sentenced to death

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sentenced to death" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a court's decision to impose the death penalty on a convicted criminal. For example, "The convicted murderer was sentenced to death for his crimes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Six were sentenced to death.

Independent

He is sentenced to death.

The New Yorker

Morsi sentenced to death.

The Guardian

In 2012, he was sentenced to death.

The New Yorker

He was captured and sentenced to death.

The New Yorker

I was then sentenced to death.

Independent

You might be sentenced to death.

The Economist

Duncan was subsequently sentenced to death.

The New Yorker

Lody was tried and sentenced to death.

The New York Times - Books

Both brothers were sentenced to death.

The New York Times

Mary was tried and sentenced to death.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting legal cases, use “sentenced to death” to accurately convey the court's decision. Ensure factual accuracy and avoid sensationalizing the information.

Common error

Avoid using "sentenced to death" casually or metaphorically. It's a specific legal term with significant implications, so reserve it for factual reporting on capital punishment cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sentenced to death" functions as a passive construction indicating the legal consequence imposed upon a convicted individual. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes the official act of a court imposing capital punishment. Examples show it used in factual reporting and legal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sentenced to death" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the imposition of capital punishment by a court of law. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for use in written English when referring to legal judgments. Analysis of example sentences shows the phrase is predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, indicating its use in factual reporting and scholarly discussions. While its register is generally neutral, the term carries significant legal and ethical weight. Remember to use it accurately and avoid misinterpretations. Related phrases, such as "given a death sentence" or "condemned to death", offer alternative ways to express the same concept with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

given a death sentence

Focuses on the act of giving or delivering the death sentence, rather than just receiving it.

condemned to death

Emphasizes the severe judgment and moral implications of the death sentence.

ordered to be executed

Highlights the procedural aspect of the execution order following the sentence.

received a death verdict

Focuses on the verdict from the jury or judge that leads to the death sentence.

judged worthy of execution

Implies a deeper evaluation of whether the person's actions merit the death penalty.

liable to capital punishment

Indicates that the crime committed makes the person eligible for the death penalty.

facing execution

Highlights the immediate consequence and anticipation of the death penalty being carried out.

put to death by order of

Specifies the authority or entity responsible for ordering the execution.

subject to the death penalty

Emphasizes the legal framework under which the death penalty can be applied.

doomed to execution

Conveys a sense of inevitability and finality regarding the death sentence.

FAQs

How is "sentenced to death" used in a sentence?

Use "sentenced to death" to indicate that a court has ordered capital punishment for a convicted individual. For example, "The defendant was sentenced to death for the heinous crime".

What are some alternatives to "sentenced to death"?

Alternatives include "given a death sentence" /s/given+a+death+sentence, "condemned to death" /s/condemned+to+death, or "ordered to be executed" /s/ordered+to+be+executed. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to be "sentenced to death in absentia"?

Being "sentenced to death in absentia" means that a person was sentenced to capital punishment even though they were not physically present in court during the trial or sentencing.

Is there a difference between "sentenced to death" and "facing execution"?

"Sentenced to death" indicates the court's decision, while "facing execution" /s/facing+execution refers to the period after sentencing but before the actual execution takes place. The latter implies immediacy.