is a criminal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a criminal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has committed a crime or is involved in criminal activity. Example: "The suspect, who was apprehended last night, is a criminal with a long history of theft."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He is a criminal.

BBC

A criminal is a criminal".

The Guardian

The director is a criminal".

The New Yorker

"NATO is a criminal organization".

The New York Times

Her father is a criminal defense lawyer.

The New York Times

"The Russian state is a criminal state.

The New York Times

Concealing evidence is a criminal offense.

The New Yorker

It is a criminal culture, admittedly.

The Economist

"This guy is a criminal mastermind?

The New York Times

Parker is a criminal.

The New York Times - Arts

"Chávez is a criminal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the nuance and formality needed for your context. Alternatives like "is an offender" or "has a criminal record" may be more appropriate in certain situations.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "is a criminal" without factual basis or legal confirmation. Use more neutral language like "is suspected of" or "is accused of" until guilt is legally established.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a criminal" functions as a predicate nominative, linking the subject to a noun phrase that renames or describes it. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, providing numerous examples where it serves to identify or characterize an individual as someone who engages in criminal activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is a criminal" serves as a predicate nominative, used to label individuals involved in illegal activities. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the expression, underlining its frequent presence in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound, using this phrase carries the weight of a serious accusation. Therefore, always consider alternative options such as "is an offender" or "has a criminal record" for nuance and formality. Due to the phrase's potential impact, ensure its use is supported by evidence or legal judgment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is an offender

Focuses on the act of committing an offense rather than the inherent nature of the person.

is a lawbreaker

Highlights the violation of laws and regulations.

is engaged in illegal activities

Emphasizes the actions and involvement in unlawful conduct.

has a criminal record

Indicates a past history of criminal convictions.

is involved in organized crime

Specifies participation in structured criminal enterprises.

is a convicted felon

Highlights a specific type of criminal conviction.

is a perpetrator

Focuses on the role of someone who carries out a crime.

is on the wrong side of the law

A more figurative way of saying someone is engaged in criminal activity.

is a transgressor

A more formal term indicating someone who violates a law or moral code.

is a miscreant

A somewhat archaic term implying someone behaves badly or unlawfully.

FAQs

How can I use "is a criminal" in a sentence?

The phrase "is a criminal" is used to describe someone who has committed a crime or is involved in criminal activity. For example, "The suspect, who was apprehended last night, "is a criminal" with a long history of theft."

What are some alternatives to saying someone "is a criminal"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "is an offender", "is a lawbreaker", or "has a criminal record".

Is it appropriate to use "is a criminal" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "is a criminal" can be accusatory. In formal writing, consider using more neutral or precise terms like "is an offender" or describing the specific charges or convictions.

What's the difference between saying someone "is a criminal" and "has a criminal record"?

Saying someone ""is a criminal"" implies they are currently engaged in or defined by criminal behavior. "Has a criminal record" indicates they have been convicted of a crime in the past, regardless of their current behavior.