pass sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pass sentence" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in a legal context when a judge formally declares the punishment for a convicted individual. Example: "After a lengthy trial, the judge decided to pass sentence on the defendant, who was found guilty of theft."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The judge will pass sentence today.

Independent

The trial judge will pass sentence in the next few weeks.

The Economist

He has admitted he did it — couldn't they just pass sentence?" It's a good question.

The New York Times

"Pass sentence," he says, "and let us get on with our lives".

The Guardian - Books

Magistrates and judges will then have information about offenders' behaviour when they come to pass sentence.

The Guardian

"It is not my job to make the laws or pass sentence on players.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Below these are courts of first instance, courts of judicial proceedings (which do not pass sentences), penal courts, and municipal courts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is beyond me why judges are still able to pass sentences of 'Al Dali' in our courts, even though it is clearly prohibited in the Koran.

BBC

St. Eve of Federal District Court said before she passed sentence.

The New York Times

When he passed sentence I broke down in tears.

The Guardian

"Those in the black robes were proud when passing sentence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal proceedings, use "pass sentence" to clearly indicate the moment a judge announces the punishment. Ensure the context establishes the legal setting for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "pass sentence" interchangeably with phrases like "serve a sentence". "Pass sentence" refers to the act of judgment, while "serve a sentence" refers to the convicted individual's fulfillment of their punishment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pass sentence" functions as a verbal phrase within legal contexts. It describes the action a judge takes after a verdict has been reached, as confirmed by Ludwig which states the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples provided by Ludwig show this usage clearly.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pass sentence" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, particularly within legal contexts, to describe a judge's formal declaration of punishment. As Ludwig AI states, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. While alternatives like "impose a sentence" or "hand down a sentence" exist, "pass sentence" clearly conveys the act of judgment in legal proceedings. Writers should use it carefully, distinguishing it from phrases like "serve a sentence", to ensure accuracy in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impose a sentence

Focuses on the act of setting or applying a specific punishment.

hand down a sentence

Emphasizes the formal delivery or announcement of a legal judgment.

pronounce a sentence

Highlights the verbal declaration of the punishment.

deliver a sentence

Similar to 'hand down', but with a stronger sense of official announcement.

decree a punishment

Suggests a formal and authoritative order of penalty.

administer justice

Broader term, referring to the process of dispensing justice, which includes sentencing.

issue a ruling

Refers to a formal decision or order from a court.

render a judgment

Focuses on the judicial decision-making process.

determine the penalty

Highlights the decision-making process in establishing the appropriate punishment.

mete out punishment

Implies a deserved and measured application of a penalty.

FAQs

What does "pass sentence" mean in a legal context?

In a legal context, "pass sentence" means that a judge is formally declaring the punishment to be imposed on a defendant who has been found guilty of a crime.

Is it correct to say "pass a sentence" instead of "pass sentence"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "pass sentence" is the more commonly used and grammatically preferred form. Using the article "a" is not standard in this context.

What are some alternative phrases for "pass sentence"?

You can use alternatives such as "impose a sentence", "hand down a sentence", or "deliver a sentence", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How does "pass sentence" differ from "serve a sentence"?

"Pass sentence" refers to the judge's action of declaring a punishment, while "serve a sentence" describes the convicted person's action of fulfilling that punishment. They represent opposite sides of the sentencing process.