on probation

IPA/ˌɒn pɹəʊbˈeɪʃən/
IPA/ˌɔn pɹoʊbˈeɪʃən/

on probation — phrase

1. in a fixed trial period at the start of a new job, while your employer decides w

1.片語B2
釋義

in a fixed trial period at the start of a new job, while your employer decides whether to keep you on as a permanent worker

例句

Kofi is still on probation, so his manager checks his work every Friday.

be + still on probation (ongoing trial period)

The new cashier will be on probation for three months before becoming permanent.

on probation for + length of time

同義詞

文法句型

be on probation

on probation for + length of time

用法筆記

Subject is usually a newly hired worker, and the one judging is an employer or manager. The fixed preposition is always 'on', never 'in'.

常見錯誤

I am in probation at my new job.
I am on probation at my new job.
💡the fixed phrase uses 'on', not 'in'.

2. allowed by a court to live in the community instead of going to jail, on conditi

2.片語B2
釋義

allowed by a court to live in the community instead of going to jail, on condition that you obey strict rules and commit no further crime

例句

The judge put Faisal on probation for two years instead of sending him to prison.

put someone on probation instead of prison

While on probation, Mira must meet her officer once a month and avoid trouble.

while on probation: conditions to follow

同義詞
反義詞
  • behind bars

    the opposite outcome — serving the sentence inside prison

文法句型

put/place someone on probation

on probation for + length of time

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1: here a court imposes the conditions as an alternative to prison, not an employer testing job performance.

常見錯誤

The judge gave him probation of two years.
The judge put him on probation for two years.
💡use 'put someone on probation for' a length of time.

3. kept under close watch for a set time after doing something wrong, so that any f

3.片語C1
釋義

kept under close watch for a set time after doing something wrong, so that any further bad behavior will lead to a serious penalty

例句

After cheating on the exam, Rohan was put on probation for one term.

be put on probation after wrongdoing

The football club placed two players on probation for fighting during the match.

place someone on probation (organization)

同義詞

文法句型

put/place someone on probation

on probation after + wrongdoing

用法筆記

Common in schools, clubs, and other organizations rather than courts or workplaces; a further breach usually ends in removal or punishment, not jail or dismissal.