mark of criminality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mark of criminality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a characteristic or indication that suggests someone has engaged in criminal behavior. Example: "The presence of a weapon at the scene was seen as a mark of criminality, raising suspicions about the suspect's intentions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I took it as a mark of criminality.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

L.R.H.R. should be seen, Raine says, as a potential warning sign rather than a definitive mark of inevitable criminality.

The New Yorker

Parents of these young men know full well the stigmata embedded into their sons by a racist society marking them as the expression of criminality, which perennially consigns them to the endangered species list.

Huffington Post

And if he is a criminal, what kind of criminality is he into?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"They're allegations of criminality".

The New York Times

It's about stepping over the mark into criminality – it's also about lying.

Independent

The resulting breadth of criminality is staggering.

The New Yorker

"His life is a pattern of criminality," Mr. Hale said.

The New York Times

"But in the long term, we become slaves of criminality.

The New York Times - Travel

"We might talk about the idea of criminality," I said.

The New Yorker

(No evidence of criminality has surfaced in the personnel project).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mark of criminality", ensure the context clearly establishes the link between the characteristic and the criminal activity. Use specific examples or details to support the association.

Common error

Avoid using "mark of criminality" when the evidence is circumstantial or speculative. Ensure a clear and direct link exists before implying a characteristic is indicative of criminal behavior. Otherwise, use more neutral terms such as "suspicious" or "questionable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mark of criminality" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a characteristic or indication that suggests involvement in criminal activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. The phrase is used to categorize certain attributes as indicative of crime.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mark of criminality" is a noun phrase used to identify a characteristic suggestive of criminal behavior. As Ludwig AI validates, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for formal writing. It's more common in news and media contexts and serves the purpose of linking specific traits to potential criminal involvement. Although somewhat uncommon, it provides a clear and direct way to attribute a quality as indicative of crime. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring a clear and supportable connection to avoid overstating the implication. Alternative phrases like "sign of criminal activity" or "indication of criminal behavior" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sign of criminal activity

Focuses on the activity aspect rather than a general characteristic.

Indication of criminal behavior

Highlights the behavioral aspect, suggesting a pattern or tendency.

Badge of criminality

Implies a symbolic or identifying feature associated with crime.

Stigma of criminality

Emphasizes the negative social perception or disgrace linked to crime.

Evidence of criminal conduct

Highlights the aspect of proof or substantiation of criminal actions.

Attribute of criminality

Highlights criminality as a quality or feature that something possesses.

Hallmark of criminality

Suggests a distinctive feature that is typical of criminal behavior.

Characteristic of a criminal

Directly links the trait to the individual rather than the act.

Feature of criminal enterprise

Connects the mark to organized crime or ongoing illegal operations.

Trait of criminal nature

Indicates an inherent disposition or tendency towards criminal acts.

FAQs

How can I use "mark of criminality" in a sentence?

You can use "mark of criminality" to describe a feature or characteristic that suggests involvement in criminal activities. For instance, "The suspect's evasiveness was seen as a "mark of criminality" by the investigators."

What are some alternatives to "mark of criminality"?

Alternatives include "sign of criminal activity", "indication of criminal behavior", or "badge of criminality", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "mark of criminality" imply?

The phrase suggests that a particular attribute or action is strongly associated with or indicative of criminal behavior, often leading to suspicion or further investigation.

Is "mark of criminality" a formal expression?

Yes, "mark of criminality" is a relatively formal expression suitable for professional or academic contexts. In more informal settings, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.