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A1 noun #17 le plus courant 18 min de lecture

sentence

Top 17

At the A1 level, you should know that a 'sentence' is a punishment given by a judge. If someone does something very bad, like stealing, they might have to go to prison. The time they spend in prison is their sentence. For example, 'The man has a five-year sentence.' This means he must stay in prison for five years. You can also have a sentence that is just paying money, which we call a fine. It is important to remember that a judge is the person who decides the sentence. In your first English lessons, you also learn that a 'sentence' is a group of words that starts with a big letter and ends with a dot. These are two different meanings for the same word. In law, it is always about punishment. You might hear it in simple stories about police and bad people. Just remember: Judge + Bad Action = Sentence. It is a very important word for talking about rules and what happens when people break them. You don't need to know all the complex legal types yet, just that it means the punishment from a court.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'sentence' in more complete ways. You should know the verb form: 'to sentence someone to something.' For example, 'The judge sentenced the thief to two years in jail.' Notice the word 'to' after 'sentenced.' This is a very common pattern. You can also talk about 'serving a sentence.' This means the person is currently in prison or doing their punishment. 'He is serving his sentence now.' You might also learn about different types of sentences, like a 'prison sentence' or a 'life sentence.' A life sentence means the person stays in prison for a very long time, maybe until they die. You will see this word in news reports or simple TV shows about crime. It is also helpful to know that a sentence can be 'short' or 'long.' If a crime is not very bad, the sentence is short. If the crime is very bad, the sentence is long. You are starting to see how the legal system works through this word.

At the B1 level, you should understand the distinction between the 'verdict' and the 'sentence.' The verdict is when the jury or judge says 'guilty' or 'not guilty.' The sentence is the punishment that comes after a guilty verdict. You can use phrases like 'hand down a sentence' or 'pass a sentence.' For example, 'The judge handed down a harsh sentence to the corporate criminal.' You should also be familiar with the concept of a 'suspended sentence.' This is when a person is given a punishment, but they don't have to go to prison immediately. If they stay out of trouble, they might never have to go. This is a more nuanced way of using the word. You can also talk about 'sentencing guidelines,' which are the rules judges use to make sure punishments are fair. At this level, you can participate in discussions about whether a sentence was 'fair' or 'unfair' based on the crime committed. You are moving beyond simple definitions to understanding how sentences are determined and applied in society.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'sentence' in complex legal and social contexts. You should understand terms like 'mandatory minimum sentence,' which means the law says a judge *must* give at least a certain amount of time for a specific crime. You can also discuss 'concurrent' and 'consecutive' sentences. Concurrent means serving two punishments at the same time, while consecutive means serving them one after another. This is important for understanding the actual length of time someone will spend in prison. You should also know the word 'commute.' A governor or president can 'commute a sentence,' which means they reduce it or change it to something less severe. You can use 'sentence' metaphorically as well, such as 'The lack of investment was a death sentence for the small company.' This shows a high level of English proficiency. You should be able to read news articles about legal reforms and understand the debate around 'sentencing policy.' Your vocabulary should include collocations like 'stiff sentence,' 'lenient sentence,' and 'custodial sentence.'

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the legal and philosophical implications of the word 'sentence.' You can discuss the 'sentencing phase' of a capital trial and the various factors that influence a judge's decision, such as 'mitigating circumstances' (things that make the crime seem less bad) and 'aggravating factors' (things that make it worse). You should be able to analyze how different legal systems (like Common Law vs. Civil Law) approach sentencing. You can use the word in academic writing about criminology or sociology, discussing the 'deterrent effect' of certain sentences. You should also be aware of the historical evolution of sentencing, from corporal punishment to modern incarceration and restorative justice. Your use of the word should be precise and varied, using synonyms like 'sanction' or 'judgment' when appropriate. You can also explore the psychological impact of a sentence on both the offender and the victim. At this level, you are expected to understand the nuances of legal language in high-level texts, such as supreme court rulings or international law documents.

At the C2 level, you possess a near-native command of the word 'sentence' and its myriad applications. You can navigate the most complex legal jargon, understanding the intricacies of 'determinate' vs. 'indeterminate' sentencing and the constitutional challenges to certain sentencing practices. You can engage in high-level debates about the ethics of 'life without parole' or the 'death sentence' in a global context. You understand the historical shift from 'sententia' as a personal opinion to 'sentence' as a state-mandated punishment. You can use the word with absolute precision in legal briefs, philosophical essays, or literary critiques. You are also sensitive to the subtle connotations of the word in different English-speaking cultures (e.g., the difference between the UK and US legal systems). You can use 'sentence' in highly sophisticated metaphors and idiomatic expressions, and you can identify when the word is being used to evoke specific emotional or authoritative responses in political rhetoric. Your understanding is not just linguistic, but also deeply contextual and interdisciplinary, spanning law, history, ethics, and social science.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

sentence en 30 secondes

A legal sentence is the formal punishment given by a judge to a person found guilty of a crime.
It can include prison time, fines, community service, or other court-ordered penalties.
The sentence is decided during the final stage of a trial, following the verdict of guilt.
Common phrases include 'serving a sentence,' 'life sentence,' and 'sentenced to prison.'

