a criminal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a criminal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who has committed a crime or is involved in illegal activities. Example: "The police arrested a criminal who had been evading capture for months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A criminal is a criminal".

The Guardian

I'm not a criminal.

The New Yorker

Madani was a criminal!

The New Yorker

I'm a criminal".

The New York Times

Albert was a criminal".

The New York Times - Magazine

"He is a criminal.

BBC

It's just a criminal case".

The New York Times

I am not a criminal".

The Economist

Is the spouse a criminal?

The New York Times

A criminal investigation went nowhere.

The New York Times

Mr Bonanno was a criminal.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a criminal", ensure that the context provides sufficient information or clarity about the specific crime or type of illegal activity involved, where relevant. Avoid generalizations that might perpetuate stereotypes.

Common error

Avoid using the term "a criminal" as a broad label without considering the nuances of the specific crime committed. For example, instead of saying "all criminals are dangerous", consider specifying "those convicted of violent crimes pose a significant risk".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a criminal" functions primarily as a noun phrase, specifically a common noun with an indefinite article. It serves to identify an individual who has engaged in illegal activity. This is consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment that it refers to someone who has committed a crime.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

13%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a criminal" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to someone who has committed a crime. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriate use in various contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, with neutral formality. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context and avoid generalizations. Related terms include "an offender" and "a lawbreaker". It is also crucial to avoid labeling someone as "a criminal" before they have been convicted in a court of law.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an offender

Focuses on the act of offending or breaking the law.

a lawbreaker

Directly emphasizes the violation of the law.

a culprit

Highlights the person responsible for a wrongdoing.

a perpetrator

Emphasizes the act of committing a crime or harmful act.

a wrongdoer

A general term for someone who has done something wrong or illegal.

a felon

Specifies someone who has committed a serious crime, a felony.

a convict

Refers to someone who has been found guilty of a crime in court.

a transgressor

Implies a violation of moral or ethical boundaries, as well as legal ones.

an outlaw

Suggests someone who operates outside the law, often as a fugitive.

a miscreant

Suggests a person who behaves badly or unlawfully.

FAQs

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

You can use "a criminal" to refer to someone who has committed a crime. For instance, "The police apprehended "a criminal" involved in the bank robbery".

What are some alternatives to saying "a criminal"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "an offender", "a lawbreaker", or "a felon" to refer to someone who has committed a crime.

Is it appropriate to label someone as "a criminal" before they've been convicted?

It's generally best to avoid labeling someone as "a criminal" before they have been formally convicted of a crime in a court of law. Instead, you might refer to them as "a suspect" or "an accused".

What's the difference between "a criminal" and "an offender"?

While both terms refer to someone who has broken the law, "a criminal" typically implies a more serious or repeated offense, while "an offender" can refer to anyone who has committed any type of offense, even a minor one.