they were indicted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were indicted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts to indicate that individuals have been formally charged with a crime by a grand jury. Example: "After a lengthy investigation, they were indicted on multiple counts of fraud."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He said Mr. Dillon had "revolutionized" the county's justice system by allowing felons to plead guilty before they were indicted, while eliminating most post-indictment plea bargains.

The New York Times

In reply they were indicted and tried for sedition.

Yale University

(They were indicted on multiple charges and acquitted).

The New Yorker

A year after the sting they were indicted.

The Washington Post

The three men all resigned before they were indicted.

The New York Times

When they were indicted, it spelt the end for them".

The Guardian - Business

The defendants, all white men, pleaded not guilty after they were indicted in October 2016.

The Guardian

They were indicted on Tuesday and are to be arraigned today.

The New York Times

They were indicted on bribery charges and scorned for embarrassing the city.

The New York Times

But industry records show that both men stayed at the firm long after they were indicted.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They were -- indicted.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To ensure clarity in your writing, always specify the charges following the phrase "they were indicted" to provide a complete picture of the legal situation.

Common error

Avoid using "they were indicted" as if it means "they were found guilty". An indictment is merely a formal accusation; it doesn't indicate guilt or innocence. The individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were indicted" functions as a passive construction, indicating that individuals have been formally accused of a crime by a grand jury. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were indicted" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to indicate that individuals have been formally accused of a crime by a grand jury. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts. When writing, remember that indictment is not a conviction; it is merely a formal accusation. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "they faced charges" or "they were charged with", depending on the desired nuance. Ludwig's analysis underscores the importance of using this phrase accurately and appropriately in both formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were charged with

A direct and commonly used alternative that focuses on the specific charges.

they faced charges

Simplifies the phrase by using 'faced' instead of 'were indicted'.

they were formally accused

Substitutes 'indicted' with 'formally accused', emphasizing the formal nature of the accusation.

charges were filed against them

Rephrases the action to focus on the filing of charges rather than the indictment itself.

an indictment was issued against them

Changes the sentence structure to highlight the issuance of the indictment.

they stood accused

Uses a more literary and slightly less formal construction.

they were arraigned

Focuses on the arraignment process, a specific legal step.

they were prosecuted

Highlights the act of being prosecuted, the legal proceedings that follow an indictment.

legal proceedings were initiated against them

Replaces 'indicted' with a broader term referring to the start of legal action.

they were booked on charges

More colloquial and implies arrest and formal recording of charges.

FAQs

What does "they were indicted" mean in legal terms?

In legal terminology, "they were indicted" signifies that a grand jury has determined there is enough evidence to formally accuse someone of a crime. It's a preliminary step and does not imply guilt.

What can I say instead of "they were indicted"?

You can use alternatives like "they faced charges", "they were formally accused", or "charges were filed against them", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "they were indicted" and "they were convicted"?

"They were indicted" means someone has been formally accused of a crime by a grand jury. "They were convicted" means they have been found guilty of the crime after a trial or plea. Indictment precedes conviction.

Is it appropriate to use "they were indicted" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "they were indicted" is more formal and often used in legal or journalistic contexts. In informal writing, phrases like "they were charged with" might be more suitable.