The word sentence in a legal context refers to the formal declaration of punishment handed down by a court of law to a person who has been found guilty of a crime. While many beginners first learn 'sentence' as a group of words starting with a capital letter, in the world of law and justice, it carries a much heavier weight. It is the final stage of a criminal trial, occurring after the verdict—the decision of 'guilty' or 'not guilty'—has been reached. When a judge delivers a sentence, they are essentially deciding the fate of the individual based on the laws of the land, the severity of the crime, and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances. This process is fundamental to the judicial system because it represents the transition from the determination of guilt to the imposition of consequences. Understanding this word requires looking at it through the lens of authority and social order. It is not merely a suggestion; it is a binding legal order that must be followed. The sentence can take many forms, ranging from a simple fine or community service to long-term imprisonment or, in some jurisdictions, even more severe penalties. The purpose of a sentence is multifaceted: it aims to punish the offender, deter others from committing similar crimes, protect the public, and sometimes to rehabilitate the individual so they can eventually return to society as a law-abiding citizen.

Legal Authority: Only a judge or a magistrate has the legal power to pass a sentence. This authority is derived from the state or the crown, ensuring that the punishment is objective and based on established statutes rather than personal revenge.

The judge will announce the sentence tomorrow morning at ten o'clock.

In everyday conversation, you might hear people talk about 'serving a sentence.' This refers to the time spent actually undergoing the punishment, usually in prison. For example, 'He is serving a five-year sentence for robbery.' The word is also used in the context of 'sentencing guidelines,' which are rules that help judges decide what the appropriate punishment should be for specific crimes to ensure fairness and consistency across different cases. Without these guidelines, sentences for the same crime might vary wildly from one judge to another. There is also the concept of a 'suspended sentence,' where the judge decides the punishment but allows the person to stay out of prison as long as they do not commit any more crimes for a certain period. This is often used for first-time offenders or for less serious crimes. The complexity of the word grows when we consider 'concurrent' versus 'consecutive' sentences. If someone is convicted of two crimes and given two five-year sentences, a concurrent sentence means they serve both at the same time (five years total), while a consecutive sentence means they serve one after the other (ten years total). This distinction is vital in legal reporting and discussions about justice reform.

A mandatory minimum sentence ensures that certain crimes always result in prison time.

Rehabilitation: Modern sentencing often includes elements designed to help the offender change their behavior, such as mandatory counseling or drug treatment programs.

Historically, the word 'sentence' comes from the Latin 'sententia,' which meant an opinion, a way of thinking, or a feeling. Over time, it evolved in the legal system to mean a formal opinion or judgment expressed by a court. This historical root helps us understand why a sentence is seen as the 'final word' on a matter. It is the culmination of the legal process. In literature and media, the 'death sentence' is perhaps the most dramatic use of the word, representing the ultimate punishment. However, in most modern contexts, it refers to more common penalties. When you read news about high-profile trials, the 'sentencing phase' is often just as closely watched as the trial itself, as it determines the actual impact the crime will have on the perpetrator's life. The word carries a sense of finality and gravity that few other words in the English language possess.

The defendant wept when the life sentence was read aloud in the courtroom.

After the appeal, his original sentence was reduced from ten years to six.

Deterrence: One goal of a harsh sentence is to scare other people so they do not want to commit the same crime and face the same punishment.

The community felt that the light sentence did not match the gravity of the offense.

Using the word sentence correctly involves understanding its role as both a noun and a verb, though the noun form is most common when discussing legal punishments. As a noun, it frequently appears as the object of verbs like 'pass,' 'hand down,' 'impose,' or 'receive.' For example, 'The judge passed a sentence of ten years.' Here, 'sentence' is the specific punishment. You can also 'serve' a sentence, which means you are currently undergoing the punishment. 'He is serving a sentence for tax evasion.' Notice how the preposition 'for' is used to indicate the crime. This is a crucial grammatical pattern to master. When describing the length of the punishment, we often use 'of' followed by the duration: 'a sentence of life imprisonment' or 'a sentence of six months.' It is also common to use the duration as an adjective before the noun: 'a ten-year sentence.' Note that when used as an adjective, 'ten-year' is hyphenated and the word 'year' is singular.

Verb Usage: As a verb, 'to sentence' means to officially give a punishment. It is almost always used in the passive voice: 'He was sentenced to death' or 'She was sentenced to community service.'

The court will sentence the defendant next Tuesday.

