At the CEFR C2 level, the term "criminal" transcends its basic A1 definition of simply "a person who has committed a crime." Instead, it evokes a deeper understanding of legal and societal ramifications. A C2 interpretation recognizes the multifaceted nature of criminality, encompassing not only the individual act but also the systemic factors, jurisprudential complexities, and ethical considerations surrounding such an designation. It invites contemplation of the intent, mens rea, and the broader societal impact of criminal behavior, moving beyond a mere descriptive label to a more nuanced analysis of justice, culpability, and rehabilitation.
§ Understanding 'Criminal' (Noun)
The word "criminal" is a noun. It refers to a person. Specifically, it describes someone who has broken the law. This could be a small law or a big law. If someone does something illegal, they can be called a criminal. The police or a court might punish this person. It's important to remember that someone is usually considered a criminal after they have been found guilty of a crime by a court.
- DEFINITION
- A person who has committed a crime or done something illegal. This word describes someone who breaks the law and may be punished by the police or a court.
§ How to Use 'Criminal' in a Sentence
When you use "criminal" as a noun, it directly replaces the name of a person or a group of people. It's often used with articles like "a," "an," or "the."
The police caught the criminal after the robbery.
He was known as a dangerous criminal.
The court ruled that she was not a criminal.
You can also use it to talk about multiple people:
The police are looking for the criminals who broke into the bank.
§ Common Prepositions and Phrases with 'Criminal'
When using "criminal" as a noun, you'll often find it with certain prepositions or in specific phrases. Here are a few common ones:
- A criminal of...: This is used to specify the type of crime. For example, a criminal of war.
- A criminal with...: This can refer to an characteristic or an item associated with the criminal. For example, a criminal with a long record.
- To catch a criminal: This is a very common phrase, meaning to apprehend someone who has committed a crime.
- To identify a criminal: This means to figure out who the criminal is.
- To punish a criminal: This refers to the act of giving a criminal a penalty for their actions.
The authorities worked hard to identify the criminal.
He was known as a criminal with no remorse.
§ Distinguishing 'Criminal' (Noun) from 'Criminal' (Adjective)
It's important to note that "criminal" can also be used as an adjective, meaning "relating to crime." While this section focuses on the noun, understanding the difference can prevent confusion. As a noun, it refers to the person. As an adjective, it describes something related to a crime or a criminal.
Noun: The criminal was arrested.
Adjective: They investigated the criminal activity.
In the first example, "criminal" is a person. In the second, "criminal" describes the type of activity. This distinction is key for correct usage.
How Formal Is It?
"The court will determine the appropriate sentence for the offender."
"The criminal was arrested after a long pursuit."
"The cops finally caught the perp after he robbed the bank."
"The superhero always catches the bad guy."
"That dude's a known felon, always getting into trouble."
Examples by Level
The police caught the criminal.
Полиция поймала преступника.
He was a very bad criminal.
Он был очень плохим преступником.
The criminal went to jail.
Преступник сел в тюрьму.
She is not a criminal.
Она не преступница.
The judge punished the criminal.
Судья наказал преступника.
A criminal breaks the law.
Преступник нарушает закон.
They caught the criminal yesterday.
Они поймали преступника вчера.
The criminal ran away.
Преступник убежал.
The police arrested the criminal after a long chase.
Police pakar yakaladı suçluyu uzun bir kovalamacanın ardından.
Simple past tense for a completed action.
He was a well-known criminal in the city.
O, şehirde tanınmış bir suçluydu.
Using 'was' for a past state of being. 'Well-known' is a compound adjective.
The court decided the criminal would go to prison.
Mahkeme, suçlunun hapse gireceğine karar verdi.
Modal verb 'would' to express a decision about the future from a past perspective.
She was afraid of running into the criminal on the street.
Sokakta suçluyla karşılaşmaktan korkuyordu.
Using 'afraid of' followed by a gerund (-ing form).
They caught the criminal who stole the money.
Parayı çalan suçluyu yakaladılar.
