criminal activity

USAGE SUMMARY

"criminal activity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to illegal or punishable actions, or actions which involve breaking the law. For example: "Authorities have seen a notable increase in criminal activity in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No criminal activity was found".

The New York Times

"It has to do with criminal activity.

The New York Times

It denied all criminal activity.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was no criminal activity".

The New York Times

EVIDENCE of criminal activity was unmistakable.

The New York Times

"I can't justify criminal activity," he said.

The New York Times

They may be involved in criminal activity.

The New York Times

I don't engage in any criminal activity.

The New York Times

-- Evidence of criminal activity in military ranks and impact.

The Guardian

Killings relating to criminal activity have followed their own form.

The Guardian

It's not like "gangs" are constantly involved in criminal activity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "criminal activity", be specific about the type of activity if possible, to provide clarity and avoid generalization. For example, specify "fraudulent financial activity" or "organized criminal activity".

Common error

Avoid using "criminal activity" as a blanket term without providing context or specific examples. This can lead to misinterpretations and weaken your argument. Always strive for clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "criminal activity" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to denote illegal or punishable actions. It is also used to refer to actions that violate the law.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "criminal activity" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe illegal actions. Ludwig AI validates its correctness in written English. It appears frequently in news and media, as well as scientific and formal contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific about the types of activities involved to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives include "illegal actions", "illicit behavior", and "unlawful conduct". By understanding its function and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "criminal activity" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

criminal conduct

A more formal and direct synonym, often used in legal contexts.

illegal actions

Focuses on the illegality of the actions, without necessarily implying a pattern or sustained effort.

illicit behavior

Emphasizes the forbidden or disapproved nature of the behavior.

unlawful conduct

Highlights the violation of the law in a formal way.

lawbreaking

A simpler, more direct term for violating the law.

unlawful practices

Refers to habitual or customary illegal behaviors.

illegal enterprise

Suggests an organized and ongoing operation rather than isolated incidents.

illegal operations

Implies planned and coordinated illegal actions, possibly within an organization.

felonious acts

Refers specifically to serious crimes, or felonies.

wrongdoing

A broad term that encompasses both legal and moral offenses.

FAQs

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

You can use "criminal activity" to describe illegal actions or behaviors. For example, "The police are investigating a rise in "criminal activity" in the city center".

What are some alternatives to "criminal activity"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "illegal actions", "illicit behavior", or "unlawful conduct".

Is "criminal activity" a formal or informal term?

"Criminal activity" is a relatively neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is often used in news reports, legal documents, and academic studies.

What's the difference between "criminal activity" and "crime"?

"Crime" is a general term for an illegal act, while "criminal activity" suggests a pattern or series of illegal acts. "The police are investigating a crime" versus "The police are investigating organized "criminal activity"".