implicated in crime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "implicated in crime" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's involvement or association with criminal activity, often in a legal or investigative context. Example: "The suspect was implicated in the crime after new evidence was discovered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

No doubt Graeber is right in thinking states are themselves always implicated in crime (though this hasn't prevented them from enjoying high levels of popular support).

The Guardian - Books

If the top men in government appear to be implicated in crime, neither Congress nor the executive can be trusted to investigate impartially.

The Economist

There is evidence that the non-working poor — the population most implicated in crime, as victims and perpetrators — may be returning in higher percentages, for now, than middle-class residents washed out by the storm.

The New York Times

And a vast majority of the ones still excluded, who held top national- and regional-level jobs, would become eligible for pensions if they had not been implicated in crime or corruption.

The New York Times

It generally prohibits searches and seizures unless justified by a warrant issued by a neutral magistrate based on probable cause to believe that the place to be searched or the person to be seized is implicated in crime.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Not one prosecution by the Justice Department for Abu Ghraib, although Attorney General John Ashcroft assured us in 2004 that there was jurisdiction to prosecute civilians implicated in crimes in Iraq.

The New York Times

The 68 defendants – all ex-armed forces and police except for two civilians – are implicated in crimes against 789 victims, a third of whom survived their ordeals.

Independent

Mr. Manna said the groups were still open to talking, but only with people "not implicated in crimes against humanity or corruption".

The New York Times

The police say Mr. Stambolic was abducted and killed by five members of the Red Berets, a government-sanctioned paramilitary group implicated in crimes in the 1990's wars in Croatia and Bosnia and now in the killing of Mr. Djindjic.

The New York Times

According to Rademeyer, the need to self-fund is part of the reason Korean diplomats have been implicated in crimes ranging from diamond, gold, drug and gun smuggling to trafficking in counterfeit currency, cigarettes, medicines and electronics.

The Guardian

Under the program, the Police Department will double the number of officers assigned to find and arrest the thousands of people who flee each year when they are implicated in crimes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "implicated in crime", ensure that there is some evidence or suggestion of involvement, as the term implies more than mere suspicion. Avoid using it if there is absolutely no basis for the implication.

Common error

Avoid using "implicated in crime" when the connection is tenuous or based solely on circumstantial evidence. Use softer terms like "linked to" or "associated with" if the involvement is not well-established.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "implicated in crime" functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that an individual or entity is connected to or involved in a criminal act. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "implicated in crime" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to express involvement in a criminal act. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's important to use this phrase when there's more than just suspicion – when evidence or information suggests a connection to the crime. While similar phrases like "involved in criminal activity" exist, "implicated in crime" carries a slightly more formal tone and often indicates that the involvement is coming to light through investigation. Remember to avoid overstating involvement and use more tentative language if the connection is weak. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, maintaining a generally neutral register. As Ludwig's examples show, authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian utilize this phrase to convey serious accusations or findings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

involved in criminal activity

This alternative uses a more general term, "involved", which might encompass a broader range of participation than "implicated".

connected to the crime

This is a direct alternative, focusing on a link to the specific crime being discussed.

linked to criminal behavior

This phrase suggests a connection or association with criminal behavior, but not necessarily direct participation.

associated with criminal conduct

Similar to "linked to", this indicates a connection, but might imply a weaker or less direct involvement.

suspected of criminal involvement

This phrase emphasizes suspicion rather than confirmed implication, suggesting an ongoing investigation.

under suspicion for the crime

Focuses specifically on the state of being suspected by authorities in relation to the crime.

tied to illegal operations

This alternative is more specific, suggesting a connection to organized or planned illegal activities.

embroiled in criminal affairs

This phrase suggests a deeper and more complicated involvement in criminal matters.

caught up in criminal networks

This implies being drawn into or trapped within a web of criminal relationships and activities.

entangled in illicit activities

Similar to "embroiled", this suggests a complex and possibly unwilling involvement.

FAQs

What does "implicated in crime" mean?

To be "implicated in crime" means to be involved or connected to a crime, often suggesting evidence or information that links someone to the criminal activity. It implies a degree of participation or responsibility.

What's the difference between "implicated in crime" and "involved in crime"?

While similar, "implicated in crime" often suggests that the involvement is becoming apparent through investigation or evidence, whereas "involved in crime" is a more general statement of participation.

Can I use "implicated in crime" if someone is only suspected of a crime?

It's best to avoid using "implicated in crime" if someone is only suspected. Consider using phrases like "suspected of the crime" or "linked to the crime" until there is more concrete evidence.

What are some alternative ways to say someone is "implicated in crime"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "linked to criminal behavior", "associated with criminal conduct", or "involved in illegal operations".