illicit transactions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "illicit transactions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to illegal or forbidden exchanges, often in the context of finance, trade, or other activities that violate laws or regulations. Example: "The authorities are cracking down on illicit transactions that undermine the integrity of the financial system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

But the App Store, and Apple's broader iTunes Store, have become playgrounds for illicit transactions.

The New York Times

But bitcoin evangelists insist that it's about much more than greasing the path for illicit transactions.

The New York Times

US investigators cite $30bn of illicit transactions, a volume that massively exceeds other cases.

The Guardian - Business

It was not until 2010 that illicit transactions ceased with Cuba and late 2012 in the case of Iran.

The Economist

He offered to "return the favour" and entered into illicit transactions in order to incentivise and reward his counterparts.

The Guardian - Business

In 2010, Wachovia admitted that it had essentially helped finance the murderous drug war in Mexico by failing to identify and stop illicit transactions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

It felt like an illicit transaction as the pharmacist produced it from under the counter.

The New York Times

That Michael also had an iPhone (I could tell by the gray ellipsis in a bubble that indicates the other user is typing) only added to the frisson of the illicit transaction.

The New Yorker

And usually people are buying those edibles in windowless dispensaries where it can still feel very much like making an illicit transaction.

Forbes

We'd spend about an hour talking about her life as a United Nations translator (among other things), and then she'd slip me $20, ashamed her doorman might see our illicit transaction.

Vice

We'd spend about an hour each morning, talking about her life as a United Nations translator (among other things) and then she'd slip me a $20, ashamed her doorman might see our illicit transaction.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial crimes, use "illicit transactions" to refer to specific instances of illegal exchanges, rather than as a general term for illegal activities.

Common error

Avoid using "illicit transactions" as a catch-all term for all types of illegal activity. The phrase specifically refers to exchanges involving money or goods that are prohibited by law. Other illegal activities may not involve a "transaction" in the strict sense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "illicit transactions" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "illicit" modifies the noun "transactions". It describes exchanges or dealings that are illegal or forbidden. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "illicit transactions" refers to illegal or forbidden exchanges, commonly in the realms of finance, trade, and other regulated activities. Ludwig AI validates that the usage of the phrase is correct. It's a common term, particularly in news and media and academic contexts. While it's grammatically sound and widely used, it's crucial to use it specifically to denote illegal exchanges, rather than as a broad descriptor for all unlawful activities. Consider alternatives like "unauthorized transactions" or "illegal dealings" based on the context. The most authoritative sources using this term include The New York Times, The Guardian and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unauthorized transactions

Focuses on the lack of permission or approval for the transaction.

illegal dealings

Emphasizes the unlawful nature of the exchanges.

unlawful transactions

Highlights the violation of established laws.

illicit dealings

A synonym, but "dealings" can sometimes imply a broader range of activities.

fraudulent activities

Suggests deceit and misrepresentation are involved.

criminal exchanges

Directly implies involvement in criminal activities.

money laundering

Specifically refers to concealing the origins of illegally obtained money.

corrupt practices

Implies unethical and dishonest behavior.

shadow economy activities

Refers to economic activities that operate outside of formal systems.

black market operations

Suggests transactions within an illegal marketplace.

FAQs

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

You can use "illicit transactions" to describe illegal financial activities, such as "The investigation revealed a network of shell corporations used for "illicit transactions"."

What's the difference between "illicit transactions" and "illegal transactions"?

While similar, "illicit transactions" often implies a degree of secrecy or impropriety beyond simply being illegal. "Illegal transactions" is a more direct and general term for any transaction that violates the law.

What are some synonyms for "illicit transactions"?

Some synonyms for "illicit transactions" include "unauthorized transactions", "illegal dealings", and "fraudulent activities". The best choice depends on the specific context.

In what contexts is "illicit transactions" commonly used?

"Illicit transactions" is frequently used in discussions of finance, law enforcement, and international relations, often in the context of describing efforts to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and sanctions violations.