murder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "murder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as discussing crime, literature, or metaphorically to describe something that is done with extreme intensity or destructiveness. Example: "The detective was determined to solve the murder that had shaken the small town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In his speech Mandelson claimed Eurosceptics had got away with "murder".

The Guardian

The former European trade commissioner said: "For far too long, those who want to destroy Britain's interests and influence in Europe have been allowed to get away with murder with the lies and false propaganda they have poured out about the European Union and what it represents for our country.

The Guardian

Meanwhile Reg Wilson, who had committed a vile, sadistic murder and been diagnosed as a psychopath, said he believed hope was only for the weak.

The Guardian

Alexey Venedikto from Ekho Moskvy also quizzed Putin about Nemtsov's murder from the studio.

The Guardian

The poison from the murder continues to leach into every aspect of the relationship.

The Guardian - Opinion

It has produced, via the murder of 298 people on MH17, the first significant use of economic sanctions between developed countries since the era of globalisation began.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her fate was all the more harrowing because the IRA murder squad that came to kill her dragged her away from her screaming, crying children in a rundown flats complex in 1972, the bloodiest year of the conflict.

The Guardian

"You have become partners in crime in the murder of judicial independence … Allah be my witness.

The Guardian

The mass murder has caused many more reproductions of an image of Muhammad to be distributed than – I assume – any other in history.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whitechapel, he considered, had been much belied, and many of his fellow countrymen had come away from it with preposterous stories of murder and misery.

The Guardian - Books

It commemorates the sectarian murder of my paternal grandfather's brother, who was beaten and stabbed to death by a loyalist mob very close by during the Troubles.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "murder", consider the audience and context. Using formal terms like "homicide" may be appropriate in legal documents, while more evocative language might suit fictional narratives.

Common error

Avoid using "murder" when the killing was unintentional or without malice aforethought. Use "manslaughter" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The term "murder" functions primarily as a noun to denote the unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another, as Ludwig examples demonstrate. It can also function as a verb meaning to kill someone unlawfully and with premeditation. Ludwig AI also confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "murder" is a frequently used and grammatically correct word, according to Ludwig AI. Functioning primarily as a noun or verb, it describes the unlawful killing of another human being. While suitable for various contexts, formal settings may prefer legal terms like "homicide". Ludwig examples demonstrate its prevalence in news and media, where it is used to report and discuss crime. While "murder" is the intentional killing of a human being, "manslaughter" refers to the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought. Therefore, be sure to consider the audience and context to avoid confusing it with similar terms such as "manslaughter".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Homicide

A more formal and legal term for the killing of one person by another.

Unlawful killing

Emphasizes the illegal nature of the act.

Manslaughter

Killing someone without malice aforethought.

Assassination

The killing of a prominent person, often for political reasons.

Felonious killing

Highlights the criminal aspect of the act.

Taking a life

A more euphemistic way to describe the act of killing.

Slaying

An archaic term for killing, often used in literature or historical contexts.

Liquidation

Often used in the context of organized crime or political purges.

Termination

A neutral or bureaucratic term, sometimes used to downplay the violence.

Deprivation of life

Focuses on the loss experienced by the victim.

FAQs

How to use "murder" in a sentence?

You can use "murder" to describe the crime itself, as in "The police are investigating a brutal murder", or as a verb, as in "The suspect was charged with murdering the victim".

What can I say instead of "murder"?

You can use alternatives like "homicide", "unlawful killing", or "manslaughter" depending on the specific context and legal definitions.

What's the difference between "murder" and "manslaughter"?

"Murder" typically involves premeditation or malice aforethought, while "manslaughter" refers to unlawful killing without such intent. The legal consequences differ significantly.

Is "murder" a formal or informal term?

"Murder" is generally considered a neutral term, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, legal or official documents may prefer terms like "homicide" for precision.