When using the verb form, the preposition 'to' is essential. You are sentenced *to* a punishment. 'The thief was sentenced to three years in prison.' You do not say 'sentenced with' or 'sentenced for' when describing the punishment itself, though you can say 'sentenced for a crime' to describe the reason. For instance, 'He was sentenced to life for murder.' This distinction is a common area of confusion for English learners. Another important aspect is the use of adjectives to modify 'sentence.' Words like 'harsh,' 'lenient,' 'maximum,' 'minimum,' 'stiff,' and 'light' are frequently used to describe the nature of the punishment. 'The judge was known for giving harsh sentences to repeat offenders.' This helps convey the speaker's or the public's opinion on whether the punishment was fair. In more formal or academic writing, you might encounter 'custodial sentence' (prison) versus 'non-custodial sentence' (fines, community service). Using these specific terms can greatly enhance the precision of your writing.

He received a sentence of fifty hours of community service.

Collocations with 'Sentence': Common verb-noun pairings include: carry a sentence, commute a sentence, reduce a sentence, and overturn a sentence.

Furthermore, 'sentence' can be used in the plural form when discussing multiple punishments or the general concept of punishments. 'The sentences for drug offenses have become more severe over the last decade.' In legal discussions, you might also hear about 'sentencing hearings,' which are specific court sessions dedicated solely to determining the punishment after a person has been found guilty. During these hearings, lawyers for both sides present arguments for why a sentence should be higher or lower. Victims might also give 'victim impact statements' to influence the judge's decision. This contextual use of the word highlights its importance as a process, not just a single moment in time. Whether you are writing a news report, a legal essay, or just discussing a movie plot, using 'sentence' with the correct prepositions and collocations will make your English sound much more natural and professional. Always pay attention to whether you are using it as a noun (the punishment) or a verb (the act of giving the punishment).

The lawyer argued that a prison sentence would be inappropriate for such a minor offense.

The governor has the power to commute a death sentence to life in prison.

Adjective Form: The word 'sentencing' often acts as an adjective, as in 'sentencing guidelines' or 'sentencing phase'.

After the jury's verdict, the sentencing phase of the trial began.

You will encounter the word sentence in several specific environments, primarily those related to the legal system, news media, and entertainment. The most obvious place is a courtroom. If you ever attend a trial or watch a live broadcast of one, the judge will use this word during the final stage of the proceedings. They might say, 'It is the sentence of this court that you be confined...' This formal usage is steeped in tradition and gravity. In the news, 'sentence' is a staple of crime reporting. Headlines often scream things like 'Politician Faces Long Prison Sentence' or 'Judge Hands Down Maximum Sentence.' Journalists use the word to summarize the outcome of legal battles, making it a key term for anyone following current events or international news. It provides a quick way to understand the severity of a crime and the state's response to it. If you enjoy 'True Crime' podcasts or documentaries, you will hear this word constantly as narrators describe the legal conclusions of the cases they cover.

Television and Film: Legal dramas like 'Law & Order' or 'Suits' frequently use the word 'sentence' during dramatic climaxes where the characters' futures are decided.

The news anchor reported that the sentence was 'unusually light' given the evidence.

Beyond the legal and media spheres, you might hear 'sentence' used metaphorically in literature or everyday speech. Someone might say, 'Being stuck in this boring job feels like a life sentence.' Here, the word is used to describe a situation that feels like a long, inescapable punishment, even though no actual crime was committed. This metaphorical use relies on the listener's understanding of the word's legal weight to convey a sense of dread or permanence. In history books, you'll read about famous sentences, such as the 'death sentence' given to Socrates or the 'exile sentence' of Napoleon. These historical contexts show how the concept of a sentence has been used by societies for thousands of years to manage dissent and punish those who break social norms. In political discussions, you might hear about 'sentencing reform,' which refers to efforts to change laws so that punishments are fairer or more focused on rehabilitation than just locking people away. This is a major topic in modern sociology and political science.

The prisoner's sentence was reduced for good behavior.

Literature: In Kafka's 'The Trial,' the concept of an unknown and unreachable sentence is a central theme of existential dread.

In professional settings, particularly for those working in social work, law enforcement, or the civil service, 'sentence' is a technical term used in reports and case files. 'The subject has completed 40% of their court-mandated sentence.' It is also used in discussions about 'parole,' which is the early release of a prisoner before their full sentence is served, usually under certain conditions. Understanding the nuances of how 'sentence' is used in these different fields is essential for clear communication. Even in video games, especially those with a crime or RPG theme (like 'Grand Theft Auto' or 'Skyrim'), you might encounter the word when your character is caught by the authorities. The game might say, 'You have been sentenced to 3 days in the dungeons.' This wide range of applications—from the highest courts to digital entertainment—shows just how deeply the concept of a legal sentence is embedded in our culture and language. It is a word that signals a shift from action to consequence, from the trial of facts to the reality of punishment.

The documentary explored the impact of mandatory minimum sentences on families.

He felt that his life in the small town was a sentence he didn't deserve.

Global Context: International courts, like the ICC, pass sentences for war crimes, which are watched by the entire world.

The judge's sentence was met with cheers from the gallery.

