trafficking on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trafficking on" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not a standard expression and may lead to confusion or misinterpretation. Example: "The authorities are cracking down on trafficking on illegal substances."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A week later, in the Senate, she testified in favor of legalizing surrogate pregnancy, something that many French feminists oppose — Sylviane Agacinski, for one, calls it "body trafficking," on a par with prostitution.

The New Yorker

Chris Stark, a researcher focusing on sex trafficking on the ships in Duluth's port, agreed.

The Guardian

I've been overhearing people talk about the play and about sex trafficking on the bus.

The Guardian

"They can easily be lured into drug trafficking on promise of big pay," he says.

The Guardian

Going Further | Participate in the Global Nomads Group's live webcast on human trafficking on Thursday.

The New York Times

In Marseille, the problem is exaggerated by drug trafficking — on top of poverty and joblessness.

The New York Times

Abnormal and degrading ways of getting money; trafficking on the two varieties of the Black Bourse, etc.

The New Yorker

As a biographer, "you strive to know everything and trust that you're not trafficking on somebody else's privacy".

The New York Times

"eBay, Etsy and many other online marketplaces have willingly cooperated with law enforcement to reduce wildlife trafficking on their platforms.

Independent

Vicente carried on trafficking on a more modest scale, but in a much more violent era for the cartel.

Independent

For Kristof and WuDunn the passing of the US Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 was "a milestone in raising awareness of international trafficking on the global agenda".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While the phrase "trafficking on" appears in numerous sources, consider using "trafficking in" for improved grammatical correctness and clarity in your writing. This will enhance the credibility of your message.

Common error

Avoid using "trafficking on" when "trafficking in" is more grammatically sound. The preposition "in" correctly indicates the subject matter or area within which the trafficking occurs, whereas "on" can suggest a less direct or accurate relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trafficking on" functions as a prepositional phrase, often intended to specify the area or medium in which trafficking occurs. Ludwig AI identifies this phrase as not conveying a clear meaning in written English. While frequently used, it's advisable to consider more grammatically sound alternatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "trafficking on" is relatively common, its grammatical correctness is questionable. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase may not convey a clear meaning in written English. Although it appears across diverse sources like news articles, scientific papers, and business documents, the preferred alternative is "trafficking in". When writing, especially in formal or professional contexts, it's best to opt for "trafficking in" to guarantee clarity and accuracy. This ensures your message is well-received and understood without ambiguity. Always consider context and audience when making stylistic choices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trafficking in

This alternative uses a more standard preposition, resulting in improved grammatical correctness and clarity.

illicit trafficking of

This alternative is a more formal synonym, emphasizing the unlawful nature of the trafficking.

dealing in

This alternative offers a broader term for illegal trade, shifting focus from the method to the activity itself.

involved in trafficking

This alternative indicates a state of participation or complicity in trafficking.

smuggling of

This alternative specifies the illicit transport of goods or people across borders.

illegal trade of

This alternative highlights the unlawful commercial aspect of the activity.

engaging in trafficking

This alternative phrases the activity as an active involvement or participation.

conducting trafficking operations

This alternative suggests a structured, organized approach to trafficking activities.

perpetrating trafficking

This alternative presents the act of trafficking as an actively committed offense.

running a trafficking ring

This alternative focuses on the organized crime aspect of operating a trafficking network.

FAQs

What is the correct preposition to use with the word "trafficking"?

The correct preposition to use with "trafficking" is "in", as in "trafficking in illegal goods" or "trafficking in persons". While "trafficking on" may be encountered, it's not grammatically sound.

Is "trafficking on" grammatically correct?

No, "trafficking on" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The preferred and more accurate phrase is "trafficking in".

What can I say instead of "trafficking on"?

You can use "trafficking in", "dealing in", or "smuggling of" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "trafficking on" and "trafficking in"?

"Trafficking in" is grammatically correct and widely accepted, while "trafficking on" is generally considered incorrect. Use "trafficking in" to ensure clarity and grammatical accuracy.