severe crime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe crime" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a serious and often punishable offense, typically one that causes harm to another person or society as a whole. Example: "The judge handed down a harsh sentence for the defendant's severe crimes of fraud and embezzlement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Still, some soccer experts insisted that spitting was the game's most severe crime.

The New York Times - Sports

Rome has far less severe crime -- homicides, rapes or violent robberies -- than such other European capitals as Berlin or London.

The New York Times - Travel

In addition, some lawmakers have proposed using global positioning systems to track convicted burglars after their release and classifying home invasion as a more severe crime.

The New York Times

Mr. Lahem has had run-ins with Saudi authorities since he represented three Saudis who were jailed in 2003 for calling for a constitutional monarchy, a severe crime in a country where the power of the royal family is absolute.

The New York Times

Local authorities had previously detained the two organizers on charges of illegally organizing demonstrations, a much less severe crime that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

The New York Times

At the same time, judges in urban counties were less likely to impose a death sentence than judges in rural areas, perhaps, experts suggested, because urban areas had many more murders and judges waited for an especially severe crime to impose the most severe sentence.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Upholding her sentence this year, a court in eastern Zhejiang province said she had "brought huge losses to the nation and people with her severe crimes, and should therefore be severely punished".

The Guardian

Severe crimes committed were punishable by the severing of a foot or hand.

Wikipedia

American student Otto Warmbier has been sentenced to 15 years' hard labour for "severe crimes" against the North Korean state.

The Guardian

Under Wisconsin law, suspects at least 10 years of age must be charged as adults in severe crimes.

The Guardian

Two recent beheadings were for dealing amphetamines, which is not among the severe crimes for which international law still permits the death penalty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "severe crime" when you want to emphasize the ethical or moral implications of an act, rather than just its legal definition.

Common error

Avoid using "severe crime" in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler terms like "serious mistake" or "bad behavior" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe crime" functions as a noun phrase where "severe" modifies the noun "crime". It describes the crime as being serious and of considerable magnitude. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its use in describing offenses that have significant consequences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "severe crime" accurately describes a serious offense, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical function is that of a noun phrase, serving to emphasize the gravity of an action in legal, ethical, or moral terms. While versatile, it's best suited for formal and neutral contexts, such as news reports, academic papers, and professional communications. Alternatives like "grave offense" or "serious offense" can be considered depending on the desired nuance. The phrase enjoys common usage across news and scientific domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious offense

A more general term indicating a crime of considerable importance.

grave offense

Emphasizes the serious and weighty nature of the offense.

heinous crime

Highlights the shockingly evil or wicked nature of the crime.

atrocious crime

Stresses the appalling and brutal quality of the crime.

major felony

Specifically refers to a serious crime classified as a felony.

grievous wrongdoing

Focuses on the deeply harmful and unjust nature of the act.

capital crime

Refers to a crime punishable by death.

egregious violation

Highlights the outstandingly bad and shocking nature of the violation.

brutal offense

Highlights the ruthlessly violent nature of the transgression.

flagrant transgression

Emphasizes the openly scandalous and defiant nature of the act.

FAQs

What are some examples of a "severe crime"?

Examples of a "severe crime" include murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, and large-scale fraud. These crimes often carry lengthy prison sentences and significant legal penalties.

What's the difference between a misdemeanor and a "severe crime"?

A misdemeanor is a less serious offense, often punishable by fines or short jail sentences. A "severe crime", also known as a felony, involves more serious offenses with harsher penalties, including lengthy prison terms.

Which is correct: "severe crime" or "serious crime"?

Both "severe crime" and "serious crime" are correct and often used interchangeably. However, "severe crime" can imply a higher degree of gravity compared to "serious crime".

What can I say instead of "severe crime"?

You can use alternatives like "grave offense", "heinous crime", or "serious offense" depending on the context.