drug ring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drug ring" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a group of individuals involved in the illegal drug trade or trafficking activities. Example: "The police conducted a raid on a suspected drug ring operating in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's a drug ring".

The New York Times - Sports

I mean, come on, an international drug ring?

The New York Times

He describes the drug ring known as the Association.

The New York Times - Books

Either way, the drug ring looked like garden-variety crime.

The New York Times

Prosecutors said Mr. Escobedo was involved in a drug ring with the defendants.

The New York Times

Prosecutors identified the leader of the drug ring as Henry Polanco, 31, of Washington Heights.

The New York Times

True story of a Hasidic Williamsburg drug ring: Leaving Brooklyn Oy Vey! "Daddy Longlegs".

The New Yorker

They'll be buying from a Mexican drug ring, Paper Boi explains, called the Migos.

The New Yorker

In February, Mr. Gravano was accused of participating in a massive Ecstasy drug ring in Arizona.

The New York Times

Could Rick be involved in a high-class Hollywood drug ring?

The New York Times

"This is an illegal and massive prescription drug ring," State Attorney General Jerry Brown said Friday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "drug ring", be specific about the type of drugs involved (e.g., cocaine, heroin, prescription drugs) if known, as this adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "drug ring" as a blanket term for all types of illegal drug activities. Ensure that the situation genuinely involves an organized network, and not just individual drug users or dealers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drug ring" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a criminal organization involved in the illegal drug trade, as exemplified by Ludwig in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drug ring" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an organized group involved in illegal drug activities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions to identify these criminal enterprises in various contexts, primarily within news and media. While generally neutral in tone, specificity regarding the drugs involved enhances clarity. Common errors include overgeneralization; it's important to only use "drug ring" when referring to an organized network. Related phrases include "narcotics syndicate" and "drug trafficking network", offering similar but nuanced meanings. Overall, understanding the appropriate usage of "drug ring" ensures accurate and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Illegal drug operation

A more general term emphasizing the illegality of the activity.

Drug trafficking network

Highlights the distribution aspect and interconnectedness of the operation.

Network of drug dealers

Focuses on the individuals involved and their connections.

Narcotics syndicate

Emphasizes the organized and potentially international nature of the drug operation.

Drug distribution syndicate

A more formal alternative emphasizing the organized nature of the drug distribution.

Illicit drug trade organization

Highlights the illegal and commercial aspects of the drug activity.

Cocaine cartel

Specifically refers to a group involved in cocaine distribution.

Criminal enterprise involved in drug distribution

Focuses on the business aspect and criminal nature.

Organized crime group dealing in narcotics

A formal and explicit description of the group's activities.

Underground drug market

Emphasizes the hidden and unregulated nature of the drug dealing.

FAQs

What's another way to say "drug ring"?

Alternatives include "narcotics syndicate", "drug trafficking network", or "organized crime group dealing in narcotics" depending on the context.

Is "drug ring" formal or informal?

"Drug ring" is generally considered a neutral term, suitable for news reports and factual writing. More formal contexts might use "narcotics syndicate" or similar phrases.

How can I use "drug ring" in a sentence?

Example: "The police investigation uncovered a large "drug ring" operating throughout the city."

What's the difference between "drug ring" and "drug cartel"?

While both refer to organized drug operations, "drug cartel" typically implies a larger, more powerful organization, often with international reach and significant control over drug production and distribution, whereas "drug ring" can refer to smaller, more localized groups.