is their sin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is their sin" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing moral or ethical wrongdoing attributed to a group of people. Example: "In the eyes of the community, their actions are justified, but many believe that is their sin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He is their sin.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

What was their sin? the student wanted to know.

The New Yorker

What was their sin, you say?

Huffington Post

Yet, egregious as that episode was, their sins have been exaggerated.

The Economist

Here are their sins: too consistent, too good, too efficiently boring.

The New Yorker

What were their sins?

Forbes

It is their original sin; all other atrocities arise from it.

The New York Times - Books

But is it O.K.? The descriptivists' response to such statements is one of outraged virtue, and that is their besetting sin: self-righteousness.

The New Yorker

For many people reading this, air travel is their most serious environmental sin.

The New York Times

Ms Rosenthal explains:For many people reading this, air travel is their most serious environmental sin.

The Economist

That may be their greatest sin.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is their sin", ensure the context clearly establishes who "their" refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is their sin" when referring to a diverse group where individual levels of culpability vary significantly. Ensure that all members of the group share responsibility for the action in question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is their sin" functions as a predicate nominative, identifying or classifying a subject. The example sentences and Ludwig confirm its role in assigning a moral or ethical attribute to a group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is their sin" is a grammatically correct construction used to assign a moral or ethical failing to a group. Ludwig's analysis reveals its prevalence across diverse sources, from news media to encyclopedias, suggesting a broad understanding and acceptability. While "sin" can have religious undertones, the phrase functions in a neutral register, serving to express judgment or condemnation of collective actions. Related phrases like "is their fault" or "is their wrongdoing" offer nuanced alternatives, depending on the intended emphasis. When using the phrase, clarity in identifying "their" and ensuring shared responsibility within the group is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is their transgression

Replaces "sin" with a more formal term for wrongdoing.

is their fault

Shifts the focus to responsibility rather than moral failing.

is their wrongdoing

A more neutral term for bad actions, less religious than "sin".

is their misdeed

Similar to "wrongdoing" but may imply a single, specific act.

is their error

Focuses on a mistake or unintentional fault.

is what they did wrong

More descriptive and less direct than "is their sin".

is their offense

Implies a violation of a rule or law.

is what they are guilty of

Highlights culpability and potential legal consequences.

is the crime they committed

Emphasizes the illegal nature of the act.

is their iniquity

A more archaic and weighty term for wickedness.

FAQs

How can I use "is their sin" in a sentence?

You can use "is their sin" to describe a collective wrongdoing or moral failing attributed to a group. For example, "Many believe that exploiting vulnerable workers for profit "is their sin"".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "is their sin"?

Similar phrases include "is their fault", "is their transgression", or "is their wrongdoing". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is their sin"?

It's appropriate when referring to a shared moral failing or transgression by a group, particularly in contexts where moral or ethical considerations are central. Consider if "is what they did wrong" better fits.

What's the difference between "is their sin" and "is their mistake"?

"Is their sin" implies a moral or ethical violation, while "is their mistake" suggests an unintentional error or oversight. "Sin" carries a stronger connotation of deliberate wrongdoing.