the victims

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the victims" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to individuals who have suffered harm or loss, typically in the context of a crime, accident, or disaster. Example: "The victims of the accident were taken to the hospital for treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The victims were dead.

The New Yorker

Who are the victims?

The New York Times

Is it the victims?

The Economist

The victims were white.

The New York Times

"We humanize the victims".

The New York Times

They are the victims.

The New York Times

They're the victims.

The New York Times

Fifth: Blame the victims.

The New York Times

"What about the victims?

The New York Times

We can't blame the victims".

The New Yorker

Men are among the victims.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics, consider using alternatives to "the victims" such as "those affected" to avoid potentially dehumanizing language.

Common error

Be careful not to inadvertently blame "the victims" for their misfortune through passive voice or ambiguous phrasing. Always ensure clarity regarding who caused the harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the victims" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to those who have suffered harm, injury, or loss, according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the victims" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It commonly refers to individuals who have experienced harm or loss, predominantly in contexts like news and media. When using this phrase, writers should be mindful of potential sensitivity and consider alternative phrasings like "those affected" or "the injured parties" depending on the specific context and desired tone. While grammatically correct, choosing a more empathetic phrasing will enhance communication, mainly when discussing delicate matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

those who suffered

General term indicating individuals who have undergone hardship or adversity, with a broad application.

the harmed

Directly refers to individuals who have experienced physical or emotional damage, focusing on the act of causing harm.

those affected

Focuses on the impact or consequence experienced by individuals, shifting away from the direct implication of victimhood.

the sufferers

Emphasizes the experience of pain, distress, or hardship, with a focus on the ongoing state of suffering.

the casualties

Often used in the context of accidents, conflicts, or disasters, highlighting the negative outcomes or losses.

the injured parties

Emphasizes physical or emotional harm inflicted, often in legal or formal contexts.

the survivors

Highlights those who have overcome a dangerous or life-threatening situation, emphasizing resilience and endurance.

the bereaved

Specifically refers to those who have suffered the loss of a loved one, narrowing the scope to grief and mourning.

the aggrieved

Denotes individuals who have legitimate reasons for complaint or resentment, often in legal or formal situations.

the wronged

Indicates individuals who have been treated unfairly or unjustly, emphasizing a sense of moral violation.

FAQs

How can I use "the victims" in a sentence?

You can use "the victims" to refer to people who have suffered harm. For example, "The victims were taken to the hospital" or "We must support the victims of the crime".

What's a more sensitive alternative to "the victims"?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives like "those affected", "the injured parties", or "the survivors" to convey empathy and respect.

Is it always appropriate to use the term "the victims"?

While grammatically correct, using "the victims" may not always be the most empathetic choice. Consider the context and whether alternative phrasing better reflects the individuals' agency and resilience.

How does "the victims" differ from "the survivors"?

"The victims" focuses on the harm suffered, while "the survivors" emphasizes resilience and overcoming adversity. The choice depends on the desired focus of your communication.