they were acquitted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were acquitted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts to indicate that a person or group has been found not guilty of a charge in a court of law. Example: "After a lengthy trial, they were acquitted of all charges and released from custody."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They were acquitted.

The New York Times - Arts

At first they were acquitted.

The New Yorker

They were acquitted in 1971.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They were acquitted of negligence and abuse.

The Guardian

They were acquitted, not found guilty.

The New York Times - Sports

They were acquitted of murder charges.

The New York Times - Arts

They were acquitted in court but banned from organized baseball.

The New York Times - Sports

They were acquitted with no possibility of retrial.

The New York Times

In the trial, you know they were acquitted of any responsibility.

Cornell University

Although the officers were found guilty of misdemeanor official misconduct, they were acquitted of rape charges.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Later last November they were acquitted on appeal by a three-judge panel.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were acquitted", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific charges or accusations from which they were cleared. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they were acquitted" in contexts outside of legal proceedings. This phrase specifically refers to a judgment in a court of law, and using it informally or metaphorically can be confusing or misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were acquitted" functions as a declarative statement reporting a legal outcome. It indicates that a group of individuals has been found not guilty in a court of law. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various reporting contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were acquitted" is a common and grammatically correct way to report that individuals have been found not guilty in a legal trial. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage across various reputable sources, particularly in news and academic contexts. While alternatives like "they were found not guilty" exist, the key is to ensure clarity and accuracy in describing the specific legal outcome. Remember to reserve this phrase for formal legal contexts to avoid confusion. Use "they were exonerated" when the trial has proven that the person is innocent. The analysis underscores the phrase's importance in conveying specific legal information with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were found not guilty

Replaces "acquitted" with a more explicit statement of the legal outcome.

they were cleared of all charges

Indicates that all charges against them were dropped, leading to their freedom.

the jury acquitted them

Specifies that the jury was responsible for the acquittal.

they were exonerated

Suggests that they were not only cleared but also proven to be innocent.

they were absolved of responsibility

Focuses on the removal of responsibility or blame.

the court ruled in their favor

Highlights that the court decision was advantageous to them.

they walked free

Emphasizes their release from custody after the trial.

they were discharged

Indicates a formal release or dismissal from legal proceedings.

they were vindicated

Implies that they were proven right or justified after facing accusations.

they prevailed in court

Highlights their success in the legal battle.

FAQs

What does "they were acquitted" mean?

The phrase "they were acquitted" means that a court of law found them not guilty of the charges brought against them. It signifies a legal judgment where the prosecution failed to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

What's the difference between "they were acquitted" and "they were exonerated"?

While both terms relate to being cleared of charges, "they were acquitted" implies a lack of sufficient evidence for conviction, whereas "they were exonerated" suggests that they were proven innocent, often involving new evidence that clears their name.

How to use "they were acquitted" in a sentence?

You can use "they were acquitted" to report the outcome of a trial, for example: "After a lengthy trial, they were acquitted of all charges and released from custody." Ensure the sentence provides enough context about the charges and the trial.

What are some alternatives to "they were acquitted"?

Alternatives include "they were found not guilty", "they were cleared of all charges", or "the jury acquitted them", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.