a difficult crime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult crime" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a crime that is challenging to commit, solve, or understand, often due to its complexity or the circumstances surrounding it. Example: "The detective faced a difficult crime that left the entire community in shock and disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

At the moment, it's a difficult crime to go after.

The Washington Post

Insider trading is an easy crime to commit but a difficult crime to catch.

Harvard University

"I know this is a difficult crime to report," she said.

The New York Times

Burglary is a difficult crime to address, he said, so the department is compiling a list of 500 serial burglars.

The New York Times

Perjury is generally a difficult crime to prove, because prosecutors must show that a defendant not only made false statements but knowingly lied.

The Washington Post

This difference between an objective and a subjective standard, coupled with the requirement of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, explains why perjury has long been a difficult crime to prove.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Moreover, it is a most difficult crime to detect and prove.

Cornell University

Another is that sexual abuse is a desperately difficult crime to unearth and, particularly, prove.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet, it is an extraordinarily difficult crime to prosecute.

The Guardian - Opinion

London's mayors can go out on a limb, kicking off big public debates about difficult crime issues.

The Guardian - Opinion

They say they have focused the available criminal resources on public corruption and other difficult crime issues in which the F.B.I. can make a unique contribution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a crime as "a difficult crime", specify what makes it difficult—is it the investigation, prosecution, or understanding the motives?

Common error

Avoid simply stating that a crime is "a difficult crime" without providing context. Explain why it is difficult, such as lack of evidence or complex legal issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult crime" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "difficult" modifies the noun "crime". It serves to categorize or describe a specific instance of crime characterized by its challenging nature. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a difficult crime" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a crime that presents significant challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears across various contexts, primarily in news and academic sources. When using this phrase, ensure you provide specific details about what makes the crime difficult. Consider alternatives like "a challenging crime" or "a complex crime" to add nuance to your description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging crime

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", emphasizing the demanding nature of the crime.

a complex crime

Substitutes "difficult" with "complex", highlighting the intricate aspects of the crime.

a tough crime to solve

Adds "to solve", shifting the focus to the difficulty in resolving the crime.

a hard crime to investigate

Specifies "hard to investigate", emphasizing the investigative challenges.

a problematic crime

Replaces "difficult" with "problematic", highlighting the issues associated with the crime.

a thorny crime

Uses "thorny" instead of "difficult", suggesting a crime full of complications and obstacles.

an intricate crime

Replaces "difficult" with "intricate", underscoring the detailed and complicated nature of the crime.

a demanding crime

Uses "demanding" instead of "difficult", highlighting the high level of effort required to handle the crime.

a perplexing crime

Substitutes "difficult" with "perplexing", emphasizing the confusing or baffling nature of the crime.

a troublesome crime

Replaces "difficult" with "troublesome", highlighting the problems and difficulties caused by the crime.

FAQs

How can I use "a difficult crime" in a sentence?

You can use "a difficult crime" to describe a crime that poses significant challenges in investigation, prosecution, or understanding. For instance, "The detective faced a difficult crime due to the lack of witnesses."

What can I say instead of "a difficult crime"?

You can use alternatives like "a challenging crime", "a complex crime", or "a tough crime to solve" depending on the specific context.

What makes a crime "a difficult crime"?

A crime might be considered "a difficult crime" due to various factors such as lack of evidence, complex legal issues, involvement of multiple jurisdictions, or the need to prove intent.

Is it better to say "a difficult crime" or "a serious crime"?

The choice between "a difficult crime" and "a serious crime" depends on the focus. "A difficult crime" emphasizes the challenges in dealing with the crime, while "a serious crime" highlights the severity of the offense.