be criminalized as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be criminalized as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or behaviors that are being designated as illegal or punishable by law. Example: "Certain activities may be criminalized as a means to protect public safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Glad you ask, dear reader, because the Guardian has obtained the launch day lineup for Taylor Swift Now in a journalistic coup that will surely be criminalized as soon as Donald Trump takes the oath of office in January.

The Guardian - Music

The press and journalists shouldn't be criminalized as I have".

The New York Times

Most of the students were still in their teens, in their first semester at the school, and came from impoverished communities that a majority of Mexicans can identify with; they can't credibly be criminalized as "guerrillas" or "narcos".

The New Yorker

Kaine's statement that abortion shouldn't be criminalized, as in this Meet the Press interview is a step in the right direction, but not nearly sufficient.

Huffington Post

In traditional Islam, offensive language or criticism is viewed as hate speech that deserves to be criminalized, as opposed to the Western view that religious concepts are fair game and any perceived criticism or defamation should be tolerated as freedom of expression.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

> reporting by individuals is criminalized as well.

Columbia University

reporting by individuals is criminalized as well.

Columbia University

Whistle-blowing about the agency was criminalized, as was the distribution of information or documents related to MIT "by radio, television, social media, magazine, book, or any other form of media".

Vice

Marciano contracted a disease through no fault of his own, in the same way that most of us get a cold or the flu every winter, and yet he is criminalized as a result.

The New Yorker

But the community is being criminalized as a group.

Huffington Post

In Ecuador, protesters against extractive industries have been criminalized as the government moves forward with oil and mining projects.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "be criminalized as", ensure that the context clearly establishes the specific criteria or basis upon which an action or behavior is being deemed criminal. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the relevant laws or regulations.

Common error

Avoid using "be criminalized as" in contexts where the action might be considered unethical or immoral but doesn't explicitly violate established laws. Ensure that the context is specific and legally defensible, not merely a matter of personal opinion or moral judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be criminalized as" functions as a passive construction indicating the act of designating something as a crime. This grammatical structure is used to describe the process by which certain actions or behaviors become illegal, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

29%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be criminalized as" describes the act of designating something as illegal and subject to legal penalties. While grammatically correct and usable, Ludwig AI suggests it's most frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context provides clear reasoning for designating certain action as crime. While not overly common, understanding its appropriate usage contributes to clear and legally sound communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be deemed illegal as

Emphasizes a legal judgment of illegality, differing from simply being classified as criminal.

be classified as a crime

Focuses on the categorization of an action as a crime, a more direct and less nuanced phrasing.

be considered unlawful as

Highlights the lack of legal authorization, suggesting a broader range of violations beyond just criminal acts.

be regarded as a punishable offense

Stresses the aspect of punishment associated with the action, making it more explicit.

be legally prohibited as

Underscores the legal prohibition, implying a formal ban under the law.

be treated as a violation of the law

Highlights the legal treatment of the action, suggesting a focus on enforcement and legal proceedings.

be subject to criminal charges as

Specifies the potential for facing charges in a criminal court, adding a procedural element.

be prosecuted as

Focuses specifically on the act of being formally charged and tried in a court of law.

be penalized as

Emphasizes the imposition of a penalty or sanction, which could include fines or other punishments.

be sanctioned as

Suggests a formal disapproval or punishment, often by an official body or authority.

FAQs

What does it mean for something to "be criminalized as" something else?

When something is "be criminalized as" something else, it means certain actions or behaviors are being designated as illegal and subject to punishment under the law. This often involves reclassifying existing actions or creating new offenses.

What can I say instead of "be criminalized as"?

You can use alternatives like "be deemed illegal as", "be classified as a crime", or "be considered unlawful as" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it accurate to say something should "be criminalized as" something?

Using "should be criminalized as" suggests a normative or prescriptive stance, arguing that something ought to be illegal. Ensure your statement is supported by legal or ethical reasoning and not merely personal preference.

Which is correct, "be criminalized as" versus "be decriminalized as"?

"Be criminalized as" implies making something illegal, while "be decriminalized as" implies removing or reducing criminal penalties for something that was previously illegal. They have opposite meanings, so the correct choice depends on the intended meaning.