punishable by imprisonment

USAGE SUMMARY

"punishable by imprisonment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a crime or offense that has a potential sentence involving jail time. For example, "Theft of this magnitude is a felony punishable by imprisonment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If the offence is not committed due to the abetment, and it is punishable by imprisonment, the abettor is to be imprisoned for up to a quarter of the maximum jail term of the offence, or may receive a fine, or both.

Wikipedia

Recordable offences include any offences punishable by imprisonment, together with a limited number of non-imprisonable offences.

The Guardian

Homosexual acts are now punishable by imprisonment.

The Guardian - Opinion

The book is banned in India and a public reading potentially punishable by imprisonment.

The Guardian - Books

Were I to speak about this in public, directly or indirectly, then it was punishable by imprisonment.

Independent

Egyptian authorities designated it a terrorist group in December 2013, making even verbal expressions of support punishable by imprisonment.

The Guardian

The book is banned in India and some claim that a public reading is potentially punishable by imprisonment.

The Guardian - Books

To this end, the government has drafted a law that would make "unjustified price increases" a criminal offence, punishable by imprisonment.

The Economist

It also makes online libel punishable by imprisonment, which critics said could result in the criminalization of common activities like sharing Facebook and Twitter posts.

The New York Times

This is a major perk, since carpool violations (like so much else in a world intent on improving efficiency and sustainability) are punishable by imprisonment.

The New York Times

Theoretically, contempt of the House of Commons can be punishable by imprisonment, although the powers are so archaic they may no longer be practically enforceable.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal ramifications, use "punishable by imprisonment" to clearly indicate the potential for a jail or prison sentence as a consequence of an action. This phrase is widely understood and legally sound.

Common error

While "punishable by imprisonment" is grammatically correct, avoid using it in extremely informal contexts where simpler language would suffice. For example, instead of saying "littering is technically punishable by imprisonment, I think", consider saying "littering can lead to a fine".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "punishable by imprisonment" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun (e.g., crime, offense, act). It specifies a characteristic of that noun, indicating that it can result in imprisonment. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "punishable by imprisonment" is a grammatically correct and widely used way to describe actions or offenses that can lead to a prison sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's accurate and suitable for formal writing. It's most commonly found in news, legal documents, and academic discussions. While alternatives exist, they may vary in formality or emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure it fits the context and avoid overuse in casual settings. It's vital for writers to understand that actions described as "punishable by imprisonment" have potential serious legal ramifications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

liable to incarceration

This alternative uses a more formal tone and emphasizes the legal responsibility leading to imprisonment.

crimes subject to imprisonment

This alternative shifts the focus to the category of crimes that may result in imprisonment.

subject to a prison sentence

This phrase highlights the legal process and the potential outcome of a trial.

resulting in a prison sentence

Emphasizes the consequence of the action, explicitly stating the outcome as a prison sentence.

warranting a custodial sentence

Focuses on the justification for a sentence involving custody, implying the severity of the offense.

offense carrying a custodial sentence

This alternative reframes the phrase to emphasize the nature of the offence that leads to a custodial sentence.

deserving of jail time

Uses a more informal term ("jail time") and focuses on the perceived fairness of the punishment.

an imprisonable offense

Transforms the phrase into an adjective describing the offense itself, rather than the punishment.

carrying a prison term

This alternative emphasizes the duration of the imprisonment.

leading to confinement

This phrase is more generic, referring to any type of restricted space, not necessarily a prison.

FAQs

How is "punishable by imprisonment" used in a sentence?

The phrase "punishable by imprisonment" is used to describe actions or offenses that, if convicted, could lead to a sentence involving time in jail or prison. For example, "The crime of grand theft auto is "punishable by imprisonment" in many jurisdictions".

What are some alternatives to "punishable by imprisonment"?

Alternatives include "liable to incarceration", "subject to a prison sentence", or "deserving of jail time", depending on the context and level of formality you need.

Which is correct, "punishable by imprisonment" or "punishable with imprisonment"?

"Punishable by imprisonment" is the standard and grammatically correct phrasing. "Punishable with imprisonment" is less common and can sound awkward to native English speakers.

In what context is it appropriate to use "punishable by imprisonment"?

This phrase is most appropriate in legal, formal, and journalistic contexts when discussing the potential consequences of a crime or offense. It's commonly found in legal documents, news reports, and academic discussions.