vulnerable to prosecution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vulnerable to prosecution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the legal risks or liabilities that someone may face in relation to criminal charges or legal action. Example: "The company was found to be vulnerable to prosecution due to its failure to comply with safety regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Gay teenagers would appear to be particularly vulnerable to prosecution.

The New York Times

Practically speaking, many feared exactly what has happened -- that the involvement in drugs would make them vulnerable to prosecution.

The New York Times

ADF personnel who kill Isis members not engaged in active hostilities are vulnerable to prosecution under the commonwealth criminal code.

The Guardian

Fein was dismayed to find that Doyon had registered the site using his real name, leaving himself and possibly other Anons vulnerable to prosecution.

The New Yorker

The mere fact of being a Christian or an Ahmadi in Pakistan makes a person vulnerable to prosecution, the commission says.

The New York Times

The drone pilots, Mr Solis writes, may be vulnerable to prosecution for war crimes, and under the Geneva Conventions they can be legally executed by the enemy.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"It's shocking to think that someone would be vulnerable to criminal prosecution based on a prior horrific event, and not on their alleged actions," she said.

The New York Times

Argentina has argued that violating this clause would risk a flood of bondholder claims and could leave officials vulnerable to criminal prosecution for increasing its debt.

The Economist

The judge, Mr Justice Mann, in a brief exchange with MGN's lawyer, described Mr Nicklin's client as "newspaper companies" who were currently "vulnerable to criminal prosecution".

Independent

Trinity Mirror is being investigated by Scotland Yard over its potential corporate involvement in phone hacking with three of its national titles "vulnerable to criminal prosecution", the High Court has heard.

Independent

China's state-owned companies make up a significant portion of its economy, and the case has raised fears among multinational corporations doing business here that information they have access to could make them vulnerable to similar prosecution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vulnerable to prosecution", ensure you clearly specify the actions or circumstances that make someone susceptible to legal action. This adds clarity and context to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "vulnerable to prosecution" without providing specific reasons or context. Overgeneralizing can lead to misinterpretations and weaken your argument. Always support your claim with relevant details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vulnerable to prosecution" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its state of being at risk of legal charges. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is widely recognized and accepted in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vulnerable to prosecution" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a state of legal risk. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English when discussing potential legal liabilities. Found most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, the phrase serves to highlight susceptibility to criminal charges. When using "vulnerable to prosecution", clarity and context are key; avoid overgeneralizations and specify the reasons for the vulnerability. Alternatives such as "exposed to prosecution" or "at risk of prosecution" offer similar meanings. Ultimately, "vulnerable to prosecution" is a valuable tool for discussing legal matters with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exposed to prosecution

Directly indicates a lack of protection from legal action.

at risk of prosecution

Emphasizes the potential for legal charges.

liable to be prosecuted

Highlights legal responsibility and potential for charges.

subject to legal action

Broadly indicates the possibility of facing lawsuits or charges.

open to indictment

Suggests susceptibility to formal accusation.

susceptible to prosecution

Highlights a predisposition to being prosecuted.

accountable under the law

Focuses on legal responsibility and potential repercussions.

legally exposed

Indicates a lack of legal safeguards or protection.

defenseless against prosecution

Emphasizes the lack of ability to resist legal charges.

in danger of being prosecuted

Highlights the imminent threat of legal charges.

FAQs

How can I use "vulnerable to prosecution" in a sentence?

You can use "vulnerable to prosecution" to describe someone or something at risk of being charged with a crime. For example: "The company was "vulnerable to prosecution" due to its safety violations."

What are some alternatives to saying "vulnerable to prosecution"?

Alternatives include "exposed to prosecution", "at risk of prosecution", or "liable to be prosecuted". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "subject to prosecution" instead of "vulnerable to prosecution"?

Yes, "subject to prosecution" is a similar and often interchangeable phrase. However, "vulnerable" emphasizes a weakness or lack of protection, while "subject" simply indicates being under the authority or potential impact of a law or legal process.

What makes someone "vulnerable to prosecution"?

Factors that make someone "vulnerable to prosecution" can include engaging in illegal activities, failing to comply with regulations, or lacking adequate legal defenses. Specific circumstances determine the level of risk.