not a murderer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not a murderer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to clarify someone's character or to assert that a person is innocent of murder. Example: "Despite the accusations against him, he is not a murderer and has always been a law-abiding citizen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Sobchak believes that Putin is not a murderer: political murders that take place in Russia with some regularity are, in her opinion, the work of zealous supporters, rather than the execution of explicit orders.

The New Yorker

Bobbi Kristina Brown was not murdered and Nick Gordon is not a murderer, his attorneys said Tuesday while trashing the Georgia prosecutors who have been investigating the death of Whitney Houston's only child.

Los Angeles Times

Under Syrian law, an honor killing is not murder, and the man who commits it is not a murderer.

The New York Times

I'm not a murderer.

The New York Times - Magazine

"She's not a murderer.

The New York Times

Not a murderer whatsoever".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

McDade wasn't a murderer, but he was interested in murder, and not just poisonings.

The New Yorker

It was Bob who'd turned her into why not say the word?—a murderer.

The New Yorker

Skilling wasn't a murderer or a rapist.

The New Yorker

"I'm a Killer, but I ain't a murderer".

The New York Times

"I knew my father wasn't a murderer or torturer, literally speaking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When crafting legal or formal statements, prefer phrases like "innocent of murder" or "not guilty of murder" for precision.

Common error

Avoid using "not a murderer" in formal legal documents or court proceedings. Use the precise legal terms such as "not guilty" or "innocent" to ensure clarity and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not a murderer" functions as a predicate adjective phrase following a linking verb (e.g., 'is', 'seems'). It serves to deny or negate an accusation or implication of someone being a murderer. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase is used to clarify someone's innocence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not a murderer" is a common and grammatically correct way to assert someone's innocence of murder. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, and the numerous examples from news and media sources demonstrate its frequent use in various contexts, mainly as a denial or defense against accusations. While alternatives like "innocent of murder" and "not guilty" exist, "not a murderer" offers a more general and emphatic denial suitable for a range of situations. Be mindful of the context and audience when selecting the most appropriate phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

innocent of murder

Directly states the person did not commit murder. More formal.

not guilty of murder

A legal term indicating a verdict or plea.

did not commit the murder

Direct denial of committing the specific act.

falsely accused of murder

Highlights the incorrectness of the accusation.

wrongfully charged with murder

Emphasizes the injustice of the murder charge.

not capable of murder

Suggests a lack of character or disposition to commit murder.

incapable of such a crime

Highlights the unbelievable nature of the person committing the crime.

has never taken a life

Broader statement about not killing anyone, applicable outside legal contexts.

bears no responsibility for the killing

Focuses on the lack of accountability for a death.

couldn't hurt a fly

An idiom suggesting someone is gentle and harmless.

FAQs

How to use "not a murderer" in a sentence?

You can use "not a murderer" to express that someone is innocent of committing murder, as in "Despite the evidence, he is "not a murderer" and deserves a fair trial".

What can I say instead of "not a murderer"?

Alternatives include "innocent of murder", "not guilty of murder", or "falsely accused", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "innocent of murder" or "not a murderer"?

"Innocent of murder" is a formal, legal term, while "not a murderer" is a more general statement. Use "innocent of murder" in legal contexts. Otherwise, the choice depends on the tone and audience.

What's the difference between "not a murderer" and "did not commit the murder"?

"Not a murderer" is a statement about someone's general character or status, while "did not commit the murder" is a specific denial of a particular act. The former implies a consistent lack of involvement in murder, while the latter addresses a specific instance.