probation
probation — noun
1. a system in which someone who has broken the law is allowed to remain in the com
a system in which someone who has broken the law is allowed to remain in the community instead of going to jail, as long as they follow strict rules and check in regularly with a court-appointed supervisor
The judge sentenced the thief to two years of probation instead of prison time.
While on probation, Asher must report to his probation officer every month.
collocation: on probation + report to probation officer
Breaking the terms of probation can lead to an immediate jail sentence.
The court placed the young offender on probation for twelve months.
Defne's lawyer argued for probation rather than a prison term.
- parole
refers to early release from prison, not a substitute for a prison sentence; probation avoids prison entirely
- suspended sentence
a punishment that a court decides not to enforce unless the offender commits another crime; similar in result but legally distinct from probation
- imprisonment
the state of being sent to prison, which probation is designed to avoid
- incarceration
formal term for being kept in prison
文法句型
on probation
place/put + on probation
probation period
用法筆記
Commonly used with the preposition 'on': someone is 'on probation'. If they break the rules, they may be sent to prison.
常見錯誤
2. a limited period early in someone's employment when the employer assesses their
a limited period early in someone's employment when the employer assesses their skills and decides whether to keep them permanently
All new employees at the company serve a three-month probation period.
collocation: probation period
Erik was told he passed his probation and would now receive full benefits.
During her probation, Naoko received regular feedback from her supervisor.
The manager decided to extend Vinícius's probation by another month to watch his progress.
- trial period
less formal than 'probation' and used across many contexts, not just employment
- probationary period
the full formal HR term; more specific and official-sounding
- permanent employment
the status after probation is successfully completed
- tenure
long-term or permanent job status, especially in academia
文法句型
on probation
probation period
probationary period
用法筆記
In formal HR language, the adjective 'probationary' is common — e.g. 'probationary period'. The employee is referred to as being 'on probation'.
常見錯誤
3. a set period given to a student whose work or behaviour falls below the school's
a set period given to a student whose work or behaviour falls below the school's required standards, during which they must show improvement or risk being dismissed
Hoa was placed on academic probation after failing two classes last semester.
collocation: academic probation
Students on probation must meet with a counsellor every week to check their progress.
If Padma raises her grades this term, she will be taken off probation.
The university's probation policy requires a minimum C average to stay enrolled.
- academic warning
a less formal, less severe first step before probation
- remedial period
a broader term for the time given to catch up; less common in official university policies
- good standing
the normal status when a student meets all academic requirements
- honors status
a higher level of academic recognition, the opposite of probation
文法句型
academic probation
on probation
on academic probation
place + on probation
用法筆記
In North American universities, the full term is usually 'academic probation'. The student is said to be 'on probation' or 'on academic probation'. This sense is rare in British schools.