Using a relative pronoun 'who' to describe the criminal.
The detective was trying to find the criminal.
Dedektif, suçluyu bulmaya çalışıyordu.
Past continuous tense for an ongoing action in the past.
Being a criminal can lead to serious consequences.
Suçlu olmak ciddi sonuçlara yol açabilir.
Using a gerund as the subject of the sentence. 'Can lead to' expresses possibility.
The criminal tried to escape, but the guards stopped him.
Suçlu kaçmaya çalıştı ama gardiyanlar onu durdurdu.
Simple past tense for a sequence of past actions. 'Tried to escape' uses the infinitive.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
a criminal record
a criminal act
a criminal offense
a criminal investigation
a criminal justice system
a criminal mastermind
a criminal gang
a criminal enterprise
a criminal complaint
a criminal charge
Test Yourself 60 questions
A person who steals money is a...
A criminal is someone who does something illegal, like stealing.
The police catch a...
The police catch people who break the law, which are criminals.
If you break the law, you are a...
A criminal is a person who has committed a crime or done something illegal.
A person who helps others is a criminal.
A criminal is someone who breaks the law, not someone who helps others.
A criminal does things that are against the law.
The definition of a criminal is a person who has committed a crime or done something illegal, which means against the law.
A criminal always gets a reward for their actions.
Criminals are punished by the police or a court, not rewarded.
Listen for the word 'criminal' in a sentence about the police.
Listen for the definition of 'criminal'.
Listen for the consequence of being a criminal.
Read this aloud:
Criminals go to prison.
Focus: cri-mi-nals, pri-son
You said:
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Read this aloud:
A criminal did something wrong.
Focus: crim-i-nal, wrong
You said:
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Read this aloud:
The man was a criminal.
Focus: man, crim-i-nal
You said:
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The police caught the ___ stealing from the store.
A criminal is a person who has committed a crime.
The ___ was sent to prison for breaking the law.
Criminals are punished by the law for their actions.
It's important to report any suspicious activity to the police to help catch ___.
Police catch criminals who break the law.
Being a ___ means you have done something illegal.
A criminal is someone who has committed a crime or done something illegal.
The judge decided the ___'s punishment.
A judge decides the punishment for a criminal.
The news reported that a dangerous ___ escaped from jail.
A criminal is a person who has done something illegal, and they might be in jail.
Imagine you are a police officer writing a short report about a crime. Describe the criminal in one sentence. What did they do?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The criminal stole a car from the parking lot.
Complete the sentence: A person who has committed a crime is called a _________.
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Sample answer
A person who has committed a crime is called a criminal.
Write a short sentence about what happens to a criminal after they are caught.
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Sample answer
After the criminal was caught, they went to court.
Who is the police looking for?
Read this passage:
John saw a man take a bag from a shop without paying. The man then ran away very quickly. John told the police what he saw. The police are now looking for the person who took the bag.
Who is the police looking for?
The passage describes someone who stole a bag, which is a crime, so the police are looking for the criminal.
The passage describes someone who stole a bag, which is a crime, so the police are looking for the criminal.
What word can we use to describe the person who broke into the house?
Read this passage:
Sarah heard on the news that someone broke into a house last night. The police have started an investigation to find the person responsible. They hope to catch the person who did this illegal act soon.
What word can we use to describe the person who broke into the house?
Breaking into a house is an illegal act, and a person who does illegal acts is a criminal.
Breaking into a house is an illegal act, and a person who does illegal acts is a criminal.
Why was the man sent to prison?
Read this passage:
The judge said that the man was guilty of stealing. He had taken money from a bank. Because he broke the law, he was sent to prison.
Why was the man sent to prison?
The passage states that the man was sent to prison 'Because he broke the law,' which means he committed a crime and is therefore a criminal.
The passage states that the man was sent to prison 'Because he broke the law,' which means he committed a crime and is therefore a criminal.
The police finally caught the notorious ___ who had been evading capture for months.
A 'criminal' is a person who has committed a crime, fitting the context of someone the police would catch for evading capture.
