commits a crime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commits a crime" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing illegal actions or behaviors that violate laws. Example: "If someone commits a crime, they may face legal consequences such as fines or imprisonment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"If someone commits a crime, then nobody else should be punished or arrested," Mr. Farouq said.

The New York Times

He then commits a crime that puts him in prison for life.

The New Yorker

When he brings his booze back into North Carolina, he commits a crime.

The Economist

It feels wrong to them when "a person commits a crime and goes unpunished".

The New York Times

When someone commits a crime in outer space, whose laws would govern their punishment?

Cornell University

One would allow Switzerland to expel entire families if one member commits a crime.

The New York Times

If you say 1 in 5 people commits a crime, you actually picture that one person.

Harvard Business Review

The new law covers any inmate who commits a crime on or after July 1.

The Washington Post

Can a robot, or a piece of software, be jailed if it commits a crime?

The Guardian - Tech

It also makes him subject to deportation if he commits a crime.

The New York Times

"Obviously if someone commits a crime, yes, they need to be punished," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "commits a crime", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes a crime within that specific scenario. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "commits a crime" in contexts where the action may be unethical but not technically illegal. Precise language ensures accuracy and prevents misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commits a crime" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of performing an illegal act. It is commonly used to indicate that someone has violated a law or engaged in criminal behavior. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "commits a crime" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the act of performing an illegal action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, maintaining a generally neutral tone. It is especially prevalent in "News & Media" and academic writing, where precision and clarity are essential. While there are many semantically related alternatives, such as "perpetrates an offense" or "breaks the law", the choice depends on the specific nuance and context you wish to convey. Be mindful of specifying what constitutes a crime to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

breaks the law

Simple and direct, focuses on violating legal rules.

violates the law

Similar to "breaks the law", stresses the disregard for legal boundaries.

perpetrates an offense

Formal alternative, emphasizes the act of wrongdoing.

performs an illegal act

Neutral alternative, highlights the unlawful nature of the deed.

engages in criminal activity

Broader term, suggests involvement in illegal actions.

is guilty of an offense

Focuses on the culpability and legal responsibility.

transgresses the law

More formal and less common, denotes overstepping legal boundaries.

offends against the law

Emphasizes the violation's impact on the legal system.

is involved in illegal behaviour

Implies a participation in unlawful deeds.

does something unlawful

A more generic and broader way to state that someone is performing an illegal act

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "commits a crime"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "perpetrates an offense", "breaks the law", or "engages in criminal activity".

Is "commits a crime" formal or informal?

"Commits a crime" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality largely depends on the surrounding language and the specific situation.

How does the legal definition of a crime affect the use of "commits a crime"?

The legal definition of a crime varies by jurisdiction. When using "commits a crime", ensure that the action in question is indeed legally defined as a crime in the relevant jurisdiction.

What is the difference between "commits a crime" and "is accused of a crime"?

"Commits a crime" implies guilt and the performance of an illegal act, whereas "is accused of a crime" only indicates that someone is suspected of or charged with an illegal act, without confirming guilt.