a repeat offender

USAGE SUMMARY

"a repeat offender" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a person who has committed the same crime or offense multiple times. Example: "The judge sentenced the thief to a longer prison term, as he was a repeat offender with a history of burglary convictions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

UBS is a repeat offender.

The New York Times

But Lollapalooza is a repeat offender.

The Guardian - Music

Because it was a repeat offender.

The Guardian

Inside the thinking of a repeat offender.

The New York Times

In another field, he might be called a repeat offender.

The New York Times - Arts

Indeed, every referee in the league is a repeat offender.

The New York Times

(Mays, as a repeat offender, was also fined $50,000).

The New York Times

Marchment's punishment reflects his status as a repeat offender.

The New York Times - Sports

The N.C.A.A. said it was issuing a more severe penalty because Mulkey was a repeat offender.

The New York Times - Sports

Ultimately, they decided that a $40,000 fine was appropriate because Robinson was a repeat offender.

The New York Times - Sports

The league said Hossa was spared, in part, because he was not a repeat offender.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when deciding whether to use "a repeat offender" or a more formal or informal alternative. The level of formality should align with the tone of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a repeat offender" in overly casual settings. Simpler terms like "keeps making mistakes" or "does it again" might be more appropriate in informal conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a repeat offender" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI shows that it is used to identify individuals or entities with a history of repeated offenses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a repeat offender" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone who has committed the same or similar offense multiple times. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Primarily found in news and legal contexts, its purpose is to classify individuals based on their history, influencing decisions related to consequences and risk. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and choose synonyms like "habitual criminal" or "recidivist" when a more formal tone is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

habitual criminal

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the criminal aspect.

recidivist

This alternative is a more technical term often used in legal contexts.

serial wrongdoer

This alternative broadens the scope beyond just criminal offenses.

constant violator

This emphasizes the ongoing nature of the offenses.

persistent delinquent

This is often used in the context of juvenile offenses.

known troublemaker

This is a more informal and general term.

frequent transgressor

This alternative highlights the act of crossing boundaries or rules.

career criminal

This term suggests that criminal activity is a central part of someone's life.

incorrigible individual

Implies someone is beyond correction or rehabilitation.

confirmed offender

Highlights that the person's status as an offender is established.

FAQs

How is "a repeat offender" used in a sentence?

You can use "a repeat offender" to describe someone who has committed the same type of offense multiple times. For example, "The judge gave the "repeat offender" a stricter sentence".

What's the difference between "a repeat offender" and "a first-time offender"?

"A repeat offender" has committed a similar offense before, while "a first-time offender" is committing the offense for the first time. The legal consequences are usually different.

What are some synonyms for "a repeat offender"?

Synonyms for "a repeat offender" include "habitual criminal", "recidivist", or "serial offender". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "a repeat offender" in formal writing?

Yes, "a repeat offender" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in legal or journalistic contexts. However, ensure that your tone remains objective and avoids biased language.