evil people

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "evil people" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals who engage in morally wrong or malevolent actions. Example: "The story revolves around a group of heroes who must confront the evil people threatening their village."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Evil, evil people".

Vice

There are evil people.

The Guardian - Sport

"They're terribly funny, these evil people.

The New Yorker

"We are dealing here with evil people".

The New York Times - Books

"Other countries have evil people.

The Guardian

There were very evil people".

The New York Times

There are evil people in the world.

The New York Times - Magazine

"These are evil people," he explained.

The New York Times

"These are evil people," he said.

The New York Times

These evil people need to be stopped.

The Guardian

"Evil people have been evil forever," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "evil people", ensure the context clearly supports the strong negative connotation. Consider alternative phrases if a less intense description is more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "evil people" in casual conversations where the behavior might be better described as simply misguided or wrong. Overusing such strong language can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "evil people" functions as a noun phrase, where "evil" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "people". It typically serves to categorize and describe a group of individuals based on their perceived moral character. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "evil people" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe individuals characterized by profound immorality. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. Its usage spans across various contexts, from news reports and academic discussions to more informal settings. While the term carries a strong negative connotation, it is important to use it judiciously, considering the specific context and intended impact. Alternatives like "wicked individuals" or "malicious persons" may offer a more nuanced or formal tone. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wicked individuals

Replaces "evil" with "wicked" and "people" with "individuals", offering a slightly more formal tone.

malicious persons

Substitutes "evil" with "malicious" and "people" with "persons", resulting in a more formal and less common expression.

nefarious characters

Replaces "evil" with "nefarious" and "people" with "characters", changing the focus slightly to a narrative context.

immoral beings

Uses "immoral" instead of "evil" and "beings" instead of "people", suggesting a broader, philosophical context.

corrupt individuals

Replaces "evil" with "corrupt", emphasizing moral decay and dishonesty rather than inherent wickedness.

villainous figures

Substitutes "evil" with "villainous" and "people" with "figures", making it suitable for fictional or dramatic contexts.

malevolent entities

Uses "malevolent" in place of "evil" and "entities" instead of "people", suggesting a more abstract and powerful form of evil.

depraved souls

Replaces "evil" with "depraved" and "people" with "souls", highlighting the moral corruption of the individuals.

sinister individuals

Substitutes "evil" with "sinister", emphasizing a sense of foreboding and hidden malice.

unscrupulous individuals

Replaces "evil" with "unscrupulous", focusing on a lack of moral principles and ethical considerations.

FAQs

How can I use "evil people" in a sentence?

You can use "evil people" to describe individuals who commit morally reprehensible acts. For example: "The detective dedicated his life to bringing "evil people" to justice."

What phrases can I use instead of "evil people"?

Alternatives include "wicked individuals", "malicious persons", or "nefarious characters", depending on the desired level of formality and context.

Is it more appropriate to say "evil people" or "bad people"?

"Evil people" carries a much stronger connotation of inherent wickedness and malicious intent, while "bad people" can refer to those who simply make mistakes or engage in less severe wrongdoings. The choice depends on the severity of the actions being described.

What distinguishes "evil people" from "criminals"?

While criminals commit unlawful acts, "evil people" implies a deeper moral corruption and intent to cause harm. Not all criminals are necessarily considered "evil people", as their actions may be driven by circumstances rather than inherent malice.