The most common mistake people make with the word sentence is confusing its two primary meanings: the linguistic one (a group of words) and the legal one (a punishment). While they share the same spelling and pronunciation, they are used in completely different contexts. In a legal discussion, saying 'He wrote a long sentence' would be very confusing unless you are talking about a prisoner writing a letter. Another frequent error involves the preposition used with the verb form. Many learners say 'He was sentenced with five years' or 'He was sentenced for five years.' The correct preposition is to: 'He was sentenced to five years.' You use 'for' to describe the crime, not the punishment: 'He was sentenced to five years for theft.' Mixing these up can make your speech sound awkward or even change the meaning of what you are trying to say. It's also important to remember that 'sentence' is the punishment itself, while 'conviction' is the state of being found guilty. You can be convicted without being sentenced yet, but you cannot be sentenced without being convicted.

Confusing 'Sentence' and 'Verdict': A common error is using 'sentence' when you mean 'verdict.' The verdict is 'guilty' or 'not guilty.' The sentence is the '5 years in prison' that follows the guilty verdict.

Incorrect: The judge gave a sentence of 'not guilty'.
Correct: The jury returned a verdict of 'not guilty'.

Another mistake is related to the word 'serve.' People sometimes say 'He is doing his sentence.' While this is understandable, the more natural and common collocation is 'serving his sentence.' Using 'doing' sounds a bit more like slang (e.g., 'doing time'). Additionally, when using 'sentence' as an adjective, such as in 'a ten-year sentence,' learners often forget to keep 'year' singular. They might say 'a ten-years sentence,' which is grammatically incorrect. The hyphenated unit 'ten-year' acts as a single adjective, and in English, adjectives do not have plural forms. This is a rule that applies to many measurements, like 'a five-mile run' or 'a two-hour movie.' Furthermore, some learners confuse 'sentence' with 'penalty' or 'fine.' While a fine can be part of a sentence, the 'sentence' is the overall judgment. You wouldn't usually say 'He received a sentence of $500'; instead, you'd say 'He was sentenced to pay a $500 fine' or 'His sentence included a $500 fine.'

Incorrect: He was sentenced for ten years in prison.
Correct: He was sentenced to ten years in prison.

Pronunciation Pitfall: The 't' in the middle of 'sentence' is often glottalized or softened in American English, sounding like 'sen-ence.' However, in formal legal settings, it is usually pronounced clearly.

Lastly, there's the confusion between 'concurrent' and 'consecutive' sentences, which we mentioned earlier. Misusing these can lead to a massive misunderstanding of how much time someone will actually spend in prison. A 'concurrent' sentence means the time overlaps, while 'consecutive' means the time is added together. If a journalist or a student gets these mixed up, they might report that someone is going to prison for 20 years when they are actually only going for 10. This is a common error in news summaries. To avoid these mistakes, always double-check the context. If you are talking about law, remember the 'to' preposition, the 'serving' collocation, and the distinction between the verdict (guilt) and the sentence (punishment). By keeping these rules in mind, you will use 'sentence' with the precision and accuracy of a legal professional.

Incorrect: The prisoner is making his sentence.
Correct: The prisoner is serving his sentence.

He received two five-year sentences to be served concurrently.

Spelling Note: Be careful not to spell it 'sentance.' The ending is always '-ence,' which is common for nouns derived from Latin.

The judge's sentence was consistent with the sentencing guidelines.

While sentence is the most precise word for a court-ordered punishment, there are several other words that are related or can be used as alternatives depending on the context. The most common synonym is punishment. However, 'punishment' is a much broader term. It can refer to anything from a parent scolding a child to a teacher giving extra homework. 'Sentence' is strictly legal. Another similar word is penalty. A penalty is often used for less serious offenses, like traffic violations or breaking the rules of a game ('a five-yard penalty'). In law, 'penalty' and 'sentence' are often used interchangeably, but 'sentence' usually implies a more formal court process. Then there is judgment. While a sentence is a type of judgment, 'judgment' can also refer to the decision in a civil case (like a lawsuit over money), whereas 'sentence' is almost exclusively used in criminal law. Understanding these subtle differences will help you choose the right word for the right situation.

Sentence vs. Punishment: A sentence is a formal, legal punishment. All sentences are punishments, but not all punishments are sentences.
Sentence vs. Verdict: The verdict is the decision of guilt; the sentence is the consequence of that guilt.
Sentence vs. Fine: A fine is a specific type of sentence involving money. A sentence could be a fine, prison time, or both.

The sentence for the crime was a heavy fine and two years of probation.

Other words you might encounter include sanction. In international law, 'sanctions' are penalties imposed by one country on another. In a legal sense, a sanction is a way to force someone to obey the law. It's more technical and often used in corporate or international contexts. Condemnation is another related word, but it usually refers to the act of expressing strong disapproval or the state of being sentenced to a very severe punishment, like 'condemned to death.' In some contexts, doom can be a very dramatic, literary synonym for a sentence, implying an inescapable and tragic fate. For example, 'He met his doom on the gallows.' However, you would never use 'doom' in a modern legal report. For those interested in the more positive side of the legal system, acquittal is the opposite of a sentence—it's when someone is found not guilty and set free. Knowing these alternatives allows you to describe legal outcomes with more variety and precision.