He was arrested and charged as a ___ after he was caught stealing from the store.
Someone arrested and charged for stealing is identified as a 'criminal' in legal terms.
The detective spent years studying the mind of the ___ to understand their motives.
Detectives study the minds of 'criminals' to understand their motivations for committing crimes.
The news report focused on the efforts to reduce organized ___ activity in the city.
The term 'criminal activity' refers to actions performed by criminals, which is a common focus for news reports on crime.
Despite his past, he vowed to turn his life around and no longer be a ___.
If someone wants to turn their life around after a difficult past, they would aim to no longer be a 'criminal'.
The lawyer argued that her client was not a dangerous ___ and deserved a fair trial.
A lawyer would argue about the status of their client in court, often asserting they are not a 'criminal' or that they deserve a fair trial.
Listen for the word that describes a lawbreaker.
Pay attention to what happened to the person who committed a crime.
Consider the outcome of the accusation.
Read this aloud:
Can you define what a 'criminal' is in your own words?
Focus: cri-mi-nal
You said:
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Read this aloud:
Describe a situation where someone might be identified as a criminal.
Focus: de-scribe, si-tu-a-tion
You said:
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Read this aloud:
What are some of the consequences a criminal might face?
Focus: con-se-quen-ces, might face
You said:
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Listen for the word that describes someone who has committed a crime.
Pay attention to the context of why he was called a 'criminal'.
Consider what kind of criminal is being described.
Read this aloud:
Can you explain the difference between a suspect and a criminal?
Focus: suspect, criminal
You said:
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Read this aloud:
Describe a situation where someone might be wrongly accused of being a criminal.
Focus: wrongly accused, criminal
You said:
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Read this aloud:
What are some of the social and economic factors that might lead someone to become a criminal?
Focus: social, economic factors, criminal
You said:
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Imagine you are a journalist reporting on a recent crime. Describe the event, the alleged criminal, and the impact on the community. Use descriptive language and appropriate vocabulary.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
In a shocking turn of events, a local jewelry store was robbed last night by an unidentified criminal. Eyewitnesses described a masked figure, swift and professional in their execution. The incident has sent ripples of fear through the small community, with residents demanding swift action from law enforcement. Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation, promising to bring the suspect to justice.
Write a short paragraph discussing the different motivations that might lead someone to become a criminal. Consider societal factors, personal circumstances, and psychological aspects.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The path to becoming a criminal is often complex, stemming from a confluence of factors. Socioeconomic disparities, such as poverty and lack of opportunity, can breed desperation, pushing individuals towards illegal activities as a means of survival. Furthermore, difficult upbringings, exposure to violence, or peer pressure can normalize criminal behavior. In some cases, underlying mental health issues or psychological disorders might also contribute to a propensity for crime.
You are a legal expert preparing a public statement about the importance of rehabilitation programs for criminals. Outline the key arguments for why these programs are beneficial for both individuals and society.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
It is imperative that we recognize the profound importance of rehabilitation programs for individuals who have committed crimes. These initiatives offer a crucial pathway for offenders to address the root causes of their behavior, acquire new skills, and ultimately reintegrate into society as productive citizens. By focusing on education, vocational training, and therapy, we not only reduce recidivism rates but also enhance public safety and uphold our collective social responsibility to foster a more just and equitable society.
According to the passage, what is the primary difference between a 'felon' and a 'criminal'?
Read this passage:
In many legal systems, the distinction between a 'felon' and a 'criminal' is nuanced. While all felons are criminals, not all criminals are felons. A felon typically refers to someone convicted of a serious crime, usually punishable by imprisonment for more than a year. A criminal, however, is a broader term encompassing anyone who has committed a crime, regardless of its severity.
According to the passage, what is the primary difference between a 'felon' and a 'criminal'?
The passage states that a felon is someone convicted of a serious crime, usually punishable by longer imprisonment, while a criminal is a broader term for anyone who has committed a crime.
