noun / verb · neutral
sentence
/ˈsɛntəns/SEN·tence
Band 4-5speakingtask2
the punishment given by a court; to give someone a punishment for a crime
Examples
“He received a ten-year sentence.”
“The judge sentenced her to community service.”
“Many argued the sentence was too harsh.”
Band 8 sentence
“Given the severity of the offense, the judge sentenced him to a substantial term without parole.”
Collocations
- be sentenced to
- receive a sentence
- life sentence
Word family
sentence noun / verbsentenced verb (past)sentencing noun
Common mistakes
He was sentenced for five years.→He was sentenced to five years.
The judge sentence him yesterday.→The judge sentenced him yesterday.
Say it for a higher band
5punish→6penalize→7+sentence
Synonyms
punish
penalty
Easily confused
punish
“Parents sometimes punish children without taking legal action.”
Related words
Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.
In Crime & Law
Learn it with its set