they are absolved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are absolved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is declared free from blame, guilt, or responsibility. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, the committee concluded that they are absolved of any wrongdoing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

They are absolved even before they come home.

The New Yorker

They have, in air quotes, no choice but to submit; they are absolved of responsibility by extenuating circumstances.

The New Yorker

They're usually people who would never dream of espousing the embarrassingly retrograde theology of Manifest Destiny but cling on to a sort of fuzzy exceptionalism, in which they are absolved by their Americanness of responsibility to make the future.

The Guardian - Opinion

If excommunicated persons confess their sins and undergo penance, they are absolved; in some cases this absolution may come from any priest, but in many others it is reserved to the bishop or even to the Holy See alone, save in periculo mortis ("in danger of death").

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The fact that I don't have enough evidence, or that I'm limited by some technicality, doesn't mean they are absolved of their responsibility in making sure that people preaching from the pulpit are of high moral integrity," said Ms. Pirro, whose office placed an advertisement in today's Gannett newspapers with a number for abuse victims to call: [phone].

The New York Times

The part of the resolution relating to declaring independence read: Resolved, that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Furthermore, even though they might feel babyish wearing diapers, it should be explained to them that it's more babyish not wearing diapers to bed- by not taking measures to protect themselves, they are absolving themselves of taking responsibility for managing the problem, which is a very immature thing to do.

WikiHow

Why should they be absolved from pain and suffering?

The New York Times - Sports

That's right: the birth of movable type was sheets of paper telling sinners they were absolved of their transgressions.

MIT Technology Review

The city balked when the contractors demanded that they be absolved of any liability relating to asbestos and other toxic materials at the site.

The New York Times

They were absolved from excommunication but were not reinstated in their offices and possessions; they therefore rebelled again and fled; some of them went to Philip, with whom they had conspired, perhaps, even before the issue of Clericis Laicos.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are absolved" when you want to convey a sense of formal or authoritative release from blame or responsibility, particularly in situations involving moral, ethical, or legal implications. Consider the context to ensure the phrase aligns with the tone and level of formality.

Common error

Avoid using "they are absolved" in everyday conversations or informal writing where a simpler phrase like "they are excused" or "they are not to blame" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are absolved" functions as a declarative statement indicating that a group or entity has been cleared of blame, guilt, or responsibility. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show the phrase used in contexts ranging from legal acquittals to religious forgiveness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are absolved" is grammatically sound and suitable for expressing a release from blame or responsibility. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, signifying a formal or authoritative declaration. When employing this phrase, consider the context and choose more informal alternatives in casual conversation. Related phrases include "they are acquitted", "they are exonerated", and "they are cleared".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are acquitted

This suggests a formal legal declaration of innocence, specifically in a court of law.

they are exonerated

This implies a clearing of blame after a thorough investigation or accusation, often involving a formal process.

they are cleared

A general term for being freed from suspicion or charges, without necessarily implying a formal legal process.

they are forgiven

This focuses on the remission of sin or offense, usually in a religious or interpersonal context.

they are pardoned

This refers to the official forgiveness of a crime and the cancellation of the penalty.

they are vindicated

This means being proven right or justified after a period of doubt or accusation.

they are exempt

This implies a release from an obligation or requirement that others are subject to.

they are excused

This suggests being released from a duty or expectation, often due to a specific reason or circumstance.

they bear no responsibility

This explicitly states the absence of accountability for an action or outcome.

they are free from blame

This directly indicates that no fault or culpability is attributed to them.

FAQs

How to use "they are absolved" in a sentence?

Use "they are absolved" to indicate that a group has been formally cleared of blame or responsibility for something. For example, "After a thorough investigation, "they are acquitted"".

What can I say instead of "they are absolved"?

You can use alternatives like "they are cleared", "they are exonerated", or "they are pardoned" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "they are absolved" or "they are absolved from"?

"They are absolved" is generally correct. Adding "from" might be redundant, unless specifying what they are absolved from: "They are absolved from all responsibility".

What's the difference between "they are absolved" and "they are excused"?

"They are absolved" implies a formal release from blame or sin, often in legal or religious contexts. "They are excused" is a more general term for being released from a duty or obligation.