a hideous crime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hideous crime" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a particularly shocking or morally reprehensible act, often in the context of legal or news reporting. Example: "The community was left in shock after the police revealed the details of a hideous crime that had taken place in their neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Child rape is a hideous crime.

The New York Times

When Marta accuses her husband of a hideous crime, we realize we may actually believe her.

The New York Times - Books

How is the world not yet burning in shame to witness such a hideous crime?

The Guardian - Books

A hideous crime was committed against this great city on Sept. 11, 2001.

The New York Times

I am not immune to the ideas that this is a hideous crime and I am deeply embarrassed.

The Guardian

Introducing the new offence, May said domestic abuse by intimate partners or family members was a hideous crime that shattered lives.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

It's a matter of taste, but the movie's real success is the way it shows how Esposito's obsession with the hideous crime is a way of redeeming himself, not for a squalid misdemeanour of his own, as might easily be the case in another sort of cop procedural, but for the simple mischance of being in love.

The Guardian - Film

No matter that the email was a hoax, no matter that the description of their hideous crime was cruelly exaggerated.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Egypt was horrified from north to south by the hideous crime committed by the Muslim Brotherhood group.

Independent

Then, it switches straight to Romney saying something critical about Reagan (another hideous crime for any Republican).

The Guardian - Opinion

His most hideous crime: that he had herded 16 Jewish women to the side of a grave, forced them to strip naked, mowed them down with a machine gun and kicked their bodies into the grave.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hideous crime" when you want to emphasize the particularly shocking and morally reprehensible nature of an act. It is often suitable for formal writing, news reports, and legal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a hideous crime" in casual conversation or informal writing, as its strong and formal tone can sound out of place. Opt for less dramatic alternatives like "a terrible act" or "a bad thing" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

A hideous crime functions primarily as a noun phrase. It serves to identify and categorize a specific act or event as exceptionally offensive or morally reprehensible. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is typically used to describe acts that are particularly shocking.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a hideous crime" is a noun phrase used to describe an act that is particularly shocking and morally reprehensible. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media contexts. Its primary function is to express strong condemnation and evoke a sense of horror. While its tone is formal, its register is neutral, making it appropriate for various reporting genres. When using the phrase, it is important to consider the severity of the act and avoid overuse in casual contexts. Alternatives such as "an atrocious act" or "a heinous offense" can be used depending on the nuance needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an atrocious act

Emphasizes the cruelty and shocking nature of the act.

a heinous offense

Highlights the wickedness and reprehensibility of the transgression.

a monstrous deed

Focuses on the inhumanity and scale of the action.

a despicable act

Underscores the contemptible and vile nature of the behavior.

an unspeakable horror

Emphasizes the shocking and dreadful qualities of the situation.

a barbaric crime

Highlights the savage and uncivilized aspect of the act.

a grave transgression

Focuses on the serious violation of moral or legal boundaries.

an appalling violation

Emphasizes the shocking and disturbing nature of the breach.

a shameful act

Highlights the dishonorable and disgraceful nature of the behavior.

a depraved crime

Emphasizes the moral corruption and wickedness involved.

FAQs

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

You can use "a hideous crime" to describe a particularly shocking or morally reprehensible act. For example, "The revelation of the child abuse scandal exposed "a hideous crime" that shocked the nation."

What phrases can I use instead of "a hideous crime"?

Alternatives include "an atrocious act", "a heinous offense", or "a monstrous deed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "hideous crime" an overstatement in certain situations?

Yes, "hideous crime" implies a severe moral or legal transgression. Using it for minor offenses would be an overstatement and could diminish the impact of the phrase when describing truly heinous acts. Consider the context and severity of the situation when choosing your words.

What makes a crime "hideous"?

A "hideous crime" is characterized by its extreme cruelty, depravity, and disregard for human life or dignity. It often involves violence, exploitation, or betrayal of trust, leaving a lasting impact on victims and society.