The sanctions imposed by the court were meant to deter future misconduct.

Sentence vs. Decree: A decree is an official order issued by a legal authority, often a monarch or a government, which can include a sentence but is broader in scope.

In summary, while 'sentence' is the standard term for a judge's decision on punishment, your choice of words can change the tone and focus of your message. Use 'punishment' for a general sense, 'penalty' for rules or minor offenses, 'sanction' for technical or international contexts, and 'judgment' for the overall legal decision. By understanding these synonyms and their specific registers, you can navigate the complex language of the law with confidence. Whether you are discussing a high-stakes trial or a simple rule-breaking incident, having the right word at your disposal is key to clear and effective communication. Always consider the level of formality and the specific legal environment when choosing between 'sentence' and its many alternatives.

The verdict was guilty, but the sentence has not yet been announced.

The judge's judgment was final, and no further appeals were allowed.

Sentence vs. Conviction: A conviction is the record of being found guilty. A sentence is what you must do because of that conviction.

His conviction led to a ten-year sentence.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The legal meaning of 'sentence' (a judicial decision) and the grammatical meaning (a complete thought in words) both come from the same Latin root meaning 'opinion.' In the past, a 'sentence' was simply a judge's 'opinion' on a case.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈsentəns/

US /ˈsentəns/

First syllable (SEN-tence)

Rime avec

repentance acceptance penance (near rhyme) entrance (noun) maintenance (near rhyme) governance (near rhyme) sustenance (near rhyme) vengeance (near rhyme)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the second syllable like 'tense' (as in 'past tense'). It should be a soft 'tuhns'.
Adding an extra 'i' sound, like 'sentience' (which is a different word meaning the ability to feel).
Swapping the 's' and 'c' sounds in the middle.
Stress on the second syllable: sen-TENCE (incorrect).
Confusing the spelling with 'sentance'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, but requires distinguishing from the grammatical meaning.

Écriture 3/5

Requires correct use of prepositions like 'to' and 'for'.

Expression orale 2/5

Commonly used in news and storytelling; pronunciation is straightforward.

Écoute 2/5

Easily understood in legal or news contexts.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

judge court crime punish guilty

Apprends ensuite

verdict conviction parole probation appeal

Avancé

jurisprudence mitigation retribution incarceration statutory

Grammaire à connaître

Passive Voice with 'Sentenced'

He was sentenced to ten years.

Compound Adjectives with Hyphens

A five-year sentence (not five-years).

Preposition 'To' for Punishment

Sentenced to prison.

Preposition 'For' for Crime

Sentenced for robbery.

Noun as Adjective (Sentencing)

The sentencing phase.

Exemples par niveau

The judge gave him a short sentence.

Le juge lui a donné une peine courte.

Noun: 'sentence' is the object of the verb 'gave'.

He has a five-year sentence in prison.

Il a une peine de cinq ans de prison.

Compound adjective: 'five-year' modifies 'sentence'.

The sentence was a small fine.

La peine était une petite amende.

Linking verb 'was' connects 'sentence' to 'fine'.

The judge will decide the sentence today.

Le juge décidera de la peine aujourd'hui.

Future tense: 'will decide'.

She received a sentence for stealing.

Elle a reçu une peine pour vol.

Preposition 'for' introduces the crime.

The sentence is not very long.

La peine n'est pas très longue.

Negative construction: 'is not'.

Is the sentence fair?

La peine est-elle juste ?

Question form: 'Is the sentence...?'

He finished his prison sentence.

Il a terminé sa peine de prison.

Possessive adjective 'his' modifies 'sentence'.

The judge sentenced him to three years.

Le juge l'a condamné à trois ans.

Verb: 'sentenced' followed by 'to'.

She is serving a sentence for a crime.

Elle purge une peine pour un crime.

Present continuous: 'is serving'.

They gave the thief a light sentence.

Ils ont donné au voleur une peine légère.

Adjective 'light' describes the 'sentence'.

He was sentenced to community service.

Il a été condamné à des travaux d'intérêt général.

Passive voice: 'was sentenced'.

The sentence was announced on the news.

La peine a été annoncée aux informations.

Passive voice: 'was announced'.

She was happy with her short sentence.

Elle était contente de sa courte peine.

Prepositional phrase 'with her short sentence'.

The judge passed the sentence quickly.

Le juge a rendu la sentence rapidement.

Adverb 'quickly' modifies 'passed'.

He was sentenced for driving too fast.

Il a été condamné pour avoir conduit trop vite.

Gerund 'driving' after 'for'.

The judge handed down a suspended sentence.

Le juge a prononcé une peine avec sursis.

Phrasal verb 'handed down' is common in law.

