an accomplice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an accomplice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who helps another in committing a crime or wrongdoing. Example: "The police arrested him and his accomplice after the robbery was reported."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Whoa!" an accomplice warned.

The New Yorker

He was an accomplice, not an instigator".

The New York Times

That made you an accomplice".

The New York Times - Magazine

The students may have had an accomplice.

The New York Times

Police are also seeking an accomplice.

The New York Times

We had an accomplice: the wolf.

The Guardian

I too am an accomplice in this.

The Guardian

One night, Garfield and an accomplice arrive and murder Milton.

The New Yorker

He's now under investigation as an accomplice to the embezzlement.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, an accomplice fed answers into his ear.

Independent

I'm an accomplice to helping women get what they want".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal matters, ensure you distinguish between "an accomplice" and "an accessory", as they carry different legal implications.

Common error

Avoid using "an accomplice" when referring to someone who directly commits the crime. "An accomplice" assists or facilitates the act, but isn't the primary actor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an accomplice" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies a person who knowingly helps another commit a crime. As demonstrated by Ludwig, the phrase clearly defines a specific role in illicit activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an accomplice" is a noun phrase used to describe someone who knowingly assists another person in committing a crime. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news and legal contexts. When writing, it's important to differentiate between "an accomplice" and direct perpetrators, as well as between "an accomplice" and "an accessory", as each term carries distinct legal implications. Consider using alternatives like "a partner in crime" or "a co-conspirator" to vary your language while maintaining accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a partner in crime

Emphasizes the shared responsibility in illegal activities.

a confederate

Highlights a formal agreement or alliance in a shared endeavor, often illicit.

an accessory

Focuses on someone who aids in a crime, either before, during, or after its commission.

a collaborator

Suggests a cooperative effort, which may or may not be illegal.

a co-conspirator

Specifically denotes someone involved in a conspiracy.

a fellow wrongdoer

Highlights the shared act of wrongdoing.

an abettor

Indicates someone who encourages or assists in the commission of an offense.

a henchman

Implies a subordinate who carries out illegal or unethical tasks for another.

a tool

Suggests someone being used, often unknowingly, in a criminal act.

a cohort

Describes a group or company, implying shared activities and potentially shared guilt.

FAQs

How to use "an accomplice" in a sentence?

Use "an accomplice" to describe someone who knowingly helps another person commit a crime, for example, "He acted as "an accomplice" in the robbery."

What can I say instead of "an accomplice"?

You can use alternatives like "a partner in crime", "an accessory", or "a co-conspirator" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "an accomplice" or "the accomplice"?

Both are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "An accomplice" is used when referring to one of potentially many accomplices or when the specific individual is not yet known. "The accomplice" is used when referring to a specific, known individual who aided in the crime.

What's the difference between "an accomplice" and "an accessory"?

While both terms refer to individuals who assist in a crime, ""an accomplice"" is generally present during the crime, whereas "an accessory" may help before or after the crime is committed.