the accomplice

USAGE SUMMARY

"the accomplice" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone who assists a person in committing a crime or breaking the law. It can also be used in a general sense to refer to someone who helps or supports someone else in a wrongdoing. Example: The police eventually caught the thief and his accomplice, who had been waiting in the getaway car. In this example, "the accomplice" refers to the person who assisted the thief in the commission of the crime.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The accomplice was still at large.

The New York Times

The accomplice escaped, but Harold was captured at the scene.

The New Yorker

Caballé is the protagonist with Mercury playing the accomplice.

The Guardian - Music

At night, he is the accomplice to an honorable, nimble thief named Nico.

The New York Times

Mr Robinson took his money; the accomplice shot him in the face.

The Economist

I am puzzled by the assertion that I have been the accomplice to a forgery.

The New York Times

When the police arrested her, the accomplice pointed them to Ms. Carroll.

The New York Times

Charlotte is, of course, the accomplice he is, like, looking for.

The Guardian - Film

Suddenly the accomplice spots a copper outside M&S; Gordon and the table vanish.

The Guardian

The accomplice turned out to be Mr. Moosmann's boyfriend, who was fined $5,700 for his role in the episode.

The New York Times

In such cases, prosecutors may transfer the nastier offender to the adult courts, leaving the accomplice in the juvenile system.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of related terms like "co-conspirator" or "accessory" to choose the most accurate and impactful word for your specific context.

Common error

Don't use "the accomplice" loosely for anyone merely associated with a wrongdoer. Reserve it for individuals who actively assist or participate in the illicit activity. A vague association can create legal misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the accomplice" primarily functions as a noun phrase, identifying a person who knowingly assists or participates in a crime or wrongdoing. As Ludwig AI explains, it specifically denotes an associate in the commission of an offense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the accomplice" is a commonly used noun phrase that identifies someone who assists in a crime or wrongdoing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. The examples from Ludwig demonstrate that the phrase frequently appears in news and media, as well as other sources. While synonyms like "co-conspirator" and "accessory" exist, "the accomplice" provides a clear and direct way to denote involvement in illicit activities. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the crime, and consider other terms to avoid any ambiguity. Its widespread use and specific meaning make it a valuable phrase in legal and general contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

co-conspirator

Specifically refers to someone involved in a conspiracy or unlawful agreement.

accessory to the crime

Highlights a secondary role in the commission of a crime, often after the fact.

aiding and abetting

Focuses on the act of assisting or encouraging a crime.

partner in crime

Implies a close, often equal, involvement in criminal activity.

collaborator

Suggests a cooperative effort in a generally negative or illicit context.

confederate

Emphasizes a shared allegiance and participation in a scheme or plot.

associate

A more general term indicating a connection or partnership, which may or may not be criminal.

helper

A simpler term implying assistance, without necessarily implying knowledge of wrongdoing.

assistant

Similar to "helper" but suggests a more formal or structured role.

agent

Someone who acts on behalf of another, implying a degree of intentionality and direction.

FAQs

How is "the accomplice" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal settings, "the accomplice" refers to someone who aids, abets, or assists another person in committing a crime. Their level of involvement and knowledge of the crime are key factors in determining their legal liability. See also: accessory to the crime

What are some alternatives to "the accomplice" that don't necessarily imply a crime?

Depending on the context, you could use words like "associate", "helper", or "assistant" if the person's involvement is not explicitly criminal. However, be aware that these terms lack the specific connotation of wrongdoing associated with "the accomplice".

Is there a difference between "the accomplice" and "accessory"?

While both terms refer to someone involved in a crime, "the accomplice" typically participates directly in the commission of the crime, whereas an "accessory" may assist before or after the crime is committed, as an accessory to the crime.

How does the level of involvement affect the charges against "the accomplice"?

The extent of an accomplice's involvement directly impacts the severity of charges. A co-conspirator who actively plans and executes a crime will face more severe charges than someone who merely provides minor assistance without full knowledge of the criminal intent.