fingerprints

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'fingerprints' is correct and widely used in written English.
You can use the word 'fingerprints' when referring to the unique patterns of ridges and lines on the tips of a person's fingers. For example: - The detective carefully examined the fingerprints found at the crime scene to identify the culprit. - The suspect's fingerprints matched those found on the weapon, providing crucial evidence in the investigation. - The new smartphone has a fingerprint scanner for added security. - The artist used her fingerprints to create a unique piece of artwork. - Babies do not have distinct fingerprints at birth but develop them as they grow older.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A storm broke last night over police plans to check the fingerprints of boys and girls as young as twelve in the hunt for a murderer.

The Guardian

It has proved impossible to eliminate by normal means palm and fingerprints found in the flat.

The Guardian

They say they will see that the police assurance that fingerprints will be destroyed is carried out.

The Guardian

With children under 14, the police cannot take fingerprints unless they are volunteered.

The Guardian

Confiscated materials should be returned quickly, where no charge is brought or national security involved, as fingerprints and DNA samples now are.

The Guardian

The ContactPoint database, designed to hold information on all children under 18, will be scrapped and schools "will not take children's fingerprints without even asking their parents' consent".

The Guardian

Officially, the police are entitled to ask anyone for their fingerprints but in the case of juveniles the parents have to be asked first.

The Guardian

At least 10 sets of fingerprints found at the bomb factories have never been identified.

The Guardian

Experts from the Forensic Science Service (FSS) are currently analysing swabs for DNA, fingerprints, hair or fibres from the two bodies.

The Guardian

Over Christmas a burglar in Warrington was caught after forensics found his fingerprints on a bottle.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most days they travel out in convoys of brown armored trucks, posting letters at night in the villages to assure the local Afghans they are there to protect them, collecting fingerprints from would-be mine planters, resolving tribal disputes, meeting elders and trying to gain their trust so the villagers will pass on information when the fighting season begins in earnest.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing criminal investigations, use "fingerprints" to refer to physical evidence linking a person to a crime scene.

Common error

Avoid using "fingerprints" metaphorically when discussing non-physical contributions. Instead of saying "His fingerprints were all over the project", consider "His influence was evident throughout the project".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fingerprints" is as a noun, typically used in the plural form. It functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, referring to the unique patterns on fingertips, often in the context of identification or forensic science, as exemplified by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "fingerprints" refers to the unique patterns on fingertips, predominantly used in the plural form. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct and it's very common, especially in News & Media contexts. When writing, use "fingerprints" to denote physical evidence in investigations, but avoid it metaphorically. Related terms include "unique identifiers" or "biometric data", depending on the specific context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is widely used and understood, making it a reliable choice in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unique identifiers

Focuses on the uniqueness aspect of fingerprints, emphasizing their role as identifiers.

identifying marks

Similar to distinctive markings but places more emphasis on identification.

distinctive markings

Highlights the visual aspect of fingerprints as unique marks.

characteristic patterns

Emphasizes the patterned nature of fingerprints and their ability to identify.

personal imprints

Conveys the idea that fingerprints are a unique personal mark.

forensic evidence

Highlights the role of fingerprints in legal investigations.

digital signatures

Connects fingerprints to digital security and authentication.

biometric data

Refers to fingerprints as a form of biometric information.

individual traits

Focuses on fingerprints as a unique aspect of a person's identity.

tell-tale signs

Implies that fingerprints can reveal information about a person or event.

FAQs

How are "fingerprints" used in criminal investigations?

"Fingerprints" are used as "forensic evidence" to identify individuals and link them to crime scenes.

What are some alternative terms for "fingerprints" in security contexts?

In security contexts, you might use terms like "biometric data" or "digital signatures" depending on the application.

How accurate is fingerprint identification?

Fingerprint identification is highly accurate, although factors like partial prints or smudging can affect the reliability of the analysis.

Are there any limitations to using "fingerprints" for identification?

Yes, some people may have "unreadable fingerprints" due to genetics or manual labor, and prints can be smudged or incomplete, affecting identification accuracy.