What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sentencing
Example
The judge will announce the sentencing for the defendant next week. [sentencing: noun]
Example
The court is responsible for sentencing the convicted criminal. [sentencing: verb]
verdict
Example
The verdict was announced after a long and difficult trial. [verdict: noun]
Example
The jury found the defendant guilty and delivered their verdict. [verdict: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Verdict is more commonly used than sentencing in everyday language, as it is the more well-known term associated with court proceedings and legal dramas. Sentencing is a more technical term used primarily in legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sentencing and verdict?
Both verdict and sentencing are formal terms used in legal contexts. However, sentencing is more technical and procedural, while verdict can be used in a wider range of formality levels, from casual to formal.