sentence

A group of words that expresses a complete thought, usually ending with a full stop or question mark.

• Write a short sentence.
• The paragraph contains five sentences.
• Can you explain the last sentence?

Common phrases: write a sentence, complete sentence, short sentence, simple sentence

A punishment that a judge gives someone who has committed a crime.

• The judge gave him a short sentence.
• She is serving a five-year sentence.
• He appealed against his sentence.

How to use it: a sentence for something (He received a prison sentence for robbery.)

Similar words: punishment

Common phrases: prison sentence, life sentence, serve a sentence

If a judge does this, they decide what punishment someone receives for a crime.

• The judge sentenced the thief.
• He was sentenced to ten years in prison.
• The court will sentence her next week.

How to use it: sentence someone to something (The judge sentenced him to six months in prison.); sentence someone for something (They sentenced her for stealing money.)

Similar words: condemn

Common phrases: sentence someone to something, sentence a prisoner