human trafficking

USAGE SUMMARY

"human trafficking" is a correct and usable term in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the illegal trade of human beings for the purpose of labor, sex work, or other forms of exploitation. Example sentence: Human trafficking is a hidden crime and is often overlooked or ignored.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Human trafficking is outlawed.

The Economist

"Human trafficking," someone mutters.

The New Yorker

"It's not human trafficking.

The New York Times

It's quite close to human trafficking".

The New York Times

Human trafficking and kidnapping are rampant.

The Economist

There are new protections against human trafficking.

The New York Times

Conditions are ideal for human trafficking.

The New Yorker

She had never heard of human trafficking.

The New Yorker

Theirs are chilling tales of human trafficking.

The Economist

The horrifying story of human trafficking.

The New Yorker

Human trafficking is a horrific reality.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "human trafficking", be specific about the type of exploitation involved (e.g., sexual exploitation, forced labor) to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Don't confuse "human trafficking" with "human smuggling". "Human trafficking" involves exploitation after the border crossing, whereas human smuggling ends with the border crossing itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "human trafficking" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It denotes a specific type of crime involving the exploitation of individuals, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "human trafficking" is a well-established and frequently used term to describe the illegal trade of human beings for exploitation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct term with a clear meaning, primarily used in news, legal, and academic contexts. When writing about this issue, specificity is crucial. Distinguish it from "human smuggling" and be mindful of the type of exploitation involved. Consider alternatives like ""modern slavery"" or "trafficking in persons" for variety, but ensure they fit the context. Awareness and precision are key when discussing this serious issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trafficking in persons

More formal and legalistic alternative.

modern slavery

Emphasizes the exploitative nature, drawing a parallel to historical slavery.

forced labor

Focuses specifically on the labor exploitation aspect.

sexual exploitation

Highlights the sexual abuse and exploitation component.

involuntary servitude

Legal term referring to compelled service against one's will.

illegal labor trade

Focuses on the unlawful commercial aspect.

exploitation of persons

General term focusing on the abusive treatment of people.

trafficking for exploitation

Specifies the end purpose of the trafficking activity.

the modern slave trade

Emphasizes the large-scale criminal aspect.

coercive labor practices

Highlights the use of force and coercion in labor exploitation.

FAQs

How to use "human trafficking" in a sentence?

"Human trafficking" is a serious crime that exploits vulnerable individuals for profit. Governments and organizations are working to combat "modern slavery" and protect victims.

What can I say instead of "human trafficking"?

You can use alternatives like ""modern slavery"", "trafficking in persons", or "forced labor" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "human trafficking" or "people trafficking"?

"Human trafficking" is the more widely accepted and commonly used term. While "people trafficking" is understandable, "human trafficking" is preferred in formal and legal contexts.

What's the difference between "human trafficking" and ""human smuggling""?

"Human trafficking" involves exploitation after the border crossing, whereas "human smuggling" ends with the border crossing. Trafficking involves coercion, fraud, or force, while smuggling is generally consensual.