sentence
A sentence is a punishment given by a judge to someone who has been found guilty of a crime. It explains how much time a person must spend in prison or how much money they must pay as a fine.
Examples
3 of 5The judge gave the man a light sentence because it was his first crime.
The judge gave the man a light punishment because it was his first crime.
The court will pass sentence on the defendant next Monday.
The court will announce the official punishment for the defendant next Monday.
I think he got a very long sentence for such a small mistake.
I think he received a very long time in prison for such a small mistake.
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a judge writing a long 'sentence' (group of words) on a paper that tells the prisoner their fate.
Quick Quiz
The judge gave the thief a two-year prison ____.
Correct!
The correct answer is: sentence
Examples
The judge gave the man a light sentence because it was his first crime.
everydayThe judge gave the man a light punishment because it was his first crime.
The court will pass sentence on the defendant next Monday.
formalThe court will announce the official punishment for the defendant next Monday.
I think he got a very long sentence for such a small mistake.
informalI think he received a very long time in prison for such a small mistake.
Research shows that a harsh sentence does not always stop people from committing crimes.
academicStudies show that a very strong punishment does not always stop people from committing crimes.
The former manager faced a heavy sentence for stealing money from the company.
businessThe former manager received a large punishment for stealing money from the business.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
custodial sentence
a punishment that requires a person to stay in prison
suspended sentence
a punishment that a person does not have to serve if they behave well
maximum sentence
the longest time someone can be put in prison for a specific crime
Often Confused With
A verdict is the decision if someone is guilty or not; a sentence is the actual punishment.
In grammar, a sentence is a group of words, but in law, it is a punishment.
Usage Notes
In a legal context, 'sentence' is a countable noun. It is often used with the verbs 'pass', 'give', or 'receive'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'verdict' when they actually mean 'sentence'. Remember that the sentence comes after the verdict is decided.
Memory Tip
Think of a judge writing a long 'sentence' (group of words) on a paper that tells the prisoner their fate.
Word Origin
From the Latin word 'sententia', which means 'an opinion' or 'a way of thinking'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many legal systems, the jury decides if someone is guilty, but only the judge chooses the sentence.
Quick Quiz
The judge gave the thief a two-year prison ____.
Correct!
The correct answer is: sentence
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
A court is a flat, rectangular area marked with lines for pl...
verdictA verdict is the official decision made by a jury or judge i...
crimeA crime is an action that is against the law and is punishab...
judgeA judge is a person who works in a court of law and makes of...
guiltyFeeling bad because you have done something wrong or think y...
More law words
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tenant
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prosecutor
A1A prosecutor is a lawyer who works for the government. Their job is to show a court that someone has committed a crime.
defendant
A1A defendant is a person or organization that is being accused of a crime or is being sued in a court of law. This person is required to answer the legal charges brought against them by another party.
plaintiff
A1A person or group who brings a legal case against another in a court of law. They are the ones starting the lawsuit because they believe they have been wronged.
jury
A1A group of ordinary people chosen to listen to the facts of a trial in a court of law. They listen to the evidence and decide if a person is guilty or not guilty.
lawsuit
A1A lawsuit is a legal case where one person or group brings a disagreement to a court of law for a judge to decide. It usually happens when someone wants money or a specific action from another person because of a problem or injury.
proof
A1Proof is a fact or a piece of information that shows something is true. In a legal context, it is what a person uses to convince a judge or jury that a crime happened.
misdemeanor
A1A misdemeanor is a minor crime that is less serious than a felony. It is usually punished by a fine or a short period of time in a local jail rather than a state prison.
bail
A1Bail is a sum of money paid to a court so that a person who has been accused of a crime can stay out of jail until their trial starts. If the person shows up for their court date, the money is usually returned.
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