thirteenth amendment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thirteenth amendment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the constitutional amendment that abolished slavery in the United States. Example: "The thirteenth amendment was a significant milestone in American history, marking the end of legal slavery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We didn't even make it to the Thirteenth Amendment.

Independent

I intended to vote for the thirteenth amendment till I was advised that the condition failed.

The New York Times

Finally, the last section, mirroring the approach of the Thirteenth Amendment, provided for enforcement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On January 31 , 1865 Congress finally approved the Thirteenth Amendment, abolishing slavery everywhere and without qualification.

The New Yorker

Thirteenth Amendment, amendment (1865) to the Constitution of the United States that formally abolished slavery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Democrats tried to block the proposed Thirteenth Amendment, which would abolish slavery.

The New Yorker

He has a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery.

The New Yorker

The Thirteenth Amendment had given a formal freedom to the slaves.

Yale University

He actually wrote the Thirteenth Amendment, and he will write other parts of the Reconstruction legislation.

Yale University

Some antiwar and pacifist leaders regarded the draft as a violation of the Thirteenth Amendment.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Passed in 1865 at the urging of President Abraham Lincoln, the Thirteenth Amendment declares, "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude..

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the "thirteenth amendment", ensure you provide context, such as its historical significance or impact on current legal debates. Avoid using it in isolation without explaining its relevance to the topic at hand.

Common error

A common mistake is believing the "thirteenth amendment" completely eradicated all forms of involuntary servitude. Remember its exception clause: it allows for involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime. Acknowledge this nuance to avoid misrepresenting the amendment's actual provisions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thirteenth amendment" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific amendment to the United States Constitution. As Ludwig indicates, it's a term widely recognized and used in legal, historical, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

26%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thirteenth amendment" is a grammatically sound and very common term used to refer to the constitutional amendment that abolished slavery in the United States. As Ludwig indicates, this term appears frequently in news articles, academic papers, and encyclopedias, reflecting its widespread use in both formal and informal contexts. While the phrase itself is straightforward, understanding the historical and legal context is crucial for accurate and meaningful communication. Knowing common errors, such as misunderstanding the amendment's exceptions, and practicing accurate usage can enhance writing on this important topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Amendment XIII

Uses roman numerals instead of the word "thirteenth".

Abolition amendment

Focuses on the primary outcome of the amendment: abolishing slavery.

Slavery abolishment act

More conversational term to refer to the Thirteenth Amendment and what it did.

Constitutional ban on slavery

Highlights the constitutional nature of the prohibition.

The 1865 amendment

Refers to the year in which the Thirteenth Amendment was passed and ratified.

Amendment to end slavery

Rephrases the amendment's purpose in simpler terms.

Post-civil war amendment

Identifies the amendment in relation to a key historical period.

Reconstruction era amendment

Connects the amendment to the Reconstruction period.

Freedom amendment

Highlights the concept of freedom established by the amendment.

Emancipation amendment

Stresses the emancipation of slaves.

FAQs

What does the "thirteenth amendment" actually say?

The "thirteenth amendment" to the United States Constitution abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. It grants Congress the power to enforce this prohibition.

How does the "thirteenth amendment" differ from the Emancipation Proclamation?

The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Lincoln, only freed slaves in Confederate territories during the Civil War. The "thirteenth amendment", however, is a constitutional amendment that abolished slavery throughout the entire United States.

What was the impact of the "thirteenth amendment"?

The "thirteenth amendment" formally ended legal slavery in the United States, paving the way for the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments, which granted citizenship and voting rights to former slaves. It also spurred debates on economic and social equality for African Americans.

Is the "thirteenth amendment" relevant today?

Yes, the "thirteenth amendment" is still relevant. Its exception clause regarding punishment for crimes is often debated in relation to modern prison labor practices. Also, its legacy continues to shape discussions on racial justice and systemic inequalities.