a common criminal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common criminal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who engages in criminal activities that are typical or frequently encountered in society. Example: "The police arrested a common criminal who had been stealing from local shops for months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He was a thief, a common criminal — worse.

The New Yorker

"He's just a common criminal," explains a spokesman.

The Economist

The government insisted he was a common criminal.

The Economist

He did not behave like a common criminal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Melissa Hickey said a screener "barked orders at me as if I were a common criminal".

The New York Times

But her public arrest and subsequent treatment as "a common criminal" has prompted outrage at home.

The Guardian

But Mr. Taylor was arrested there in 2006 and "treated like a common criminal," he said.

The New York Times

The movie's hero or antihero is not a cowboy, nor is he a common criminal.

The Guardian - Film

A simple unexpected change in weather can instantly morph a loving owner into a common criminal.

The New York Times

It added: "Unlike a common criminal, Snowden did not hurt anybody.

The Guardian

"You can't tell whether you're dealing with a former Baathist, a common criminal, a foreign terrorist, or devout believers".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a common criminal" when you want to emphasize that someone's crimes are not exceptional or unusual, but rather typical of the kinds of offenses that occur frequently. This can be useful for contrasting them with more sophisticated or high-profile criminals.

Common error

While "a common criminal" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in formal legal documents or academic papers. Opt for more precise legal terms that accurately describe the specific crimes committed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common criminal" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It serves to identify or describe an individual engaged in ordinary or frequently occurring criminal activities. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

4%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a common criminal" is a noun phrase used to describe an individual who engages in typical or frequently encountered criminal activities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to consider the context and avoid overuse in highly formal settings. Alternatives like "an ordinary offender" or "a petty thief" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using the expression, it is key to remember that labeling someone "a common criminal" before conviction is a sensitive issue and should be approached with caution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ordinary offender

Changes the focus from the type of crime to the person committing it and emphasizes lack of special characteristics.

a typical lawbreaker

Highlights the standard or expected nature of the criminal's behavior.

a garden-variety crook

Uses a more informal and slightly dismissive tone.

a run-of-the-mill felon

Similar to "garden-variety crook" but slightly more formal.

a petty thief

Specifies a type of common crime, focusing on theft of minor items.

a low-level criminal

Indicates the criminal's position in a criminal hierarchy or the severity of their crimes.

a habitual offender

Emphasizes the repeated nature of the criminal's actions.

a repeat offender

Highlights that the individual has committed crimes more than once.

a street thug

Specifies a type of common criminal active in urban environments.

a career criminal

Implies that the individual has made crime their profession.

FAQs

How can I use "a common criminal" in a sentence?

You can use "a common criminal" to describe someone whose crimes are typical or frequently encountered. For example, "The police apprehended "a common criminal" who had been shoplifting from local businesses."

What are some alternatives to saying "a common criminal"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an ordinary offender", "a petty thief", or "a habitual offender" to convey a similar meaning, see more at /s/an+ordinary+offender.

Is it appropriate to label someone as "a common criminal" before they are convicted?

It is generally advisable to avoid labeling someone as "a common criminal" before they have been convicted of a crime, as this could be seen as prejudicial or defamatory. Instead, you can describe the alleged crimes or charges against them.

What's the difference between "a common criminal" and "a war criminal"?

"A common criminal" refers to someone who commits ordinary crimes like theft or assault, while "a war criminal" refers to someone who commits serious violations of international law during wartime, such as genocide or torture.