sent to prison

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sent to prison" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the act of someone being incarcerated as a result of a legal judgment. Example: "After the trial, the judge decided that he should be sent to prison for his crimes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was sent to prison in 2005.

Independent

A mere handful were sent to prison.

The Guardian - Opinion

Repeat offenders are sent to prison.

The Economist

Those who refuse are sent to prison.

The New Yorker

That he would be sent to prison?

The New York Times

Their fathers had been sent to prison.

The Guardian

He was sent to prison for life.

The New Yorker

That almost got him sent to prison.

The New Yorker

For which he was sent to prison.

The New York Times

All three defendants were sent to prison.

The Guardian

The boys were sent to prison.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sent to prison", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for imprisonment, such as the crime committed or the legal proceedings that led to it.

Common error

Avoid using "sent to prison" interchangeably with phrases like "sentenced to prison". While related, "sentenced to prison" refers specifically to the judge's decision, whereas "sent to prison" describes the act of being incarcerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sent to prison" functions as a passive construction indicating the consequence of a legal process, where an individual is ordered to be incarcerated. Ludwig's examples show its use across different contexts, illustrating the result of a judicial decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sent to prison" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of incarcerating someone following a legal judgment. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples from reputable sources, mainly news and media outlets. While alternatives like "imprisoned" or "incarcerated" exist, "sent to prison" remains a clear and widely understood expression. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for imprisonment. Be mindful of the subtle difference between "sent to prison" and "sentenced to prison", as the former describes the act, and the latter refers to the judgment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imprisoned

Single word replacement of the phrase, implying the action of putting someone in prison.

incarcerated

A more formal synonym for "sent to prison", indicating confinement in a correctional facility.

jailed

A simpler and more direct term for being put in jail.

confined to prison

Highlights the state of being restricted within the prison walls.

committed to prison

Formal and highlights the act of officially ordering someone's imprisonment.

taken into custody

Focuses on the act of being apprehended and held by law enforcement.

handed a prison sentence

Emphasizes the judicial aspect of receiving a sentence of imprisonment.

given a custodial sentence

A formal term indicating a sentence involving imprisonment.

put behind bars

A more figurative way of saying someone was imprisoned.

locked up

Informal way of describing someone being put in prison

FAQs

How is "sent to prison" used in a sentence?

The phrase "sent to prison" is used to indicate that someone has been incarcerated as a consequence of a crime or legal proceeding. For example: "He was "sent to prison" for fraud."

What is a more formal way to say "sent to prison"?

A more formal alternative to "sent to prison" is "incarcerated". It carries a more serious and official tone, suitable for legal or formal contexts.

What's the difference between "sentenced to prison" and "sent to prison"?

"Sentenced to prison" refers to the judge's decision to impose a prison sentence, while "sent to prison" describes the actual act of being imprisoned. The first is the legal ruling; the second is the action that follows.

Are there any informal alternatives to "sent to prison"?

Yes, informal alternatives include "jailed" or "locked up". These are suitable for casual conversation or less formal writing.