was executed for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was executed for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing legal sentences, particularly in reference to capital punishment or execution for a crime. Example: "The defendant was executed for his role in the heinous crime that shocked the nation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Socrates was executed for stirring up trouble.

The New York Times

The editor was executed for this decision.

The New York Times

He confessed and was executed for the killing.

The New York Times

He was executed for apostasy by the local rabbinical court.

The Guardian

A month later he was executed for treason.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Leroy Brown Jr., 8, was executed for an act of innocence.

The New York Times

In 1975, Mohamed Forna, a doctor and leading Sierra Leonean dissident, was executed for treason.

The New Yorker

She was always so funny until she was executed for insubordination and imitation of a royal.

The New Yorker

Crowther's brother, in fact, was executed for the murder of their father, the Baron of Keswick.

Independent

This March, for instance, Farzaneh Moradi, 28, was executed for murdering her husband.

The Guardian

The earlier was executed for the Sassetti Chapel in Santa Trinita in Florence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was executed for", ensure the context clearly indicates the crime or reason leading to the execution. Provide specific details rather than vague references for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "was executed for" in contexts where the punishment doesn't involve capital punishment. Using it loosely can create a false sense of severity. Instead, choose words that accurately reflect the consequence, such as "was fired for" or "was penalized for".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was executed for" functions as a passive construction indicating the reason for someone's capital punishment. It highlights the crime or transgression that led to the execution. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples in which this phrase conveys precise legal or historical information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was executed for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote the specific reason someone received capital punishment. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalence across diverse contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and scientific articles. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in specifying the cause of execution and avoid its hyperbolic use in contexts involving lesser penalties. Alternatives include "was put to death for" or "was sentenced to death for", depending on the desired tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was put to death for

Replaces "executed" with a more descriptive phrase about the act of ending someone's life.

was killed as punishment for

Directly states the action and its purpose.

was sentenced to death for

Focuses on the legal judgment that led to the execution.

faced capital punishment for

More formally indicates the type of punishment received.

was condemned to die for

Highlights the act of condemnation or judgment.

was legally killed for

Specifies the legal basis for the execution.

paid the ultimate price for

A more figurative way of saying someone was executed, emphasizing the severity of the consequence.

suffered execution because of

Emphasizes the suffering involved in the execution.

was sacrificed for

Implies a higher purpose or cause related to the execution, often used metaphorically.

met his/her end due to

Euphemistic expression to describe death after a legal trial.

FAQs

How to use "was executed for" in a sentence?

Use "was executed for" to indicate the specific reason someone received capital punishment. For example, "He "was executed for" treason" clearly states the cause of the execution.

What can I say instead of "was executed for"?

You can use alternatives like "was put to death for", "was sentenced to death for", or "faced capital punishment for", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it appropriate to use "was executed for" in a modern context?

Yes, it's appropriate, especially when discussing historical events or legal outcomes involving capital punishment. However, ensure the context is accurate and the language is not used hyperbolically for lesser penalties.

What's the difference between "was executed for" and "was imprisoned for"?

"Was executed for" indicates that someone received the death penalty as a punishment for a crime, while "was imprisoned for" means they were incarcerated. The former is a far more severe consequence than the latter.