catch a murderer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "catch a murderer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to crime, law enforcement, or detective work when referring to the act of apprehending someone who has committed murder. Example: "The detective worked tirelessly to catch a murderer who had been evading the police for months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Whether Arkady Renko will catch a murderer who has run out is one question that keeps you reading.

The New York Times - Books

A detective who worked on the case told me that in the Dunedin police station there is a framed photograph of Bouwer, along with his remark about the New Zealand police being unable to catch a murderer.

The New Yorker

THE KINGDOM Jamie Foxx, Chris Cooper and Jennifer Garner are members of an elite law-enforcement squad sent to catch a murderer in Saudi Arabia — but the locals prove to be less than cooperative.

The New York Times

PERFECT STRANGER James Foley directed this thriller, starring Bruce Willis, Halle Berry, and Giovanni Ribisi, about a woman who goes undercover in the world of Internet dating to try to catch a murderer.

The New Yorker

This is thought to be the first use of the telegraph to catch a murderer.

Wikipedia

If it would catch a murderer or a child's kidnapper -- yeah, I would.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Using his incredible profiling skills, Black helps in an effort to catch a vicious murderer who believes he is fulfilling apocalyptic prophecies.

Wikipedia

He learns by video of a rare canister of Coca-Cola syrup available for $75,000 and, seeking to raise the money for it, successfully bids on a job to catch a mass murderer.

Los Angeles Times

Growing up as a child in a land more than 8,000 miles away, I found myself struggling to discover my career goals for the future: a terribly colossal WNBA player with sublime power and agility, a frightening detective with an unprecedented ability to catch murderers, a princess with blinding radiance and pulchritude.

Huffington Post

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Vice

By focusing on the men who tried to catch the murderer and the effect the investigation had on their lives, David Fincher weaves a potent spell.James Vanderbilt's intelligent, factual script is based on a book by Robert Graysmith, who became intrigued by the letters the Zodiac wrote to the San Francisco newspaper where he worked as a political cartoonist.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing crime fiction, use "catch a murderer" to add a layer of realism, particularly in dialogue or narrative descriptions of police work.

Common error

Avoid using "catch a murderer" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language like "apprehend the perpetrator" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "catch a murderer" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger sentence to describe the action of apprehending someone who has committed murder. Ludwig confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "catch a murderer" is a grammatically correct and relatively common expression, as verified by Ludwig AI. It is generally used in neutral contexts such as news reports and general discussions, primarily to describe the action of apprehending someone who has committed murder. While effective, it's essential to consider the context. In more formal settings, alternatives like "apprehend a killer" might be more suitable. Ludwig's analysis suggests that while the phrase is perfectly acceptable, writers should be mindful of its connotation and choose language that best fits the intended tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apprehend a killer

Focuses specifically on the act of apprehending a killer.

capture a murderer

Emphasizes the act of capturing or seizing a murderer.

nab a murderer

A more informal way to say catch, implying a quick or sudden apprehension.

arrest a murderer

Focuses on the legal aspect of detaining a murderer.

bring a murderer to justice

Highlights the goal of ensuring a murderer faces legal consequences.

track down a murderer

Emphasizes the investigative process of finding a murderer.

investigate a homicide

Focuses on the broader investigation of a murder case.

solve a murder case

Highlights the resolution of a murder investigation.

find the perpetrator of a murder

A more formal and detailed way of referring to the act of finding someone responsible.

hunt down a killer

Suggests a more intensive and determined pursuit of the murderer.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "catch a murderer"?

You can use alternatives like "apprehend a killer", "capture a murderer", or "bring a murderer to justice depending on the context.

Is "catch a murderer" formal or informal?

The phrase "catch a murderer" is generally considered to be neutral in tone, suitable for news reports and general conversation. More formal alternatives exist, such as "apprehend a killer".

How do you use "catch a murderer" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe the act of law enforcement or individuals attempting to find and apprehend a person who has committed murder. For example, "The police worked tirelessly to catch a murderer after the brutal crime."

What is the difference between "catch a murderer" and "solve a murder"?

"Catch a murderer" refers specifically to the act of apprehending the person who committed the crime. "Solve a murder" encompasses the broader investigation, including identifying the perpetrator, gathering evidence, and understanding the circumstances of the crime.