illicit operations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "illicit operations" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe illegal or unlawful activities. Example: The company was shut down by the authorities for engaging in illicit operations, such as money laundering and tax evasion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Growers, consumers, dealers, and others in the industry told VICE News about operators that undercut prices at state pot shops, and several sources described illicit operations that ship large quantities of weed across the country from states that have legalized pot to states that haven't.

Vice

Law enforcement agencies have shut down some illicit operations, but new ones seem to appear daily.

The New York Times

Tells about A.B. member Michael McElhiney at Leavenworth who took over a variety of illicit operations at the prison.

The New Yorker

Some terrorist groups use in-house facilitators — to raise money, for instance — while they outsource other needs for their illicit operations.

The New York Times

Exactly how much they spend is by definition unknowable: illicit operations don't file earnings reports, or have dealings with the taxman.

Independent

Ianni gives little evidence, in fact, that the four families had any grand criminal ambitions beyond the illicit operations they ran out of storefronts in Brooklyn.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

That his taxes were due on what was then a mostly illicit operation seems only incidental.

The Guardian

The unit had also conducted an illicit operation in Iran, kept secret from all but those involved for fear of getting "chewed", a local expression meaning betrayed.

The Guardian

It remained unclear how much of the rest of their profits they pocketed for themselves, given different layers of party and military officials involved in a typical illicit operation.

The New York Times

The illicit operation was part of a continuing illegal trade in the eggs of sturgeon, huge bottom feeders that live a century or more and reproduce slowly, whose high-priced roe have made them a target of poachers.

The New York Times

Ross is challenged with questions, with the sticky ethical dilemmas inherent in this small but growing illicit operation.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing illegal activities, use "illicit operations" to maintain a formal and objective tone, especially in legal or journalistic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "illicit operations" in casual conversation or informal writing; simpler terms like "illegal activities" or "shady dealings" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "illicit operations" functions as a noun phrase, where 'illicit' modifies 'operations'. It typically describes unlawful or prohibited activities. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in news and encyclopedic contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "illicit operations" describes unlawful or illegal activities and functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and can be used in written English, often to describe illegal activities. While used in formal contexts like news, encyclopedias, and scientific reports, it might be too formal for casual use. Related phrases include "illegal enterprises" and "criminal activities". Remember to reserve its use for situations that require precision and clarity in denoting illegal or prohibited actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

criminal activities

Uses 'criminal' instead of 'illicit' to directly indicate the activities violate criminal law.

unauthorized activities

Replaces 'operations' with a broader term 'activities', emphasizing the unauthorized nature of the actions.

fraudulent schemes

Highlights the deceitful and dishonest aspect of the operations, indicating intent to defraud.

illegal enterprises

Substitutes 'operations' with 'enterprises', focusing on the organized and often commercial nature of the illicit activities.

unlawful schemes

Replaces 'operations' with 'schemes', highlighting the planned and often deceptive nature of the illicit actions.

prohibited actions

Emphasizes the forbidden aspect of the operations, indicating they are against regulations or laws.

black market activities

Specifies the operations are taking place within a black market, focusing on illegal trading.

underground dealings

Replaces 'illicit operations' with a phrase that suggests secrecy and illegality in business or transactions.

clandestine endeavors

Replaces "illicit operations" with words suggesting secret or concealed activities

irregular practices

Softens the tone, suggesting the operations deviate from standard or acceptable practices, though still illicit.

FAQs

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

You can use "illicit operations" to describe illegal or unlawful activities, such as "The authorities shut down the company's illicit operations" or "The investigation revealed a network of illicit operations spanning several countries".

What are some alternatives to "illicit operations"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "illegal enterprises", "unlawful schemes", or "criminal activities".

Is "illicit operations" formal or informal?

"Illicit operations" leans towards the formal side. For more informal contexts, you might prefer phrases like "shady dealings" or "illegal activities".

What's the difference between "illicit operations" and "unauthorized operations"?

"Illicit operations" specifically implies illegality, whereas "unauthorized operations" may simply lack official approval without necessarily being against the law.