prosecute

USAGE SUMMARY

The word “prosecute” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the legal action of bringing a criminal charge against someone. For example, “The district attorney decided to prosecute the suspect for fraud.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Creed also told how Bailey's partner, Jules Thomas, wrote a letter to the director of public prosecutions three years ago in which she appealed for the DPP to prosecute Bailey.

The Guardian

Rather, the CPS said the decision on immunity was academic as it had solid fact-related grounds for the basis on which it determined it could not prosecute Sheikh Nasser.

The Guardian

We wish to express our serious anxiety about the decision to prosecute a doctor for alleged FGM after a delivery.

The Guardian

"We try to prevent, rather than prosecute," says Debashish Nag, government administrator in Nargis's area, Sreepur, "because there is no law to separate a child marriage once it occurs".

The Guardian

Such cases will be dealt with robustly and those falsely accused should feel confident that the CPS will prosecute these cases wherever there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to do so.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rathke only said that the State Department is "aware of reports of that nature" and that the US would prosecute corruption charges because they pertained to US law.

The Guardian - Sport

New York officials have announced they have declined to prosecute, and the case has been dismissed.

The Guardian

However, the prosecuting authorities in Northern Ireland gave a direction not to prosecute anyone in connection with the death.

The Guardian

French prosecutors are also under pressure over a failure to act quickly to identify and prosecute the suspected soldiers.

The Guardian

The delayed notification search warrant provisions are part of the Abbott government's second national security bill, which aims to make it easier to detain and prosecute terrorism suspects and investigate such offences.

The Guardian

When the cops investigate and lawyers prosecute something as a hate crime, it teaches us quite the opposite: that we cannot afford to ignore systems like racism and homophobia – that we will not, officially.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prosecute", ensure you have credible evidence or legal grounds to support the action, as unwarranted prosecution can lead to legal repercussions.

Common error

Avoid using "prosecute" when there is no established legal basis or evidence; instead, use terms like "investigate" or "examine" until sufficient proof is available.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "prosecute" is as a transitive verb, indicating the action of conducting legal proceedings against someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is correctly used in written English to describe bringing a criminal charge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prosecute" is a verb used to describe the legal action of bringing criminal charges against someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media. When using "prosecute", it's crucial to ensure a solid legal basis. Alternative phrases include "bring legal action against" and "press charges". Remember to differentiate "prosecute" from "persecute", which means to harass unfairly. Understanding these nuances ensures precise and effective communication in legal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

charge with a crime

Highlights the specific accusation being made.

press charges

Emphasizes the act of formally accusing someone of a crime.

bring legal action against

Focuses on initiating legal proceedings.

initiate proceedings against

Formal way of describing the start of a legal case.

institute legal proceedings

A more formal and legalistic way to say prosecute.

bring to justice

Highlights the goal of holding someone accountable for their actions.

try in court

Emphasizes the act of putting someone on trial.

seek an indictment

Focuses on obtaining a formal accusation from a grand jury.

take legal action

Broader term referring to any legal steps taken.

file a lawsuit against

Specifically refers to civil cases.

FAQs

How is "prosecute" used in a sentence?

"Prosecute" is used to describe the act of bringing legal action against someone. For example, "The district attorney decided to "prosecute" the suspect for fraud".

What are some alternatives to "prosecute"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "prosecute" include "bring legal action against", "press charges", or "charge with a crime".

When is it appropriate to use "prosecute" instead of "investigate"?

"Investigate" is used to describe the process of gathering information, while "prosecute" refers to the act of initiating legal proceedings after an investigation has revealed sufficient evidence of a crime. Only use the word when there is enough reasonable information.

What's the difference between "prosecute" and "persecute"?

"Prosecute" refers to legally pursuing someone for a crime, whereas "persecute" means to harass or oppress someone, often based on their religion, ethnicity, or beliefs. Persecution is usually considered illegal and unfair.