a common thief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common thief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who steals regularly or is not particularly skilled or notorious in their thievery. Example: "The police caught a common thief who had been stealing bicycles from the neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

He's just a common thief".

The New York Times

The jay is a common thief.

The New Yorker

"After all your posturing, all your little speeches, you're nothing but a common thief," she says.

The Guardian - Arts

Ahmed Ressam, an Algerian drifter, joined up after spending years as a common thief.

The New York Times

The president has said he regards the businessman as a common thief.

The Guardian

Mayor Dinkins finally had to admit that his campaign finance chairman, Arnold Biegen, was an embezzler and "a common thief".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

No common thief, he: a day later, he or one of his customers informed my friends via very polite emails that I was no longer in possession of the device.

The Guardian - Opinion

Older is generally wiser A generalization of course, but ask a common street thief or conman about their choice of an easy target and they might well choose the young, naive backpacker.

Huffington Post

But he's no common thief.

The New York Times

It is a gripping read from the opening, with the Ku Klux Klan menacing his pregnant mother, through to the troubled last months of his life: we follow Malcolm Little, common thief, on his journey to Malcolm X, inspirational leader.

The Guardian - Books

Others in the fine cast include the mezzo-soprano Marie McLaughlin, oddly alluring as Mother Needham; Tara Erraught, another mezzo, in plush voice as Moll's loyal companion, Kitty; and the baritone Nathan Gunn as James, the common thief with whom Moll thinks she has found true love.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a common thief", consider the context and whether a more specific term, such as "shoplifter" or "pickpocket", might be more appropriate.

Common error

While "a common thief" is widely understood, avoid using it in formal or legal documents where precise terminology is crucial. Opt for legal terms like "larcenist" or "burglar" for accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common thief" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to identify or describe an individual who engages in theft. As illustrated by Ludwig, it commonly appears as a descriptive label in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a common thief" serves as a noun phrase that identifies an individual who steals, often implying their methods are unsophisticated. As demonstrated by Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and most prevalent in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it should be used judiciously in formal writing, opting for more precise legal terms when appropriate. For alternative expressions, consider options like "petty thief" or "ordinary thief" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ordinary thief

Indicates a lack of special skills or notoriety in thievery.

petty thief

Focuses on the small scale or insignificance of the thefts.

garden-variety thief

Suggests the thief is typical and unremarkable.

small-time crook

Emphasizes the amateur or unsophisticated nature of the criminal.

low-level criminal

Highlights the position or rank within a criminal hierarchy.

opportunistic pilferer

Focuses on the act of stealing small items when the chance arises.

everyday pilferer

Highlights the average nature of the thief.

habitual shoplifter

Specifies the type of theft and implies a repeated behavior.

career criminal

Emphasizes that theft is this person's primary occupation.

street hustler

Highlights the resourcefulness and opportunistic nature of the thief.

FAQs

What does "a common thief" mean?

The phrase "a common thief" refers to someone who engages in ordinary or petty theft, lacking specialized skills or notoriety in their criminal activities.

What can I say instead of "a common thief"?

You can use alternatives like "petty thief", "small-time crook", or "ordinary thief", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a common thief" in formal writing?

While the phrase is generally understood, it may be too informal for certain formal contexts. Using more precise legal terms like "larcenist" or "burglar" may be more appropriate.

How does "a common thief" differ from other types of criminals?

"A common thief" typically engages in less sophisticated or less lucrative forms of theft, unlike specialized criminals such as art thieves or bank robbers.