shall be prosecuted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shall be prosecuted" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that someone will be charged with a crime or face legal consequences. Here is an example: "The suspect was warned that if he did not turn himself in, he shall be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The federal statute of limitations provision states that "no person shall be prosecuted, tried, or punished for any offense, not capital, unless the indictment is found or the information is instituted within five years next after such offense shall have been committed".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We can either allow civilians to have the right to use that same lame ass excuse, wait until the time comes when the people randomly start busting back, or implement a law that says any cop accused of beating or murdering someone shall automatically be suspended without pay and all cases shall be investigated and if need be prosecuted.

Vice

"He must be prosecuted.

The New York Times

Will anyone be prosecuted?

The Guardian

Stragglers will be prosecuted.

The New Yorker

The results "shall be sent to all security branches, so that they can be used in the identification of new targets that need to be prosecuted".

The New Yorker

"They can't be prosecuted forever.

The New Yorker

"All of those should be prosecuted".

The New York Times

It is illegal and must be prosecuted.

Independent

In real life, he would be prosecuted".

The New Yorker

People can be prosecuted for not working.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shall be prosecuted" in legal documents or formal statements where you want to emphasize the obligatory nature of legal action. It conveys a strong sense of duty or requirement under the law.

Common error

Avoid using "shall be prosecuted" in everyday conversation or informal writing. The term is strongly associated with legal or regulatory contexts and can sound overly formal or unnatural in casual settings. Opt for alternatives like "will be prosecuted" or "will face charges" for a more approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shall be prosecuted" functions as a future passive construction, indicating that a person or entity will be subjected to legal proceedings. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and used in legal or formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shall be prosecuted" is a formal and legally weighted expression indicating that someone will face legal charges. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, primarily within formal contexts. While correct, its use should be limited to legal or highly formal settings to avoid sounding unnatural in everyday conversation. Alternatives like "will be prosecuted" or "face charges" offer a more accessible tone in less formal communications. Remember to reserve "shall be prosecuted" for scenarios where emphasizing the obligatory nature of legal action is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will be prosecuted

Replaces "shall" with "will", indicating a future action with a slightly less formal tone.

must be prosecuted

Substitutes "shall" with "must", emphasizing the necessity or obligation of prosecution.

is to be prosecuted

Rephrases the sentence structure to use "is to be", indicating a planned or scheduled prosecution.

should be prosecuted

Uses "should" instead of "shall", suggesting a recommendation or expectation rather than a strict obligation.

will face prosecution

Changes the verb from "be prosecuted" to "face prosecution", focusing on the legal process the person will undergo.

is subject to prosecution

Indicates that the person is liable or vulnerable to being prosecuted.

is liable to be prosecuted

Expresses the possibility of prosecution due to legal responsibility.

is open to prosecution

Suggests that the case is eligible or meets the criteria for prosecution.

will be brought to trial

Focuses on the trial aspect of the prosecution process.

will answer to the law

A more general phrase indicating legal accountability without specifically mentioning prosecution.

FAQs

How is "shall be prosecuted" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "shall be prosecuted" indicates a mandatory action, meaning that if certain conditions are met, legal proceedings must be initiated. It conveys a sense of legal obligation and is often found in statutes or contracts.

What are some alternatives to "shall be prosecuted" in less formal writing?

In less formal contexts, you can use phrases like "will be prosecuted", "could be prosecuted", or "face charges" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. These options sound less rigid and more conversational.

Is there a difference between 'shall be prosecuted' and 'will be prosecuted'?

While both indicate a future action, "shall be prosecuted" carries a stronger sense of obligation or legal mandate. "Will be prosecuted" simply indicates a future event without the same implication of duty. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the obligatory aspect.

Can I use "shall be prosecuted" in business communication?

Using "shall be prosecuted" in business communication is appropriate when referring to legal or regulatory compliance matters. However, be mindful of the context. In less formal internal communications, phrases like "will face penalties" or "will be held accountable" might be more suitable.