sinner

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'sinner' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'sinner' to refer to someone who has committed or is believed to have committed a sin or crime, usually religious in nature. For example, "The villagers viewed the sinner as a pariah and refused to accept his apology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Except this time Rudd is cast as the saviour, rather than the sinner.

The Guardian

Ronaldo was sent off for reacting to a shove by Carlos Gurpegi and then a confrontation with Ander Iturraspe in the 75th minute, although he appeared to be more sinned against than sinner.

The Guardian - Sport

An untimely transgression by an ancestor could saddle you with Patune (sinner) or Koll (monster).

The Economist

And this time around the alleged sinner is Mrs Schavan.

The Economist

"I never kissed my father until he was on his death bed," Mr Fairbanks later recalled in one of the few published remarks that revealed a private regret in what he portrayed as a blissful life.Because of Hollywood's reputation as a city of sin, anyone closely identified with the place is assumed to be a sinner.

The Economist

So do the governing coalition in the region of Catalonia and the country's two largest trade unions, the Unión General de Trubajadores and the Comisiones Obreras.In this section Twenty-five years on Shrinking country A lot of bad apples The dam bursts The emerald shines again ReprintsThe PP is the worst sinner.

The Economist

God-fearing, Jesus-saved people voted for him (their "designated sinner", as his biographer, George Crile, described him) because he got them a veterans' hospital and a highway and the Lufkin civic centre where, every autumn, he hosted a dominoes tournament for seniors.

The Economist

As Carl Bildt, Sweden's foreign minister, put it "of course, few saints grace Ukrainian politics…but whether saint or sinner, everyone deserves a fair hearing, not a show trial".Unusually, Russia was also cross about the verdict, if for different reasons.

The Economist

By its own admission, the commission is a repeated sinner, well-used to a ritual bout of breast-beating.

The Economist

They are also right to worry that "innovation mercantilism" can be much more harmful to its targets than traditional mercantilism: even if it doesn't benefit the sinner in the long run it can seriously damage the sinned against.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It won't do for the United States, sinner-in-chief, to come up with ways of reducing global emissions of greenhouse gases that do not inconvenience it very much such as investing in carbon "sinks" or buying emissions permits from other countries.An economist welcomes such methods as a way of achieving a stated goal (fewer net emissions) at lowest cost.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sinner", consider the specific context to determine if a more nuanced term like "transgressor" or "wrongdoer" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid limiting the term "sinner" exclusively to religious contexts. While it often carries religious connotations, it can also be used more broadly to describe someone who has significantly violated moral or ethical standards, even in secular settings.

Linguistic Context

The word "sinner" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a person who has committed a sin or violated a moral code. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct, with many examples showing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "sinner" is a noun used to describe someone who has committed a sin or violated a moral code. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and common in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While the term can carry religious connotations, it's also used more broadly to describe transgressions against ethical standards. When writing, consider whether a synonym like "transgressor" or "wrongdoer" might be more appropriate depending on the context. It is also important not to limit the term's use exclusively to religious settings. In conclusion, the word "sinner" is a versatile and widely recognized term with a rich history and nuanced usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transgressor

Focuses specifically on the act of violating a law or moral code.

wrongdoer

Emphasizes the act of doing something wrong or illegal.

offender

Highlights the act of committing an offense, often against a legal or moral standard.

evildoer

Stresses the inherent evil or wickedness of the person's actions.

culprit

Suggests a person responsible for a crime or misdeed, often in a specific instance.

malefactor

Implies a person who commits evil deeds, often with malicious intent.

lawbreaker

Directly refers to someone who violates the law.

repenter

Highlights an individual who recognizes their wrongdoings and expresses remorse.

unrighteous individual

Describes someone who deviates from moral principles or divine standards.

fallen soul

Suggests a person who has strayed from grace or moral purity.

FAQs

How can the word "sinner" be used in a sentence?

The word "sinner" is typically used to describe someone who has committed a sin or wrongdoing. For example, "The priest offered forgiveness to the "sinner" who confessed their transgressions."

What is a synonym for "sinner"?

Synonyms for "sinner" include "transgressor", "wrongdoer", "offender", and "evildoer". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use the term "sinner" in a formal setting?

The appropriateness of using "sinner" in a formal setting depends on the context. It might be suitable in discussions of religious or moral philosophy, but less so in business or scientific contexts, where more neutral terms like "offender" or "wrongdoer" are preferable.

What is the difference between a "sinner" and a "criminal"?

A "sinner" is someone who has violated religious or moral laws, while a "criminal" is someone who has broken legal laws. While some actions may be both sins and crimes, the terms are not interchangeable. A "sinner" might seek redemption through religious practices, while a "criminal" faces legal consequences.