victims

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "victims" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individuals who have suffered harm, injury, or loss due to a crime, accident, or other adverse events. Example: "The organization provides support services for victims of domestic violence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the same way, silence about male victims reinforces unhealthy expectations about men and their supposed invulnerability.

The New York Times

They are advocating for a mechanism to end war with more attention to a perpetrator not victims.

The Guardian

About 500 relatives of victims are attending the ecumenical service, with hundreds more watching on large screens outside the cathedral and in a neighbouring church.

The Guardian

The leader of the centrist Alliance party added: "These talks were never about one parade this summer, they were about agreeing to change the legislation for future years as well as dealing with flags and finding a means of dealing with the past, which provides victims with justice and truth.

The Guardian

The first offence linked to this attacker was in 1990, the latest in February 2005, and there could be more victims who have not come forward.

The Guardian

It tells us that while men may be trying to make victims of women-through institutional discrimination or otherwise- women are not making victims of themselves.

The Guardian

Victims have called for Australia's most senior Catholic figure to return from Rome to face allegations made during hearings of the commission in Ballarat this week.

The Guardian

The royal commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse has heard the church still uses the defence when victims come forward.

The Guardian

Because of its entirely exclusive focus on female victims, it seems unlikely that any of these new funds will reach the thousands of men and boys who suffer from this kind of abuse.

The Guardian

Yet commercially driven online websites, marketed to a youthful female readership, portray women as miserable victims.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thankfully, it never happened to me, but I know people who have been victims of this and who still bear a grudge against the cruel or tactless grown-up in question.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "victims", prioritize their agency and resilience where appropriate; consider using "survivors" to shift the focus from suffering to overcoming adversity.

Common error

Avoid using "victims" too broadly; ensure the individuals you are describing have genuinely suffered harm or loss due to external factors, rather than simply experiencing hardship or disadvantage. Be specific about the nature of their suffering.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "victims" is as a plural noun. It refers to individuals who have suffered harm, injury, or loss as a result of a crime, accident, or other adverse event. Ludwig's examples frequently show it used to describe those affected by violence, abuse, or disaster.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "victims" functions as a plural noun, primarily used in news and media to denote individuals who have suffered harm or loss. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. While "victims" is a common and generally neutral term, it's important to consider alternatives like ""survivors"" to emphasize resilience. When using "victims", ensure it accurately reflects genuine harm or loss, avoiding over-generalization. Recognizing the potential for different connotations in specific contexts will enhance the precision and sensitivity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

survivors

Focuses on resilience and overcoming adversity, rather than solely on the suffering endured.

those harmed

Directly indicates that individuals have experienced some form of damage or injury.

casualties

Often used in the context of war or accidents, emphasizing the number of individuals harmed or killed.

injured parties

A more formal and legalistic term, highlighting the harm suffered and potential for compensation.

sufferers

Emphasizes the pain and distress experienced by individuals, regardless of the cause.

those affected

A broader term encompassing anyone who has been impacted by a particular event or situation, not necessarily physically harmed.

damaged parties

Similar to 'injured parties' but can also refer to emotional or psychological damage.

the exploited

Highlights situations where individuals have been taken advantage of or abused for someone else's gain.

the bereaved

Specifically refers to those who have lost a loved one, highlighting their grief and mourning.

the aggrieved

Indicates that individuals have a legitimate reason to feel wronged or resentful.

FAQs

How can I use "victims" in a sentence?

You can use "victims" to refer to people who have suffered harm, injury, or loss. For example: "The organization provides support for victims of domestic violence."

What can I say instead of "victims"?

Alternatives to "victims" include "survivors", "those affected", or "injured parties", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to always refer to individuals as "victims"?

No, it's not always appropriate. Using ""survivors"" can empower individuals by highlighting their resilience, especially after traumatic events. Choose the term that best reflects the individuals' experiences and agency.

What is the difference between "victims" and "survivors"?

"Victims" emphasizes the harm or loss endured, while ""survivors"" focuses on overcoming adversity and resilience. The choice depends on the specific context and the message you want to convey.