on three counts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on three counts" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that someone is being charged or accused of multiple offenses. Example: The defendant was found guilty on three counts of embezzlement and sentenced to 10 years in prison for each count.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But these entirely ad hoc attempts to pick holes in one or another analysis fail on three counts.

The Guardian - Opinion

A grand jury indicted Ligue on Oct. 11 on three counts of aggravated battery and one count of mob action.

The New York Times - Sports

His most recent trial ended on July 16 with a conviction on one perjury charge and a jury deadlock on three counts, including two civil rights charges.

The New York Times

The case resulted in Newland, now 27, being sent to prison for six years and six months, on three counts of sexual assault and one of fraud.

Vice

But this June, after a short re-trial, Newland was found guilty again, on three counts of sexual assault and one count of fraud.

Vice

That fails on three counts.

Independent

That would be wrong on three counts.

The Economist

Britain appeared vulnerable on three counts.

The Economist

The Democrats are wrong on three counts.

The New York Times

He was cleared on three counts of rape.

The Guardian

But Bush's behaviour was different on three counts.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on three counts", ensure each count is clearly defined and distinct to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. List these counts in a logical order.

Common error

Avoid using "on three counts" when simply providing general reasons without distinct, enumerated points. The phrase is most effective when referring to specific, identifiable charges or reasons.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on three counts" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the number of reasons, charges, or points under consideration. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correctly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on three counts" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, particularly in formal contexts such as legal proceedings, news reporting, and academic analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. The phrase serves to enumerate specific reasons or charges, providing structure and clarity. While versatile, it's most effective when the counts are distinct and well-defined. Alternatives like "for three reasons" or "in three respects" can be used in less formal settings, but lack the specific implication of charges or allegations. As Ludwig demonstrates, the phrase is found most frequently in news and media, followed by academic sources, reflecting its prevalence in formal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on three charges

Similar to the original phrase, but uses "charges" instead of "counts".

on three grounds

Highlights reasons or justifications, often in a formal setting.

for three reasons

Directly states the existence of three justifications.

based on three points

Indicates a foundation of three arguments.

in three respects

Emphasizes aspects or details in which something is considered.

under three indictments

Specifically refers to formal legal charges.

in three instances

Highlights the occurrence of something in multiple situations.

in three particulars

Focuses on specific details of consideration.

from three perspectives

Stresses different viewpoints or angles.

in three areas

Refers to specific domains or categories.

FAQs

How can I use "on three counts" in a sentence?

You can use "on three counts" to indicate specific charges or reasons. For instance, "The defendant was found guilty "on three counts" of fraud."

What's a good alternative to "on three counts"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "for three reasons", "on three charges", or "in three respects".

Is it better to say "on three counts" or "for three reasons"?

"On three counts" typically implies a more formal or legal context, referring to specific charges or allegations. "For three reasons" is more general and suitable for less formal explanations.

When is it inappropriate to use "on three counts"?

Avoid using "on three counts" when the reasons or points aren't clearly defined or enumerated. It's also less suitable for informal or casual contexts.