should be prosecuted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be prosecuted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the legal consequences or actions that should be taken against someone for a crime or wrongdoing. Example: "Anyone who commits fraud should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Crown Prosecution Service decided the following year that no individual should be prosecuted.

The Guardian

He should be prosecuted.

The Guardian

"All of those should be prosecuted".

The New York Times

"He should be prosecuted as a traitor.

The New York Times

"I absolutely think they should be prosecuted".

The Guardian

The innocent girls' parents should be prosecuted".

The Guardian

"They should be prosecuted for doing that.

The New York Times - Food

He should be prosecuted for treason.

The New Yorker

Bear Grylls and the producers should be prosecuted.

Independent

The commission identified 150 people it said should be prosecuted.

The Economist

"That is child cruelty and you should be prosecuted".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and audience. While legally accurate, "should be prosecuted" can sound accusatory. Choose alternative phrasing if a more neutral or objective tone is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "should be prosecuted" in situations where the evidence is weak or the wrongdoing is minor. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact and credibility in more serious cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be prosecuted" functions as a modal passive construction, expressing a recommendation or opinion that someone ought to face legal charges. Ludwig's examples show it frequently used in contexts where a crime or serious wrongdoing is alleged, such as fraud or inciting violence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "should be prosecuted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating that someone ought to face legal charges. Ludwig confirms its accuracy and prevalence, particularly within news and media contexts. While advocating for accountability, writers should consider the tone and strength of evidence before using this phrase, as it carries significant legal implications. Alternatives like "ought to be charged" or "must be held accountable" can provide a more nuanced perspective depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be charged

Replaces "should" with "ought to", maintaining the sense of obligation while using different vocabulary. This alters the tone slightly, making it sound more formal.

deserves to be indicted

Focuses on the act of formally accusing someone of a crime, adding a layer of legal specificity.

warrants legal action

Shifts the focus to the justification for taking legal steps, rather than the specific action of prosecution.

must face trial

Emphasizes the necessity of a judicial process to determine guilt or innocence.

needs to be brought to justice

Highlights the concept of fairness and the pursuit of a just outcome in response to wrongdoing.

is liable to be sued

Implies a civil rather than criminal context, where the consequence is financial rather than penal.

should be held accountable

Broadens the scope beyond legal prosecution to include other forms of responsibility and consequences.

should answer for their actions

Emphasizes the need for someone to explain and take responsibility for their conduct.

should be brought before a court

More specific in emphasizing the necessity of appearing in court.

is deserving of legal repercussions

Focuses on the fact that the legal consequences are well deserved.

FAQs

How do I use "should be prosecuted" in a sentence?

Use "should be prosecuted" to express the opinion that someone ought to face legal charges for a specific action. For example, "Those who commit fraud "should be prosecuted" to the fullest extent of the law."

What can I say instead of "should be prosecuted"?

You can use alternatives like "ought to face charges", "must be held accountable", or "deserves to be indicted" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to say someone "should be prosecuted"?

No, it's not always appropriate. This phrase implies a serious legal transgression and a strong opinion that legal action is warranted. Ensure the context justifies such a strong statement before using it.

What's the difference between "should be prosecuted" and "should be investigated"?

"Should be investigated" suggests that an inquiry is necessary to determine if wrongdoing occurred. "Should be prosecuted" assumes wrongdoing and advocates for legal charges to be filed.