vile crime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vile crime" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a particularly heinous or morally reprehensible act, often in a legal or moral context. Example: "The community was outraged by the vile crime that had taken place in their neighborhood, demanding justice for the victims."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Hit-and-run is a vile crime, even when it results in little more than a shoulder bruise.

The New Yorker

The massacre was not committed by "the Poles" against "the Jews", but was a vile crime committed by specific individuals.

The Guardian - Opinion

Shaun Sawyer, who leads on anti-slavery for the NPCC, said police wanted to do more to tackle the "vile crime".

The Guardian

But Labour MP Sarah Champion berated Cameron's holiday plans: "While the country struggles to come to terms with the vile crime in Woolwich this week and investigations continue, he has swanned off to Ibiza.

Independent

"Putin Cancels Plans for Trip After Bombing at Rock Concert" (news article, July 7) quotes President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia as saying, "A bloody and vile crime has been committed -- a crime against civilians".

The New York Times

She noticed a council worker nearby, who must have been the intrepid champion of the public good who took down her registration number and reported the vile crime to Wolverhampton council.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

She rejected claims that she had condoned the "vile crimes" of child abusers.

The Guardian

Cooper said: "Rape and child sexual exploitation are vile crimes that ruin lives and destroy families.

The Guardian

Television has made the pursuit of justice -- especially when vile crimes are involved -- a spectator sport, and a profitable one.

The New York Times - Arts

Sadly, for large parts of Asia with weak democracy and illiberal strongmen in charge, the chances of a fair reckoning for vile crimes are slender indeed.

The Economist

"The general feeling amongst the community is that we would want to distance ourselves from Jimmy Savile and the fact that he lived here and perhaps perpetrated some of his vile crimes here, and move on.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vile crime", consider the audience and context. While impactful, it can also be perceived as emotionally charged, so ensure it aligns with the tone and formality of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "vile crime" to describe minor offenses or disagreements. The phrase carries a strong negative connotation and is best reserved for truly heinous acts to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vile crime" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'vile' intensifies the negativity associated with the noun 'crime', emphasizing the act's depravity. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across multiple contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vile crime" is used to describe an action that is not only illegal but also morally reprehensible. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in contexts such as news reporting and formal statements. When using "vile crime", be aware of its strong negative connotations and reserve it for truly heinous acts. Alternatives like "heinous crime" or "atrocious crime" can be used to express similar sentiments. The frequency of its usage is common, mostly within News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heinous crime

This alternative emphasizes the shocking and reprehensible nature of the crime.

atrocious crime

This alternative highlights the extreme cruelty and wickedness of the crime.

despicable act

This alternative focuses on the contemptible and morally offensive nature of the act.

abominable offense

This phrase stresses the disgusting and detestable nature of the offense.

unspeakable crime

This alternative emphasizes the horror and the difficulty in describing the crime due to its severity.

wicked transgression

This alternative highlights the immoral and evil character of the transgression.

egregious violation

This alternative underscores the outstandingly bad and shocking nature of the violation.

outrageous felony

This alternative focuses on the shocking and unacceptable nature of the serious crime.

flagrant offense

This suggests a brazen, open, and scandalous offense.

horrendous act

This alternative highlights the dreadful and appalling nature of the act.

FAQs

How can I use "vile crime" in a sentence?

You can use "vile crime" to describe an action that is morally reprehensible, such as, "The community was shocked by the "vile crime" committed against the elderly woman."

What are some alternatives to "vile crime"?

Alternatives include "heinous crime", "atrocious crime", or "despicable act", which all convey a similar sense of moral outrage and severity.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "vile crime"?

It's appropriate to use "vile crime" when describing offenses that are not only illegal but also deeply offensive to moral principles and societal values. It should be reserved for acts that evoke strong condemnation.

What distinguishes "vile crime" from a regular crime?

The term "vile crime" implies a heightened level of moral disgust and outrage compared to a regular crime. It suggests that the act is particularly offensive, wicked, or repulsive in nature.