commit misconduct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commit misconduct" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an action or situation that involves someone disregarding laws or standards of behavior. For example: "The employee was fired after they were found to have committed misconduct."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The pressure to commit misconduct is complex.

The Guardian

Brooks denies conspiring to commit misconduct in public office.

The Guardian

And sometimes they cut corners or even commit misconduct to get there.

The New York Times - Science

Coulson and Goodman still face two remaining charges of conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office.

The Guardian

Coulson denies charges of conspiring to intercept voicemail messages and to commit misconduct in public office.

The Guardian

Brooks denies the charge of conspiring to commit misconduct in public office.

The Guardian

She had been charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office.

The Guardian

Goodman and Coulson deny conspiring to commit misconduct in public office.

The Guardian

Edwards was cleared of two charges of conspiring to commit misconduct in public office.

The Guardian

The National Academies also face demands to revoke membership when people commit misconduct.

The Washington Post

Separately, Clive Goodman, the former royal reporter for The News of the World, was accused of conspiracy to commit misconduct.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing institutional policies, use "commit misconduct" to clearly define actions that violate established codes of conduct. For example: "The university has a zero-tolerance policy for students who "commit misconduct"".

Common error

Avoid replacing "commit misconduct" with overly general terms like "make a mistake" when describing serious ethical or legal violations. "Make a mistake" can dilute the severity of the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commit misconduct" functions as a verb phrase where "commit" is the verb and "misconduct" is the noun acting as the direct object. It describes the action of performing or engaging in misconduct. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "commit misconduct" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, especially in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. Ludwig AI validates that it is usable in written English. It clearly defines the action of violating established rules or ethical standards. While alternative phrases like "engage in wrongdoing" or "behave improperly" exist, "commit misconduct" offers a direct and specific way to describe such actions. Usage is neutral, though typically employed when discussing serious ethical or legal matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engage in wrongdoing

Focuses on the act of doing something wrong, often implying a violation of rules or ethical standards.

perpetrate an offense

Emphasizes the act of carrying out a specific violation or illegal act.

behave improperly

Highlights the inappropriate nature of the conduct, suggesting a breach of etiquette or protocol.

act unprofessionally

Specifically refers to behavior that falls below the expected standards of a professional setting.

violate ethical standards

Directly addresses the breach of a code of ethics, particularly in professional or academic contexts.

indulge in malpractice

Suggests negligence or misconduct, especially in professional duties.

transgress regulations

Indicates a violation of established rules or laws.

err in judgment

Highlights a mistake or flawed decision that leads to inappropriate actions.

be guilty of malfeasance

Implies wrongdoing, especially by a public official.

cross ethical boundaries

Emphasizes exceeding acceptable limits of ethical behavior.

FAQs

How is "commit misconduct" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "commit misconduct" is often used to describe actions that violate professional standards or legal regulations. Examples include conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office or academic misconduct.

What are some less formal alternatives to "commit misconduct"?

While "commit misconduct" is fairly neutral, depending on the situation, you could use phrases like "engage in wrongdoing" or "behave improperly" for a less formal tone. However, be mindful of the context and ensure the alternative maintains the appropriate level of seriousness.

Is there a difference between "commit misconduct" and "commit a crime"?

"Commit a crime" refers specifically to breaking the law, whereas "commit misconduct" can encompass a broader range of inappropriate or unethical behaviors that may not necessarily be illegal. Misconduct often relates to violations of professional or ethical codes.

What kind of actions are considered "misconduct"?

Misconduct can include a range of actions, depending on the context. Examples are academic dishonesty, professional negligence, or breaches of ethical codes. For instance, in science, it can refer to fabricating data, or in journalism, it can be receiving illegal payments.