subject to prosecution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subject to prosecution" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that someone may be punished legally for a certain action or behavior. For example, "Those found guilty of the crime will be subject to prosecution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

— might theoretically be subject to prosecution in a Pakistani courtroom.

The New York Times

But not filing taxes for many years is technically subject to prosecution.

The New York Times

Until then, workers' attempts to establish closed shops had been subject to prosecution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are also subject to prosecution under state and federal pure food laws.

The New York Times

And if someone lies about a company, they are subject to prosecution for securities fraud.

The New York Times - Tech

But any crimes committed after July 1 would be subject to prosecution.

The New York Times

The introduction states that "members of the news media will not be subject to prosecution based solely on newsgathering activities".

The New Yorker

"But I do not think that any church or any clergyman is subject to prosecution for doing their Christian mission".

The New York Times

The troops would be subject to prosecution under American law for crimes committed in the line of duty.

The New York Times

The case seems clear: paedophilia is a sexual crime; Henson's images are not explicit - and ergo, not subject to prosecution.

The Guardian - Arts

Companies that violated their stated practices would be subject to prosecution by the Federal Trade Commission and the states.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "subject to prosecution" to clearly and formally indicate that certain actions or behaviors may result in legal charges and court proceedings. This phrase is often used in legal contexts, news reports, and formal documents to denote potential criminal liability.

Common error

Avoid using "subject to prosecution" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler and more relatable phrases like "might get in trouble with the law" or "could face charges" in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subject to prosecution" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate the potential for legal charges. Ludwig AI examples show that it's primarily used to describe situations where individuals or entities may face legal consequences for their actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "subject to prosecution" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that someone may face legal charges for specific actions. As shown by Ludwig AI examples, it's frequently encountered in news, legal, and formal contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral to formal, overuse in informal situations should be avoided. Alternative phrases like "liable to be prosecuted" or "vulnerable to prosecution" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. Always consider the context and desired level of formality when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

liable to be prosecuted

Focuses on the legal responsibility or obligation that leads to prosecution.

prosecutable under the law

Stresses the legal basis and possibility for prosecution.

vulnerable to prosecution

Emphasizes the weakness or susceptibility of someone facing potential legal charges.

at risk of being charged

Highlights the imminent possibility of facing criminal charges.

open to legal action

Broadly refers to the possibility of a lawsuit or other form of legal challenge.

indictable under current statutes

Specifies the potential for formal indictment based on existing laws.

may face legal proceedings

Indicates the potential for formal legal processes to begin.

facing potential charges

Simply indicates the possibility of criminal charges being filed.

can be held accountable in court

Emphasizes the judicial process and potential for being found responsible.

answerable to the law

Highlights the obligation to comply with the law and potential consequences.

FAQs

How is "subject to prosecution" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "subject to prosecution" indicates that a person or entity may face legal charges and be brought before a court if they violate a law or statute. It clearly defines the potential for legal action.

What are some alternatives to "subject to prosecution"?

You can use alternatives like "liable to be prosecuted", "vulnerable to prosecution", or "at risk of being charged" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "subject to prosecution" and "liable to prosecution"?

While similar, "subject to prosecution" generally indicates the possibility of legal action, while "liable to be prosecuted" implies a greater degree of legal responsibility or obligation that could lead to prosecution.

In what situations might news media be "subject to prosecution"?

News media could be "subject to prosecution" if they engage in activities not protected by the First Amendment, such as publishing classified information that endangers national security, or engaging in libel or defamation.