He received a ten-year sentence for fraud.

Il a reçu une peine de dix ans pour fraude.

Specific crime 'fraud' introduced by 'for'.

The sentencing guidelines are very strict.

Les directives de condamnation sont très strictes.

'Sentencing' acts as an adjective here.

The lawyer argued for a more lenient sentence.

L'avocat a plaidé pour une peine plus clémente.

Comparative adjective 'more lenient'.

She has already served half of her sentence.

Elle a déjà purgé la moitié de sa peine.

Present perfect: 'has served'.

The maximum sentence for this crime is life.

La peine maximale pour ce crime est la perpétuité.

Subject 'maximum sentence'.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment.

Il a été condamné à la prison à vie.

Passive voice with 'to' and a noun phrase.

The judge's sentence surprised everyone.

La sentence du juge a surpris tout le monde.

Possessive 'judge's' modifies 'sentence'.

The defendant is facing a mandatory minimum sentence.

Le prévenu risque une peine minimale obligatoire.

Present continuous: 'is facing'.

The sentences will run concurrently, not consecutively.

Les peines seront confondues, pas cumulées.

Adverbs 'concurrently' and 'consecutively'.

The governor decided to commute his death sentence.

Le gouverneur a décidé de commuer sa peine de mort.

Infinitive 'to commute' as the object of 'decided'.

The judge took mitigating factors into account during sentencing.

Le juge a tenu compte des circonstances atténuantes lors du prononcé de la peine.

Prepositional phrase 'during sentencing'.

The stiff sentence was intended to act as a deterrent.

La peine sévère visait à avoir un effet dissuasif.

Passive voice 'was intended'.

He was sentenced to 500 hours of community service.

Il a été condamné à 500 heures de travaux d'intérêt général.

Specific quantity '500 hours' used with 'to'.

The court overturned the original sentence on appeal.

Le tribunal a annulé la sentence initiale en appel.

Past tense 'overturned'.

The sentencing phase of the trial lasted three days.

La phase de condamnation du procès a duré trois jours.

Noun phrase 'sentencing phase'.

The judge's sentencing remarks were widely criticized.

Les observations du juge lors du prononcé de la peine ont été largement critiquées.

Compound noun 'sentencing remarks'.

The lack of educational opportunities is a life sentence for many.

Le manque de possibilités d'éducation est une condamnation à vie pour beaucoup.

Metaphorical use of 'life sentence'.

Aggravating factors led to the imposition of the maximum sentence.

Des circonstances aggravantes ont conduit à l'imposition de la peine maximale.

Formal noun 'imposition'.

The prisoner's sentence was remitted due to good behavior.

La peine du prisonnier a été remise en raison de sa bonne conduite.

Formal verb 'remitted'.

The sentencing disparity between the two cases was alarming.

La disparité des peines entre les deux cas était alarmante.

Noun 'disparity' modified by 'sentencing'.

He was sentenced in absentia to twenty years in prison.

Il a été condamné par contumace à vingt ans de prison.

Latin phrase 'in absentia' used as an adverbial.

The legislation aims to standardize sentencing across the country.

La législation vise à normaliser les peines dans tout le pays.

Infinitive 'to standardize'.

The judge exercised his discretion in determining the sentence.

Le juge a exercé son pouvoir discrétionnaire pour déterminer la peine.

Formal phrase 'exercised his discretion'.

The jurisprudence regarding mandatory sentencing has evolved significantly.

La jurisprudence concernant les peines obligatoires a considérablement évolué.

Academic noun 'jurisprudence'.

The sentence was a manifestation of the court's retributive justice.

La sentence était une manifestation de la justice rétributive du tribunal.

Complex noun phrase 'retributive justice'.

The appellant sought a stay of the sentence pending further review.

L'appelant a demandé un sursis à l'exécution de la peine dans l'attente d'un nouvel examen.

Legal term 'stay of the sentence'.

The judge's decision to depart from the sentencing guidelines was unprecedented.

La décision du juge de s'écarter des directives de condamnation était sans précédent.

Infinitive phrase 'to depart from'.

The societal cost of mass incarceration is often overlooked in sentencing debates.

Le coût sociétal de l'incarcération de masse est souvent négligé dans les débats sur la condamnation.

Passive voice 'is often overlooked'.

The sentence was vacated after new DNA evidence came to light.

La sentence a été annulée après la découverte de nouvelles preuves ADN.

Legal verb 'vacated'.

The proportionality of the sentence to the crime is a cornerstone of justice.

La proportionnalité de la peine par rapport au crime est une pierre angulaire de la justice.

Abstract noun 'proportionality'.

The judge delivered a scathing critique during the sentencing hearing.

Le juge a prononcé une critique cinglante lors de l'audience de condamnation.

Adjective 'scathing' modifies 'critique'.

