heinous crimes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'heinous crimes' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe very serious or evil crimes. Example Sentence: The criminals responsible for the heinous crimes were sentenced to life in prison.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They're all suspected of heinous crimes".

The New York Times

They are the most heinous crimes.

Independent

"Rape is one of the most heinous crimes there is.

The New York Times

But many are implicated in far more heinous crimes.

The Guardian

Supports the death penalty for "particularly heinous crimes".

The Guardian

Assad and Vladimir Putin are responsible for heinous crimes.

The Guardian - Opinion

(Obama, for example, has supported executions for "extraordinarily heinous crimes").

The New Yorker

The hijacking of a great faith to justify such heinous crimes sickens us all.

Independent

Without the ability to tap into their files, heinous crimes will go undetected.

The Economist

A conscience can be used to justify anything, even heinous crimes.

The New York Times - Books

"Do people who commit equally heinous crimes get the same results?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "heinous crimes" to describe offenses that are exceptionally wicked, shocking, or reprehensible. Ensure the context warrants such a strong descriptor to maintain credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "heinous crimes" to describe minor offenses or disagreements. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing seem hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heinous crimes" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "heinous" modifies the noun "crimes". It is used to categorize and describe specific offenses as exceptionally wicked or reprehensible. As Ludwig AI points out, its frequent usage across many sources proves its good fit in the English language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heinous crimes" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound phrase used to describe exceptionally wicked offenses. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its frequent appearance in news and media, coupled with its usage in scientific and formal contexts, underscores its versatility. While alternatives like "atrocious acts" or "terrible offenses" exist, "heinous crimes" retains a strong connotation of moral outrage and severity. It is important, therefore, to use it judiciously to maintain the impact of your writing and avoid hyperbole.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unspeakable atrocities

Draws attention to the extreme nature and difficulty in describing the acts.

nefarious actions

Highlights the wickedness and immorality behind the acts.

atrocious acts

Focuses on the action itself rather than the legal classification.

grave wrongdoings

Emphasizes the seriousness of the offenses.

horrific transgressions

Highlights the violation of moral or legal boundaries.

terrible offenses

Emphasizes the impact on the victim and society.

dreadful misdeeds

Conveys a sense of fear and aversion.

criminal outrages

Focuses on the violation of legal standards and public sensibility.

abominable deeds

Highlights the moral repugnance of the actions.

flagrant violations

Stresses the blatant disregard for rules and laws.

FAQs

How can I use "heinous crimes" in a sentence?

You can use "heinous crimes" to describe particularly shocking and wicked offenses. For example: "The perpetrators of these "heinous crimes" must be brought to justice."

What are some synonyms for "heinous crimes"?

Alternatives include "atrocious acts", "terrible offenses", or "abominable deeds" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the term "heinous crimes"?

Use "heinous crimes" when referring to offenses that are exceptionally evil, brutal, or morally reprehensible. The term carries a strong connotation and should be reserved for serious contexts.

What differentiates "heinous crimes" from regular crimes?

"Heinous crimes" are distinguished by their extreme wickedness and cruelty. While all crimes violate the law, "heinous crimes" evoke a higher level of moral outrage and are often associated with severe penalties.