commit wrongdoing

USAGE SUMMARY

"commit wrongdoing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to an act that is illegal or morally wrong. For example, "The CEO was accused of committing multiple wrongdoings, including fraud and embezzlement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

She doubts that culpable individuals intend to commit wrongdoing.

The Guardian - Business

The Internet makes it easier to commit wrongdoing and harder to conceal it.

The New York Times

But in Massachusetts, some of the most relevant laws, relating to conspiracy or to being an accessory to a crime, would require prosecutors to prove that archdiocesan officials intended to commit wrongdoing, not just that they were grossly negligent.

The New York Times

"Kevin and I had to make a critical choice: Go and report it, or don't say anything and commit wrongdoing," said Mr. Smith, now a part-time security consultant.

The New York Times

While the current focus of the legislation is on accounting-related changes, Democrats want to expand the measure to make it simpler to prosecute securities fraud, aid plaintiffs who want to bring private securities fraud lawsuits against corporations, and make it easier for securities regulators to levy fines and impose other penalties on executives and directors who commit wrongdoing.

The New York Times

The top enforcement official at the Securities and Exchange Commission said in a speech today that in the wake of Enron's collapse, the S.E.C. would seek greater penalties against officers and directors of publicly traded companies that commit wrongdoing and that it would ask Congress to give it more authority in this area.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Zenran had become embroiled in a dispute with Shinran's followers in the Kantō region over provocative beliefs and behaviour, such as the assertion by some of license to commit wrongdoings.

Britannica

Another Freidman attorney has denied that he committed wrongdoing.

The Washington Post

They would lose their bonuses if profit fell or they committed wrongdoing, he said.

The New York Times

There will be further investigation, and "anyone who has committed wrongdoing will be punished," he said.

The New York Times

Rahman Dahlan, who also is communications director for Najib's ruling coalition, did not address whether Najib committed wrongdoing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or ethical breaches, "commit wrongdoing" is a suitable formal term. Use it when you want to emphasize the action of performing an illegal or morally reprehensible act.

Common error

While "commit wrongdoing" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In less formal settings, consider using alternatives like "do something wrong" or "mess up" depending on the gravity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commit wrongdoing" functions as a verb phrase where "commit" is the main verb and "wrongdoing" is its direct object. The phrase describes the action of performing an act that is illegal, unethical, or morally wrong. Ludwig provides multiple examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "commit wrongdoing" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of performing an illegal, unethical, or morally reprehensible action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Although its frequency is relatively rare, it appears most commonly in news and media contexts. When you wish to be more specific or less formal, consider related alternatives such as "engage in misconduct" or "behave unlawfully". While generally neutral in register, it's best suited for formal discussions about accountability and legal or ethical breaches.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Engage in misconduct

Focuses on the act of improper behavior, especially by someone in a position of power.

Perpetrate an offense

Implies committing a violation of law or moral code.

Behave unlawfully

Highlights the illegal nature of the actions taken.

Transgress

Focuses on breaking a moral or divine law.

Act improperly

Suggests actions that are inappropriate or against established norms.

Commit an infraction

Refers to a minor violation of a rule or law.

Be guilty of malpractice

Highlights professional negligence or misconduct.

Do wrong

A more general and less formal way of expressing the commission of wrongdoing.

Commit an impropriety

Emphasizes the act of being inappropriate or unethical.

Offend against the law

Specifically denotes breaking legal statutes.

FAQs

How to use "commit wrongdoing" in a sentence?

You can use "commit wrongdoing" to describe an action that is illegal or morally wrong. For example, "The investigation revealed that the company had "committed wrongdoing" by falsifying financial records."

What can I say instead of "commit wrongdoing"?

You can use alternatives like "engage in misconduct", "perpetrate an offense", or "behave unlawfully depending on the context.

Which is correct, "commit wrongdoing" or "do wrongdoing"?

"Commit wrongdoing" is the more standard and commonly accepted phrase. "Do wrongdoing" is less frequent and can sound awkward to native English speakers.

What's the difference between "commit wrongdoing" and "make a mistake"?

"Commit wrongdoing" implies an intentional act that is illegal or morally wrong, while "make a mistake" suggests an unintentional error. Wrongdoing carries a connotation of culpability and often legal or ethical consequences, which are not present in making a mistake.