execute a robbery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "execute a robbery" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing criminal activities or in fictional narratives involving crime. Example: "The police were able to apprehend the suspects before they could execute a robbery at the bank."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Q9's statement, written by his counsel, Hugh Davies QC, added: "[Q9's] position remains as it always has: based on the briefing, the occupants of the car were professional criminals with access to firearms and a willingness to use them to execute a robbery of secure cash locations.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

What was striking to me was the ability of the judicial system to execute such a robbery of justice.

The Guardian

District Attorney David Roger of Clark County disagreed, insisting that Mr. Simpson and his group planned and executed an armed robbery and kidnapping when they burst into the room, brandished guns and departed with a trove of items that included memorabilia related to the football career of Mr. Simpson and other athletes.

The New York Times

In "Danse Macabre" the victims of a robbery gone awry rise to execute a bit of Broadway song and dance.

The New York Times

During a "carefully planned and professionally executed armed robbery", a firearm was fired at a supervisor.

The Guardian

In his written judgment, handed down in open court, Lord Judge said: "The case concerns very serious criminal activity, including possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of a firearm with intent to commit robbery, and conspiracy to rob". During a "carefully planned and professionally executed armed robbery", a firearm was fired at a supervisor.

The Guardian

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against a Garden Grove man accused of executing a Costa Mesa man and his co-worker during a robbery last year in Stanton.

Los Angeles Times

Now Vidale has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, armed robbery, obstructing a police officer executing a search warrant and driving with a revoked license, according to the criminal complaint.

Huffington Post

Missouri has executed a man convicted of killing a jewellery store owner during a 1991 robbery after the US supreme court denied last-minute appeals that in part challenged the drug used in the execution.

The Guardian

"Revenge cleanses," he says, quoting Aristotle on catharsis.But during the course of investigating a brilliantly executed bank robbery, Harry discovers that revenge is a flexible concept.

The New York Times - Books

Florida also executed a man Thursday night using the same method as Oklahoma, Johnny Shane Kormondy, the convicted ringleader of a 1993 home invasion robbery that ended with the murder of a banker and the rape of his wife.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a robbery, consider using synonyms like "commit", "carry out", or "perpetrate" for more common and natural-sounding language.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "execute a robbery" can sound overly dramatic or theatrical in everyday descriptions of crime. Opt for simpler alternatives to avoid unintentionally sensationalizing the event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "execute a robbery" functions as a verb phrase where 'execute' is the verb, 'a' is an article, and 'robbery' is a noun. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable, mainly found in contexts discussing criminal activities or fictional narratives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "execute a robbery" is grammatically correct but relatively rare. According to Ludwig AI, it is primarily used in the context of criminal activities and fictional narratives. While understandable, alternatives like "commit a robbery" or "carry out a robbery" are more frequently used in common speech. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for news reports, but it might sound overdramatic in casual conversation. Therefore, when choosing the phrase, consider the context and intended impact on your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commit a robbery

Using "commit" emphasizes the act of perpetrating the crime.

carry out a robbery

"Carry out" suggests planning and implementation of the crime.

perform a robbery

"Perform" implies a deliberate and staged action.

enact a robbery

"Enact" gives a sense of putting a plan into action, often used in a dramatic context.

undertake a robbery

"Undertake" suggests embarking on a task or project, in this case, a criminal one.

perpetrate a robbery

"Perpetrate" emphasizes the execution of a harmful or illegal act.

stage a robbery

"Stage" implies a setup or pre-planned arrangement of the crime.

effect a robbery

"Effect" means to bring about or accomplish, highlighting the successful completion of the crime.

implement a robbery

"Implement" highlights the process of putting a plan into action, often suggesting a meticulous approach.

engineer a robbery

"Engineer" suggests a carefully planned and skillfully executed robbery, similar to designing a complex system.

FAQs

What verbs can I use instead of "execute" with the word "robbery"?

Common alternatives include "commit a robbery", "carry out a robbery", or "stage a robbery", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "execute a robbery" a common phrase?

While grammatically sound, "execute a robbery" is not as frequently used as alternatives like "commit a robbery". It can sometimes sound overly formal or dramatic.

When is it appropriate to use "execute a robbery"?

The phrase might be suitable when you want to emphasize the planning and precision involved in the robbery, or to create a specific stylistic effect in writing.

What's the difference between "execute a robbery" and "commit a robbery"?

"Commit a robbery" is a more general term for performing the act of robbery. "Execute a robbery" implies more detailed planning and implementation, suggesting a higher degree of precision or complexity in the act.