they were sentenced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were sentenced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts to describe the act of a judge imposing a punishment on someone found guilty of a crime. Example: "After a lengthy trial, they were sentenced to five years in prison for their involvement in the fraud scheme."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were sentenced June 24.

The New York Times

They were sentenced to probation.

The New York Times

They were sentenced to lengthy prison terms.

The New York Times

They were sentenced to life imprisonment.

The Guardian

They were sentenced to life in prison.

The New York Times

In December, they were sentenced to 11-year terms.

The New York Times

Neither man showed any reaction as they were sentenced.

The Guardian

They were sentenced to between 10 and 18 years.

The Guardian

They were sentenced with fines, unpaid work and conditional discharges.

The Guardian

In 2006 they were sentenced to death by firing squad.

The Guardian

On Friday 13 September, they were sentenced to death.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were sentenced", ensure the context clearly identifies who "they" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying names or roles before using the pronoun.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "they were sentenced" always implies imprisonment. Sentences can include fines, community service, or probation. Clarify the specific sentence received to avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were sentenced" typically functions as a passive construction, indicating that a judicial punishment has been imposed upon a group. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used to report the outcome of a legal proceeding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were sentenced" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that a group of individuals has received a legal punishment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely employed in neutral contexts, especially within News & Media. While its primary function is informative, usage should ensure clarity regarding the referent of "they" and specificity regarding the type of sentence. Alternative phrases exist, such as "sentences were handed down to them" or "they received their sentence", each offering subtle variations in emphasis. Understanding the nuances and common pitfalls of this phrase ensures its effective and accurate use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they received their sentence

Focuses on the act of receiving the sentence rather than its imposition.

the court sentenced them

Shifts the emphasis to the court as the actor in sentencing.

sentences were handed down to them

Rephrases the action with a passive voice, emphasizing the delivery of the sentences.

judgment was passed on them

Uses a more formal tone, highlighting the legal process.

penalties were imposed on them

Uses a more technical term, "penalties", for a formal context.

they were given a punishment

Substitutes "sentence" with the broader term "punishment", altering the specificity.

the verdict was delivered

Focuses on the delivery of the verdict and its implications.

their fate was decided

Emphasizes the finality and decisiveness of the sentencing.

they faced sentencing

Highlights the experience of undergoing the sentencing process.

they got their just deserts

Adds a layer of moral judgment, implying the sentence was deserved.

FAQs

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

Use "they were sentenced" to indicate that a judge has imposed a punishment on a group of people found guilty of a crime. For example, "After a long trial, "they were sentenced" to five years in prison".

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

You can use alternatives like "sentences were handed down to them", "they received their sentence", or "the court sentenced them" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "they were sentenced" or "they was sentenced"?

"They were sentenced" is correct. "They" is plural, so it requires the plural form of the verb "to be", which is "were". "They was sentenced" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "they were sentenced" and "they were convicted"?

"They were convicted" means they were found guilty of a crime. "They were sentenced" means a punishment was officially given after the conviction. Conviction precedes sentencing.