was prosecuted for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was prosecuted for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone being legally charged and taken to court for a specific crime or offense. Example: "He was prosecuted for embezzlement after an extensive investigation revealed his fraudulent activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Several years later, Wick was prosecuted for tax delinquency.

The New Yorker

Mr. O'Hara was prosecuted for not using his original address.

The New York Times

No one was prosecuted for striking against the government.

The New York Times

Zola was prosecuted for libel and found guilty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was prosecuted for "driving without due care and attention".

Independent

(We know because the management was prosecuted for it).

The Guardian - Film

Stephen Ward was prosecuted for living on immoral earnings.

The Guardian

Defoe was prosecuted for seditious libel and was arrested in May 1703.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Under India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, Dalmia was prosecuted for embezzlement and fraud.

The New Yorker

Girouard, who was prosecuted for murder, was convicted of negligent homicide.

The New Yorker

Turing was prosecuted for being gay at a time when it was illegal in Britain.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Maintain objectivity when reporting on legal matters. Using "was prosecuted for" should be followed by factual details about the charges and the outcome of the case.

Common error

Don't use "was prosecuted for" interchangeably with "was convicted of". Prosecution refers to the act of bringing charges, while conviction means a guilty verdict was reached.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was prosecuted for" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a person or entity was subjected to legal proceedings for a specific offense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used to report legal actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was prosecuted for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate that someone faced legal proceedings for a specific offense. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It's most commonly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and Wiki sources. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by stating the specific crime or offense and avoid confusing it with "was convicted of". Consider alternatives like "faced charges of" or "was charged with" depending on the context. Remember that prosecution refers to the start of legal action, while conviction means a guilty verdict was reached.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was charged with

A more direct alternative, simply stating the charges that were filed.

faced charges of

Replaces "was prosecuted for" with a focus on the initial accusation rather than the full legal process. It highlights the formal charges brought against someone.

stood trial for

Emphasizes the trial aspect of the legal proceedings, indicating that the person actively defended themselves in court.

was on trial for

Similar to "stood trial for" but emphasizes the state of being on trial.

was indicted on

Focuses on the formal indictment by a grand jury, suggesting a more severe or formal legal process.

defended against allegations of

Highlights the defensive aspect and the allegations that prompted the prosecution. Slightly more formal.

was brought to justice for

Emphasizes the attainment of justice as the reason for the prosecution, adding a layer of moral judgment.

was subject to legal proceedings for

A more formal and broad term, indicating any kind of legal process, not necessarily criminal.

was held accountable for

Highlights the responsibility and the act of being held responsible through legal means.

had to answer for

Suggests accountability and responsibility for the actions leading to the legal consequences, implying a sense of moral obligation.

FAQs

What's the difference between "was prosecuted for" and "was convicted of"?

"Was prosecuted for" means someone was formally charged and brought to trial, while "was convicted of" indicates they were found guilty. Someone can be prosecuted but not convicted if they are acquitted or the charges are dropped.

What are some alternatives to saying "was prosecuted for"?

You can use alternatives like "faced charges of", "stood trial for", or "was charged with" depending on the specific context you wish to emphasize.

How do I use "was prosecuted for" in a sentence?

Use "was prosecuted for" to indicate that someone faced legal proceedings for a specific offense. For example: "The CEO was prosecuted for fraud".

Is it correct to say "was prosecuted of" instead of "was prosecuted for"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "was prosecuted" is "for". "Was prosecuted of" is grammatically incorrect.