grave crime

USAGE SUMMARY

"grave crime" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe any crime that is particularly severe or serious. For example: "The judge handed down a harsh sentence for the defendant's grave crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"A travesty, a grave crime," he splutters.

The Economist

"A grave crime has been committed.

The Guardian

A grave crime called for grave punishment..

The Guardian

"We will take appropriate action for this grave crime," she told reporters outside the hospital.

The New York Times

He called the action a grave crime, but said he did not support prosecuting the troops.

The New York Times

We cannot allow impunity in what appears to be a grave crime against humanity.

The Guardian

We cannot allow impunity in what appears to be a grave crime against humanity," Ban said.

The Guardian

"If the court finds Dadayev guilty then by killing a person he has committed a grave crime.

The Guardian

One problem is that perpetrators may not view their actions as a grave crime, but something closer to mischief.

The New York Times

It was a grave crime and those responsible must be brought to justice as soon as possible.

The Guardian

He received a six-year sentence for corruption and a nine-year one for sodomy (which is considered a grave crime in Malaysia).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grave crime" to emphasize the seriousness and potential consequences of an action. It is especially effective in legal, political, and ethical discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "grave crime" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound overly dramatic or out of place. Opt for simpler terms like "serious mistake" or "bad decision" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave crime" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI validates, it describes a particularly serious or severe offense. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts requiring serious condemnation and legal consideration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grave crime" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase employed to describe a serious offense, as validated by Ludwig AI. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it emphasizes the severity and moral implications of an action. Alternatives like "serious offense" or "heinous act" can be used depending on the nuance desired. While effective in formal settings, it should be avoided in casual contexts to prevent sounding overly dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious offense

Emphasizes the formal aspect of the crime as a violation of rules or laws.

heinous act

Highlights the shocking and reprehensible nature of the act.

grievous transgression

Focuses on the moral and ethical violation involved.

major felony

Specifies the legal classification of the crime, indicating its seriousness.

atrocious violation

Underscores the extreme cruelty or wickedness of the violation.

severe infraction

Points to a breach of rules with significant consequences.

capital offense

Refers to a crime punishable by death, indicating the highest level of severity.

terrible misdeed

Highlights the harmful and unethical aspect of the action.

egregious wrongdoing

Emphasizes the conspicuous and blatant nature of the misconduct.

significant breach of law

Focuses on the legal aspect, indicating a notable violation of established laws.

FAQs

How to use "grave crime" in a sentence?

You can use "grave crime" to describe serious offenses, for example: "The judge ruled that the defendant had committed a "grave crime" and sentenced him to prison."

What can I say instead of "grave crime"?

You can use alternatives like "serious offense", "heinous act", or "grievous transgression" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "grave crime" or "major crime"?

Both "grave crime" and "major crime" are correct, but ""grave crime"" suggests a higher level of severity than "major crime". Choose the phrase that best reflects the seriousness of the offense.

What's the difference between "grave crime" and "grave offense"?

"Grave crime" typically refers to acts that violate the law, while "grave offense" can also include serious moral or ethical violations that may not be illegal.