corrupt practices

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'corrupt practices' is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to unethical or illegal behavior, and can be used in various contexts. For example, "The finance company was found to be engaging in corrupt practices and was subsequently fined by the government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

International agreements define various corrupt practices as a crime, but not corruption itself.

The Guardian

Who is held responsible under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act?

The New York Times

Foreign trade was hampered by excessive regulation and corrupt practices.

Encyclopedia Britannica

New York's Democrats were long notorious for their corrupt practices.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Start with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and go from there".

The New Yorker

The judge is no stranger to Foreign Corrupt Practices Act cases.

The New York Times

Mr. Giffen's New York merchant bank pleaded guilty to violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

The New York Times

The FCPA is the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, an American anti-bribery law.

The New York Times

Under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, American companies are prohibited from bribing foreign officials.

The New York Times

The individuals are being prosecuted under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

The New York Times

Bribery of foreign officials is illegal under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "corrupt practices" when referring to systemic or repeated unethical behaviors, rather than isolated incidents. This emphasizes the ongoing nature of the problem.

Common error

Avoid using "corrupt practices" as a generic label for any negative behavior. Ensure the actions genuinely involve abuse of power, bribery, or other forms of corruption. Otherwise, use more accurate descriptors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "corrupt practices" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to a set of unethical or illegal behaviors, often within a professional or governmental context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "corrupt practices" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound term used to describe unethical or illegal behaviors, often involving an abuse of power. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is correct and commonly used. Analysis of numerous sources reveals its prevalence in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific literature. While alternatives like "unethical conduct" or "illegal activities" exist, "corrupt practices" specifically emphasizes the systemic nature of the dishonesty. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide context and specific examples, avoiding overuse without clear evidence. Common authoritative sources using this term include The New York Times, The Guardian, and the BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

corrupt behavior

Focuses on the behavior element.

illicit practices

This term indicates that the practices are not morally correct or permitted by law or custom.

unethical conduct

Replaces "practices" with a more general term for behavior, implying a broader range of morally questionable actions.

wrongdoing

General term for any kind of improper behaviour or conduct.

illegal activities

Focuses specifically on actions that violate the law, narrowing the scope from potentially unethical but legal behaviors.

fraudulent schemes

Highlights deceptive and manipulative plans, suggesting a higher level of premeditation and complexity.

malfeasance

A more formal and legalistic term for wrongdoing, often used in official or governmental contexts.

nefarious deeds

Emphasizes the wickedness and maliciousness of the actions, adding a stronger negative connotation.

shady dealings

Suggests secrecy and lack of transparency, implying hidden or questionable motives.

crooked dealings

This term specifically emphasizes the dishonesty involved in the practices.

FAQs

How can I use "corrupt practices" in a sentence?

You can use "corrupt practices" to describe unethical or illegal behaviors, for example: "The investigation revealed widespread "corrupt practices" within the government agency".

What are some alternatives to saying "corrupt practices"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "unethical conduct", "illegal activities", or "fraudulent schemes".

What distinguishes "corrupt practices" from merely "unethical behavior"?

"Corrupt practices" specifically imply an abuse of power for personal gain, often involving bribery, fraud, or exploitation. "Unethical behavior" is a broader term that encompasses any action that violates moral principles, even without direct personal benefit.

Are "corrupt practices" always illegal?

While many "corrupt practices" are illegal, some may fall into a gray area where they are unethical but not explicitly prohibited by law. The legality often depends on specific regulations and jurisdictions.