criminal act

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "criminal act" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to an action or behavior that is considered a crime according to the law. Example: The suspect was arrested and charged with several criminal acts including theft, assault, and fraud.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a criminal act.

The Washington Post

Is not sexual molestation a criminal act?

The New York Times

"I've committed no criminal act here.

The New York Times

Phishing is a web-based criminal act.

Computers & Security

Boston was a criminal act.

The Guardian

It is a criminal act".

The Guardian

"Doesn't mean it's a criminal act.

The New York Times

It was not a criminal act.

The Guardian

It's verging on a criminal act.

The Guardian - Books

Thus, "it was a criminal act".

The New York Times

"Mr. Arnold committed no criminal act.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "criminal act" when you want to emphasize the legal implications and potential consequences of an action.

Common error

While "criminal act" is widely understood, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "crime" or "illegal activity".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "criminal act" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It labels a specific action or behavior that violates the law. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from news reports to legal discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "criminal act" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote an illegal action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to clearly label actions that violate the law, most commonly appearing in news reports and formal discussions. While appropriate for neutral and formal contexts, simpler terms like "crime" may be preferable in casual settings. Understanding its function and usage patterns ensures accurate and effective communication in legal, journalistic, and academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

illegal activity

Focuses on the activity's illegality without explicitly stating it's a "criminal act".

unlawful deed

Uses more formal language to describe an illegal action.

felonious conduct

Highlights the severity of the action, implying it's a felony.

criminal offense

Emphasizes the violation of the law.

crime

A shorter, more direct synonym for "criminal act".

transgression of the law

More descriptive and emphasizes the violation of legal boundaries.

violation of statute

Specifically refers to breaking a written law or statute.

illegal undertaking

Suggests a planned or ongoing illegal project or venture.

criminal enterprise

Emphasizes the organized nature of an illegal business or activity.

illicit behavior

Broader term encompassing any forbidden or disapproved behavior, not necessarily limited to legal definitions of crime.

FAQs

How can I use "criminal act" in a sentence?

You can use "criminal act" to describe an action that violates the law. For example: "The suspect was charged with a "criminal act" after being caught stealing."

What's the difference between "criminal act" and "illegal activity"?

"Criminal act" typically refers to a specific instance of breaking the law, while "illegal activity" can refer to a pattern or ongoing series of unlawful actions.

What are some synonyms for "criminal act"?

Synonyms for "criminal act" include "crime", "unlawful deed", and "felonious conduct".

Is "criminal act" a formal or informal term?

"Criminal act" is generally considered a neutral to formal term, suitable for legal, journalistic, and academic contexts. More informal contexts might benefit from using just the word "crime".