illegal operations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "illegal operations" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to actions or activities that are prohibited or against the law. Example: "The company was shut down due to its involvement in illegal operations, such as money laundering and tax evasion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Another dealer was part of a syndicate of smaller operators involved in various legal and illegal operations, which was buying wholesale from a crime family in the city.

Vice

Amounts expended for illegal operations or treatments are not deductible.

Cornell University

Illegal operations and invalid page faults are mentioned.

The New York Times - Tech

"Coalition senators support the prosecution of these illegal operations".

The Guardian

They caught him one day making illegal operations, and disbarred him from the profession.

The New Yorker

"These guys are involved in illegal operations down here," Watson told the officials.

The New Yorker

What illegal operations did Abdul Qadeer Khan recently admit to running? e.

The New York Times

Illegal operations, including bribes and even hacking of government databases, are also becoming more sophisticated.

The Guardian

National Drug Law Enforcement agents got wind of illegal operations in the factory and raided it.

The Guardian

But the reclusiveness that protected their illegal operations is now an impediment to competition.

The Guardian

"I think there are illegal operations going on all over the place," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use reliable sources to substantiate claims about "illegal operations", as accusations can have legal ramifications.

Common error

Remember that while "illegal operations" are against the law, not all unethical actions are necessarily illegal. Ensure your language accurately reflects the legal status of the activity you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "illegal operations" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies activities that are prohibited by law, as Ludwig indicates with numerous examples from diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

19%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "illegal operations" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe activities prohibited by law. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears in diverse contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. While generally neutral to formal, the phrase's impact hinges on the specificity of the described actions. When writing about "illegal operations", clarity and credible sourcing are paramount to avoid misinterpretations. Consider using alternatives like "illicit activities" or "unlawful practices" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

illicit activities

Focuses more on the general nature of forbidden actions.

unlawful practices

Emphasizes the non-compliance with established laws.

prohibited activities

Directly states that the actions are forbidden.

criminal enterprises

Highlights the organized nature of the illegal ventures.

fraudulent schemes

Specifically refers to deceitful plans for financial gain.

corrupt dealings

Highlights the ethical decay and dishonesty involved.

clandestine dealings

Suggests secrecy and covert actions associated with the activities.

unauthorized actions

Emphasizes the lack of permission or sanction for the operations.

shadow operations

Implies hidden or unofficial nature of the activities.

black market activities

Specifically refers to illegal trading in goods or services.

FAQs

What are some examples of "illegal operations"?

Examples of "illegal operations" include drug trafficking, money laundering, running unlicensed businesses, and engaging in fraud.

How can I use "illegal operations" in a sentence?

You might say, "The police investigation uncovered a network of "illegal operations" /s/unlawful+practices spanning several states".

What's the difference between "illegal operations" and "criminal enterprises"?

"Illegal operations" is a broader term encompassing any activity against the law, while "criminal enterprises" specifically implies organized and sustained illegal activities.

What can I say instead of "illegal operations"?

You can use alternatives such as "illicit activities", "unlawful practices", or "fraudulent schemes" depending on the context.