foster crime

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence.
The term 'foster crime' is not typically used in written English. However, if used, it would likely refer to creating and encouraging criminal activity, either through actively assisting those committing a crime or through creating an atmosphere that encourages crime. For example, "The lack of oversight from the government fostered crime in the region."

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Phantom states stoke wars, foster crime, and make weak states even weaker.

The New York Times

The idea that the prime minister can unabashedly argue that large estates themselves, specifically brutalist buildings, foster crime is ludicrous, but many will happily believe him.

The Guardian

Still, the central tenet of Mr Duggan's findings stands: on balance, the evidence suggests that guns foster crime, not the other way around.* "Crime, Deterrence, and Right-to-Carry Concealed Handguns".

The Economist

Rather than address any of the conditions that foster crime in the city, local politicians have chosen to engage in their favorite form of political theater: acting "tough on crime".

The Guardian - Opinion

This spring, Mr. Baraka designated two of the most blighted areas in the South and West Wards of the city "model neighborhoods," flooding them with police and code enforcement officers to address problems like poor lighting and abandoned structures that can foster crime.

The New York Times

She pointed out that the idea that sink estates foster crime and need to be demolished to make an area safer is one of the most common justifications of gentrification.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

There is a good reason for that: unconstrained urban growth in the late 19th century fostered crime and disease.

The Economist

As the justice secretary, Jack Straw, recently argued, corruption is a plague which threatens democracy, fosters crime and entrenches desperate poverty.

The Guardian

C1 Business Digest C2 EDITORIAL A22-23 EditorialScrutinizinging John Roberts; who's minding Medicaid?; Georgia's undemocratic voter law; cutting college aid, and fostering crime.

The New York Times

Forman is clear: everything he outlines happened or is happening under the macrocosm of white supremacy, which imposes the reality that fosters crime and the constraints that winnow down possible responses.

The Guardian

Most analysts argue that the still cramped living spaces and unmet social needs — particularly high unemployment of around twenty-five per cent that often fosters crime — are hardly different from the days of Apartheid; some also contend that it is the hangover from that period that contributes to what police call "social fabric crimes".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "foster crime", ensure that the context clearly explains what factors are contributing to the increase or enabling of criminal activity. Be specific about the conditions or actions that are fostering the crime to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid making overly broad or general statements about what "fosters crime". Instead of saying "poverty fosters crime", specify which aspects of poverty—such as lack of opportunity or inadequate education—are contributing factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foster crime" primarily functions as a verb + noun construction. The verb "foster" signifies promoting or encouraging something, while "crime" refers to illegal activities. Ludwig examples show it describing conditions or actions that enable or increase crime.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "foster crime" is an uncommon but acceptable way to describe actions or conditions that encourage or enable criminal activity. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is found in a range of reputable sources, including news outlets and formal business publications, though its usage is not widespread. It is important to note that the phrase's communicative purpose is typically analytical or critical, aiming to highlight the underlying causes of criminal behavior. When employing this phrase, specificity is key to avoid overly broad generalizations. Alternatives like "encourage crime" or "facilitate crime" may offer greater clarity depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encourage crime

Replaces "foster" with a more common synonym, "encourage", maintaining the same meaning.

promote crime

Uses "promote" as a synonym for "foster", suggesting active support or propagation of crime.

fuel crime

Emphasizes the aspect of intensifying or worsening criminal activity.

breed crime

Suggests that certain conditions cause crime to develop or multiply.

encourage criminal activity

Replaces "crime" with "criminal activity" for a more formal tone.

incubate crime

Suggests that conditions are ideal for crime to arise and develop.

facilitate crime

Highlights the act of making crime easier or more possible.

cultivate crime

Implies a deliberate effort to create or develop criminal activities.

give rise to crime

Indicates that something causes crime to start or increase.

create an environment for crime

Focuses on the environmental factors that enable crime.

FAQs

How can I use "foster crime" in a sentence?

You can use "foster crime" to describe actions or conditions that encourage or enable criminal activity. For example, "The lack of economic opportunity can "foster crime" in the region".

What are some alternatives to saying "foster crime"?

Alternatives include phrases like "encourage crime", "promote crime", or "facilitate crime", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "foster crime" or "fostering crime"?

Both phrases are grammatically acceptable, but "foster crime" is typically used as a general statement, while "fostering crime" implies an ongoing process. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What factors typically "foster crime" in a community?

Factors that can "foster crime" include poverty, lack of education, unemployment, and inadequate law enforcement. Addressing these issues can help reduce criminal activity.