they were indicted for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were indicted for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing legal charges brought against individuals or groups for specific offenses. Example: "They were indicted for their involvement in the fraudulent scheme that cost investors millions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Referred to as the Hollywood Ten, they were indicted for contempt of Congress and sentenced to brief imprisonment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They were indicted for fraudulently writing off as business expenses the dance floor and other items for the manor, totaling more than $4 million.

The New York Times

Many of these disappointed intellectuals tried to continue the struggle against the regime, but they were indicted for committing criminal acts in pursuance of political objectives.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All of the activities, as I understand it, that they were indicted for was long before they ever met Donald Trump or had any association with the campaign.

The Guardian

They were indicted for the 1998 bombings of US embassies in Tanzania and Kenya and were believed to have trained operatives to travel to the US and Europe.

The Guardian

She had not hesitated to call for state legislators to resign when they were indicted for corruption, and she had said that it was time for Don Young to go, even though he has not been indicted.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

They later were indicted for conspiring to provide services to a terrorist entity.

Los Angeles Times

In 1786, Phoebe Harris and her accomplices were "indicted, for that they, on the 11th of February last, one piece of false, feigned, and counterfeit money and coin, to the likeness and similitude of the good, legal, and silver coin of this realm, called a shilling, falsely, deceitfully, feloniously, and traiterously did counterfeit and coin".

Wikipedia

Both were permitted to remain at Goldis for more than a year after they were indicted; one remained for several months after pleading guilty.

The New York Times

In reply they were indicted and tried for sedition.

Yale University

But the emotional core for many Bosnian Muslims is this: why did the United States act so quickly against six Muslim men but lag in the cases against Radovan Karadzic, the wartime Bosnian Serb leader, and Ratko Mladic, the top Bosnian Serb general, both still at large though they were indicted in 1995 for war crimes against Bosnian Muslims?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were indicted for", ensure that the individuals or entities referenced have indeed been formally charged with a crime by a grand jury or similar legal body. Avoid using it loosely for mere accusations.

Common error

Do not use "they were indicted for" when individuals are merely suspected or accused of a crime. "Indicted" specifically refers to a formal charge by a grand jury; use "they were accused of" in other contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were indicted for" functions as a declarative statement asserting that a group has been formally accused of a crime. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples demonstrate its application across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were indicted for" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to indicate that a group has been formally charged with a crime by a legal body. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correctly used in English and examples across various domains—News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias—show its broad applicability. It's crucial to reserve this phrase for situations where a formal indictment has indeed occurred, differentiating it from mere accusations or suspicions. Alternatives such as "they were accused of" or "they faced charges for" may be more appropriate in those contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an indictment was issued against them for

Rephrases to highlight the issuance of the indictment itself.

they were charged with

Focuses on the specific charges levied against them.

they faced charges for

Emphasizes the formal accusation process without specifying the indictment.

they were subject to indictment for

Emphasizes that they were the target of an indictment.

they were accused of

Highlights the accusation aspect, omitting the legal indictment formality.

they stood accused of

Presents a more formal and potentially dramatic tone.

they were prosecuted for

Highlights the legal process of prosecution following the charges.

they were arraigned on charges of

Specifies the arraignment stage, the first court appearance.

criminal charges were filed against them for

More verbose, stressing the criminal nature and filing of charges.

they were booked on suspicion of

Focuses on the initial booking and suspicion before formal charges.

FAQs

What does "they were indicted for" mean?

The phrase "they were indicted for" means that a grand jury has formally accused a person or group of people of a crime, initiating legal proceedings.

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

You can use alternatives like "they were accused of", "they were charged with", or "they faced charges for" depending on the context.

Is it accurate to say "they were indicted for" if someone is only suspected of a crime?

No, it is not accurate. The term "indicted" implies a formal legal charge by a grand jury. If someone is only suspected, use phrases like "they were suspected of" or "they were accused of".

What's the difference between "they were indicted for" and "they were convicted of"?

"They were indicted for" means they have been formally accused of a crime, while "they were convicted of" means they have been found guilty of the crime in a court of law. One precedes a trial, the other follows it.