commit evil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commit evil" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone is engaging in immoral or unethical deeds. For example: "The criminal mastermind plotted to commit evil for his own personal gain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

And those who commit evil in the name of Allah blaspheme the name of Allah.

The New York Times

"You don't have many doubters here about the capacity of this regime to commit evil," said Barham Sali, the region's prime minister, yesterday.

The Guardian

Its teachings are good and peaceful, and those who commit evil in the name of Allah blaspheme the name of Allah.

The Guardian

Our attitude toward good is curiously noncommittal or halfhearted; we are more used to being told not to commit evil than exhorted to do good.

The New Yorker

First, how is it possible to commit evil voluntarily?

SEP

Why are apparently good people tempted to commit evil acts, asks novelist AL Kennedy.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

You have simply committed evil acts coolly and deliberately".

The New York Times

Third, evil itself, not the people committing evil acts, should be opposed.

Stanford University

Choudhry did not suffer from any mental illness, but had committed evil acts coolly and deliberately.

The Guardian

We are all capable of committing evil acts – look at the atrocities meted out in wartime.

The Guardian - Books

He returned fire, with senior Wahaha officials staging rallies and calling news conferences to denounce Danone officials as "rascals" committing "evil deeds".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commit evil" to describe actions that are not only wrong but also deeply immoral or harmful. This phrase carries a strong connotation and should be reserved for serious offenses.

Common error

Avoid using "commit evil" to describe minor misdeeds or mistakes. This phrase is best suited for actions with significant moral implications, not for everyday errors or disagreements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commit evil" functions as a verbal phrase where "commit" is a transitive verb and "evil" serves as its direct object. This phrase is used to describe the act of performing or engaging in actions considered morally reprehensible. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of example sentences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "commit evil" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon expression used to describe actions considered deeply immoral. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to denote moral transgression, often appearing in contexts such as news reports and academic discussions. While alternatives like "perpetrate wickedness" or "engage in wrongdoing" offer similar meanings, "commit evil" carries a particularly strong connotation of profound wrongdoing. It's important to reserve this phrase for situations involving serious ethical implications, avoiding its overuse in trivial contexts. Overall, the phrase serves as a potent descriptor of morally reprehensible actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Perpetrate wickedness

This alternative focuses on the act of performing evil deeds, emphasizing the active role in causing harm.

Engage in wrongdoing

This phrase highlights the general involvement in acts that are morally or legally wrong, broadening the scope of the action.

Carry out malevolence

This alternative underscores the intentional and malicious nature of the actions, indicating a deliberate desire to inflict harm.

Inflict iniquity

This phrase focuses on the act of causing injustice and moral wrong, emphasizing the impact on the victim.

Practice immorality

This alternative stresses the habitual nature of the evil actions, suggesting a pattern of behavior that violates moral principles.

Do wrong

This is a simpler and more direct way of saying "commit evil", suitable for less formal contexts.

Act sinfully

This alternative focuses on the religious or spiritual dimension of the evil actions, highlighting their violation of divine laws or moral codes.

Transgress morally

This phrase emphasizes the violation of moral boundaries and principles, suggesting a crossing of ethical lines.

Behave wickedly

This alternative highlights the character or disposition behind the actions, suggesting a fundamentally evil nature.

Commit a transgression

This is a broader term that encompasses any act of breaking a law or moral rule, not necessarily inherently evil but still wrong.

FAQs

How can I use "commit evil" in a sentence?

You can use "commit evil" to describe actions that are deeply immoral or harmful. For example: "The villain planned to "commit evil" for personal gain."

What are some alternatives to saying "commit evil"?

Alternatives include "perpetrate wickedness", "engage in wrongdoing", or "carry out malevolence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "commit evil" or "do evil"?

"Commit evil" and "do evil" are both grammatically correct, but "commit evil" is often used to describe a specific act, whereas "do evil" can refer to a more general pattern of behavior. The choice depends on the context.

What kind of actions are considered to be "committing evil"?

Actions that are considered to be "committing evil" typically involve causing significant harm, violating fundamental moral principles, or acting with malicious intent. Examples might include acts of violence, betrayal, or oppression.