capital crime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capital crime" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a crime that is punishable by death or life imprisonment, often in legal contexts. Example: "Murder is considered a capital crime in many jurisdictions, leading to severe penalties for those convicted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"PASSIVITY is a capital crime in drama".

The Guardian - Books

Non-violent crimes should not be considered a capital crime".

Independent

I kept coming back to "a capital crime".

The New York Times

Ray Lewis wasn't charged with a capital crime.

The New York Times - Sports

Only capital crime, it might seem, was lacking.

The Guardian - Opinion

The authorities retaliated by making the destruction of machinery a capital crime.

The New Yorker

Torture is a felony, and is sometimes treated as a capital crime.

The New Yorker

Complicating matters is that the Palestinian Authority considers selling land to Israelis a capital crime.

The New York Times

Sima Qian was arraigned for "defaming the emperor," a capital crime.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He has been charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder, a capital crime.

The New York Times

In 1641, when the colonists established a legal code, the first capital crime was idolatry.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that your audience understands the implications of a "capital crime", which includes the potential for the death penalty.

Common error

Avoid using "capital crime" when you mean a federal offense. A "capital crime" refers specifically to crimes punishable by death, while a federal crime is any crime that violates US federal law.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capital crime" functions as a noun phrase, specifically referring to a crime that is punishable by death. Ludwig examples show it being used in legal and historical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capital crime" accurately describes an offense punishable by death. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across diverse authoritative sources like The New York Times, The Guardian and Encyclopedia Britannica. While alternatives like "capital offense" exist, "capital crime" remains a standard term, especially in legal, historical, and journalistic contexts. Understanding its specific meaning is crucial, particularly to avoid confusion with similar terms like "felony". Use this phrase when precision is paramount and the gravity of the offense needs to be emphasized.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capital offense

Synonymous term; often used interchangeably with "capital crime".

death penalty crime

Focuses on the consequence (death penalty) rather than the crime itself.

crime punishable by death

More descriptive and less concise than "capital crime".

felony punishable by life imprisonment

Specifies an alternative severe punishment to death.

crime of utmost severity

Emphasizes the extreme nature of the crime.

heinous crime

Emphasizes the severity and moral reprehensibility of the crime.

atrocious offense

Similar to 'heinous crime', highlighting the brutality or wickedness.

major felony

Broader term; not all felonies are capital crimes.

serious transgression

A more general term, applicable to a wider range of offenses.

grave violation

Highlights the violation of laws or moral principles.

FAQs

How is "capital crime" used in a sentence?

Use "capital crime" to describe an offense that is punishable by death. For example, "Murder is often considered a "capital crime"".

What are some alternative phrases for "capital crime"?

Alternatives include "capital offense", "death penalty crime", or a crime punishable by death. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "capital crime" and "felony"?

Yes, a felony is a serious crime that can be punished by imprisonment, while a "capital crime" is a crime that can be punished by death. Not all felonies are "capital crimes".

Which crimes are typically considered "capital crime"?

Historically and currently, murder, treason, and sometimes espionage are considered "capital crimes", though this varies by jurisdiction. The specific offenses that qualify as such are subject to change by legislation.