Synonymes

punishment penalty judgment ruling conviction

Antonymes

acquittal pardon release

Collocations courantes

pass a sentence

serve a sentence

hand down a sentence

prison sentence

life sentence

suspended sentence

harsh sentence

lenient sentence

maximum sentence

sentencing guidelines

Phrases Courantes

Death sentence

Custodial sentence

Non-custodial sentence

Serve time

Concurrent sentence

Consecutive sentence

Sentence of the court

Reduced sentence

Commute a sentence

Mandatory sentence

Souvent confondu avec

sentence vs sentence (grammar)

A group of words. Same spelling, different meaning. Context is key.

sentence vs verdict

The decision of guilty/not guilty. The sentence comes after the verdict.

sentence vs conviction

The formal record of guilt. You are sentenced because of a conviction.

Expressions idiomatiques

"A life sentence"

A situation that feels like it will last forever and is very unpleasant.

Working in this office feels like a life sentence.

informal/metaphorical

"To be a death sentence for"

To be something that will definitely cause the failure or end of something else.

The new tax was a death sentence for small businesses.

metaphorical

"Pass sentence on"

To judge or criticize someone's behavior or character in a final way.

It's not our place to pass sentence on her choices.

figurative

"Serve one's time"

To complete a period of work or punishment. Often used for finishing a job or a prison term.

He served his time in the army and then went to college.

neutral

"Get off with a light sentence"

To receive a punishment that is much less severe than expected.

He got off with a light sentence despite the seriousness of the crime.

neutral

"Throw the book at someone"

To give someone the maximum possible sentence or punishment.

The judge decided to throw the book at the repeat offender.

informal

"Do time"

To spend time in prison.

He's doing time for armed robbery.

slang

"A slap on the wrist"

A very mild punishment for a crime or mistake that deserved something worse.

The fine was just a slap on the wrist for a multi-million dollar company.

informal

"Pay one's debt to society"

To finish serving a prison sentence and thus be considered 'even' with the community.

After ten years, he has finally paid his debt to society.

formal/cliché

"Behind bars"

In prison, serving a sentence.

The criminal will spend the next twenty years behind bars.

informal

Facile à confondre

sentence vs Penalty

Both mean punishment.

Sentence is specifically from a court for a crime; penalty is broader (sports, fines, rules).

The penalty for a foul is a free kick; the sentence for the crime is prison.

sentence vs Judgment

Both are court decisions.

Judgment is any court decision (civil or criminal); sentence is specifically the punishment in a criminal case.

The judge's judgment included a sentence of three years.

sentence vs Sanction

Both are legal consequences.

Sanctions are often international or corporate; sentences are individual criminal punishments.

The company faced sanctions; the CEO received a prison sentence.

sentence vs Fine

A fine is often the sentence.

A fine is the money paid; the sentence is the official order to pay it.

His sentence was a $500 fine.

sentence vs Probation

It's a type of legal outcome.

Probation is a period of supervision instead of prison; it is a *type* of sentence.

He was sentenced to two years of probation.

Structures de phrases

The [Person] has a [Time] sentence.

The man has a one-year sentence.

The judge sentenced [Person] to [Punishment].

The judge sentenced him to a fine.

[Person] is serving a sentence for [Crime].

She is serving a sentence for theft.

The court handed down a [Adjective] sentence.

The court handed down a harsh sentence.

The sentence was [Verb-ed] due to [Reason].

The sentence was reduced due to good behavior.

The [Noun] of the sentence was [Adjective].

The proportionality of the sentence was questioned.

He received a [Time] suspended sentence.

He received a six-month suspended sentence.

The sentences will run [Adverb].

The sentences will run concurrently.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in news, legal contexts, and crime fiction.

Erreurs courantes

The judge gave a sentence of 'guilty'. → The jury returned a verdict of 'guilty'.
'Guilty' is a verdict, not a sentence. The sentence is the punishment that follows.
He was sentenced for five years. → He was sentenced to five years.
Use 'to' for the punishment and 'for' for the crime. Example: 'Sentenced to five years for theft.'
She is doing her sentence in prison. → She is serving her sentence in prison.
'Serving' is the standard and more professional collocation for completing a sentence.
It was a ten-years sentence. → It was a ten-year sentence.
When used as an adjective before a noun, the time period should be singular and hyphenated.
The sentence was a $500 fine. → He was sentenced to pay a $500 fine.
While the first is okay in casual speech, the second is more precise in a legal context.

Astuces

Use 'To' for Punishments

When using the verb 'sentence,' always follow it with 'to' before the punishment. Example: 'Sentenced to life,' not 'Sentenced with life.'

Sentence vs. Verdict

Remember: Verdict = Guilty/Not Guilty. Sentence = Prison/Fine. They are two different steps in a trial.

Formal Phrasing

Use 'hand down a sentence' instead of 'give a sentence' to sound more like a professional journalist or lawyer.

The '-ence' Ending

Always spell it with '-ence' at the end. It's a common ending for nouns that come from Latin.

Metaphorical Use

You can use 'life sentence' to describe a boring job or a bad situation that feels like it will never end.

