criminal element

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "criminal element" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is used to describe a criminal group or organization that is operating within a particular area or context. For example: "The police are increasing their presence in the area due to the presence of a criminal element."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Kyrgyz from some criminal element?

The New York Times

There was certainly a criminal element.

The Guardian - Sport

There is also a criminal element.

The Guardian

He left the circuit because of the criminal element.

The New Yorker

"It'll get the criminal element out of the marijuana trade.

The New York Times

Marbella had also begun to attract a criminal element.

The New Yorker

The criminal element has set its sights elsewhere".

The Guardian - Tech

The criminal element that all genuine rappers know intimately.

The Guardian - Music

Ms. Spencer said that any criminal element was the exception.

The New York Times

Looting a temple, therefore, is a sacrilegious act — the province of an especially unscrupulous criminal element.

The New Yorker

Our principal concern, however, is with the reaction of the criminal element.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "criminal element" to highlight the structured or organized aspect of criminal activity, rather than isolated incidents.

Common error

Avoid using "criminal element" to describe individuals involved in minor offenses. This phrase typically refers to organized or significant criminal activities, not isolated petty crimes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "criminal element" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a group or network of individuals involved in criminal activities. Ludwig provides various examples of its usage in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "criminal element" is a widely used noun phrase that describes a group or network of individuals involved in organized criminal activities. According to Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and is prevalent in news and media sources. While it serves to identify and categorize these groups, it's important to avoid overgeneralization and clearly define the context in which it is used. Alternatives like ""organized crime"" or ""underworld figures"" can be used for a similar meaning. The analysis underscores the phrase's neutral register and its frequent usage in journalistic and analytical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

organized crime

Highlights the structure and planning behind criminal activities, focusing on groups engaged in illicit enterprises.

gangsters

Specifically refers to members of a gang, implying organized criminal activity.

mobsters

Suggests involvement in organized crime, particularly within a mafia-like structure.

underworld figures

Refers specifically to individuals involved in organized crime or the hidden, illicit aspects of society.

lawbreakers

A general term for those who violate the law, lacking the organized aspect of "criminal element".

felons

Specifically refers to those convicted of serious crimes.

outlaws

Implies a defiance of the law and often suggests a romanticized or historical context.

offenders

A more neutral and legalistic term for those who have committed crimes.

delinquents

Often refers to young or petty criminals, lacking the seriousness implied by "criminal element".

malefactors

A formal and somewhat archaic term for evildoers or criminals.

FAQs

How is the phrase "criminal element" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "criminal element" is often used to describe a group of people involved in organized or significant illegal activities. For example, "The police are investigating the presence of a "criminal element" in the neighborhood".

What are some alternatives to using "criminal element" in writing?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "organized crime", "underworld figures", or "lawbreakers" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to use "criminal element" to describe a single individual?

While "criminal element" typically refers to a group, it can be used to describe an individual who is representative of or heavily involved in organized crime. However, it's more common to use phrases like "career criminal" or "hardened criminal" in such cases.

What distinguishes "criminal element" from a simple "criminal"?

The term "criminal" generally refers to an individual who has committed a crime. "Criminal element" implies a more organized, pervasive, and influential presence within a community or society, suggesting a network or group involved in sustained illegal activities.