What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
indicted
Example
The defendant was indicted for embezzlement. [indicted: verb]
Example
The indictment listed several charges against the suspect. [indictment: noun]
arraign
Example
The judge arraigned the suspect on charges of burglary. [arraigned: verb]
Example
The arraignment was postponed until next week. [arraignment: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Indicted is more commonly used than arraign in everyday language. Indicted is a broader term that covers the entire process of initiating a criminal case, while arraign is a narrower term that specifically refers to the initial stage of a criminal trial.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between indicted and arraign?
Both indicted and arraign are formal legal terms used in court proceedings. However, indicted is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts. Arraign, on the other hand, is typically associated with a formal and serious tone and is less commonly used in everyday language.