Hyphenate Adjectives

When the time is an adjective, use a hyphen and singular 'year.' Example: 'A ten-year sentence.'

Glottal Stop

In American English, the 't' in 'sentence' is often very soft or silent. Listen for 'sen-ence.'

Concurrent vs. Consecutive

Pay close attention to these words in news reports; they change the total prison time significantly.

Serving a Sentence

The most natural verb to use with 'sentence' for someone in prison is 'serve.' 'He is serving his sentence.'

Sentencing Phase

Use the term 'sentencing phase' to describe the part of the trial that happens after the verdict.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'sentence' as the 'period' at the end of a trial. Just like a grammatical sentence ends with a period, a legal trial ends with a sentence.

Association visuelle

Imagine a judge hitting a gavel and a large iron door closing. The sound of the gavel is the 'sentence' being passed.

Word Web

Judge Prison Fine Guilty Law Court Punishment Crime

Défi

Try to use 'sentence' as a noun and a verb in the same paragraph about a court case. For example: 'The judge will sentence the man today; he expects a long sentence.'

Origine du mot

The word 'sentence' comes from the Old French 'sentence,' which was derived from the Latin 'sententia.' In Latin, 'sententia' meant an opinion, a way of thinking, a feeling, or a thought expressed in words.

Sens originel : A thought, opinion, or judgment.

Indo-European (Latin branch)

Contexte culturel

Be careful when discussing 'death sentences' or 'life sentences' as these are sensitive and emotional topics for many people.

In the US and UK, sentencing is usually done by a judge, not a jury, though there are exceptions for capital cases in some US states.

The Death Sentence (film/literature trope) Kafka's 'The Trial' (explores the dread of an unknown sentence) The 'Life Sentence' of Nelson Mandela (27 years in prison)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Courtroom

The sentence of the court is...
Pass sentence
Sentencing hearing
Pronounce the sentence

News Reporting

Hand down a sentence
Face a maximum sentence
Serve a sentence
Stiff sentence

History

Death sentence
Sentence of exile
Commute a sentence
Historical sentence

Everyday Metaphor

Life sentence
Death sentence for a project
Feel like a sentence
Endless sentence

Prison/Law Enforcement

Serve time
Sentence completion
Parole eligibility
Sentence reduction

Amorces de conversation

"Do you think a life sentence is always fair for serious crimes?"

"Have you ever heard about a judge giving a very unusual sentence?"

"What do you think is the best sentence for someone who steals because they are hungry?"

"In your country, how are sentences usually decided for small crimes?"

"Do you think sentences should focus more on punishment or helping people change?"

Sujets d'écriture

Write about a time you felt a punishment (not necessarily legal) was like a 'life sentence.'

If you were a judge, what kind of sentence would you give to someone who lied to the whole country?

Research a famous historical sentence and explain why it was important for that time.

Discuss the pros and cons of mandatory minimum sentences in the justice system.

Imagine a future where sentences are decided by computers. Would this be more or less fair?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

A verdict is the jury's or judge's decision on whether the defendant is 'guilty' or 'not guilty.' A sentence is the actual punishment (like prison or a fine) that the judge gives if the verdict is 'guilty.' You cannot have a sentence without a guilty verdict first.

Yes, a sentence can be changed through an 'appeal' to a higher court, which might reduce it or overturn it. It can also be 'commuted' by a high official like a president or governor, or reduced for 'good behavior' while the person is serving it.

It means the person is currently undergoing the punishment given by the court. For example, if someone is 'serving a five-year sentence,' they are currently in prison and will be there until the five years are over (unless they are released early).

A suspended sentence is a punishment that the judge gives but says the person doesn't have to serve right away. If the person stays out of trouble for a certain time, they might never have to serve the sentence. If they commit another crime, they will have to serve the original sentence plus the new one.

If someone is given two sentences, 'concurrent' means they serve them both at the same time (so two 5-year sentences equal 5 years total). 'Consecutive' means they serve them one after the other (so two 5-year sentences equal 10 years total).

Yes, 'to sentence' is a verb that means to officially give a punishment. It is often used in the passive voice, like 'He was sentenced to death' or 'The judge sentenced the woman to community service.'

A life sentence is a punishment where the person is sent to prison for the rest of their life. However, in many countries, a 'life sentence' actually has a minimum number of years (like 15 or 25) after which the person might be allowed to leave on 'parole.'

Yes, a fine is a type of sentence. A judge can sentence someone to pay a fine, to go to prison, or both. Any punishment officially ordered by the court is part of the sentence.

Both meanings come from the Latin word 'sententia,' which means an 'opinion' or 'thought.' In grammar, it's a complete thought expressed in words. In law, it's the judge's official 'opinion' or 'judgment' on what the punishment should be.

These are a set of rules that help judges decide what the punishment should be for different crimes. They are designed to make sure that people who commit similar crimes get similar punishments, making the system fairer.