers to actions inciting rebellion but may not reach the level of "high treason".

subversion of the state

Emphasizes the undermining of governmental authority, applicable when the focus is on political destabilization.

disloyalty to the nation

Broader term encompassing various forms of unfaithfulness to one's country.

violation of allegiance

Highlights the breaking of a sworn oath or duty to the state.

undermining national security

Focuses on the impact of the actions on the country's safety and defense.

sedition against the government

Specific type of rebellion against the established authority.

FAQs

How is "of high treason" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "of high treason" is often used to describe the charge or conviction of someone who has betrayed their country. For example, "He was accused "of high treason" for conspiring against the government."

What's a simpler way to say "of high treason"?

While "of high treason" is a specific legal term, you could use phrases like "treasonous acts" or "act of treason" for a less formal approach.

What distinguishes "of high treason" from simple "treason"?

"High treason" historically distinguished the betrayal of the sovereign or state from lesser acts of treachery, termed "petty treason". Today, the distinction is less emphasized, but ""of high treason"" generally implies a severe betrayal against the state.

Is there a difference between "sedition" and "of high treason"?

Yes, "sedition" refers to inciting rebellion or discontent against the government, while ""of high treason"" involves direct betrayal of the state, such as plotting to overthrow the government or aiding its enemies.