The passage states that a felon is someone convicted of a serious crime, usually punishable by longer imprisonment, while a criminal is a broader term for anyone who has committed a crime.
What is a characteristic of 'white-collar crime' as described in the passage?
Read this passage:
The concept of 'white-collar crime' refers to non-violent offenses committed by individuals, typically in business or government, for financial gain. These crimes, such as fraud, embezzlement, and insider trading, often involve deceit and concealment rather than physical force. Despite their non-violent nature, white-collar crimes can have devastating economic consequences for victims and society.
What is a characteristic of 'white-collar crime' as described in the passage?
The passage explicitly states that white-collar crimes are 'non-violent offenses committed by individuals...for financial gain' and involve 'deceit and concealment rather than physical force.'
The passage explicitly states that white-collar crimes are 'non-violent offenses committed by individuals...for financial gain' and involve 'deceit and concealment rather than physical force.'
How do forensic scientists assist in identifying criminals?
Read this passage:
The role of forensics in identifying criminals has become increasingly crucial. Forensic scientists analyze evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, and ballistics to link suspects to crime scenes. These scientific methods provide objective data that can corroborate witness testimonies or even uncover previously unknown details, significantly aiding law enforcement in their investigations.
How do forensic scientists assist in identifying criminals?
The passage clearly states that 'Forensic scientists analyze evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, and ballistics to link suspects to crime scenes.'
The passage clearly states that 'Forensic scientists analyze evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, and ballistics to link suspects to crime scenes.'
The detective meticulously gathered evidence, hoping to build an airtight case against the suspected ___.
The word 'criminal' best fits the context of someone being investigated for a crime.
Despite a seemingly flawless plan, the perpetrators' arrogance ultimately led to their capture, marking the end of their brief careers as ___.
The plural form 'criminals' is needed here to refer to multiple perpetrators.
The documentary explored the psychological profiles of notorious ___, delving into the motivations behind their illicit activities.
The context implies a study of individuals who have committed crimes, thus 'criminals' is appropriate.
The new legislation aims to deter potential ___ by imposing harsher penalties for white-collar offenses.
The sentence discusses deterring people who might commit crimes, so 'criminals' fits.
The intricate web of deceit unraveled, exposing the mastermind behind the scheme as a cunning and ruthless ___.
'Criminal' accurately describes someone who orchestrated a deceitful scheme.
Society grapples with the complex question of rehabilitation for former ___, aiming to facilitate their reintegration rather than perpetual punishment.
The phrase 'former criminals' refers to individuals who have committed crimes in the past and are now seeking rehabilitation.
Focus on the nuance of 'hardened criminal' and 'heinous acts'.
Pay attention to 'alleged criminal' and 'protracted legal battle'.
Note 'prolific criminal mastermind' and 'meticulously orchestrated'.
Read this aloud:
Describe the psychological profile of a recidivist criminal.
Focus: recidivist, psychological, profile
You said:
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Read this aloud:
Discuss the ethical implications of using predictive policing to identify potential criminals.
Focus: ethical, implications, predictive, policing
You said:
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Read this aloud:
Elaborate on the societal impact of organized crime, distinguishing between white-collar and street-level criminal activities.
Focus: elaborate, societal, impact, organized, distinguishing, white-collar, street-level
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
/ 60 correct
Perfect score!
Example
The police caught the criminal after he stole the car.
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This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
More law words
bail
A1Bail is a sum of money paid to a court so that a person who has been accused of a crime can stay out of jail until their trial starts. If the person shows up for their court date, the money is usually returned.
bankruptcy
A1Bankruptcy is a legal state where a person or a business cannot pay the money they owe to others. It usually involves a court process that helps people or companies either clear their debts or create a plan to pay them back.
burden of proof
A1The responsibility to provide facts or evidence to show that a statement is true. In a court or an argument, the person making a claim must prove it to others.
charge
A1A charge is an official statement by the police or a court that says a person has committed a crime. It is the first formal step in a legal case against someone.
clause
A1A clause is a specific section, paragraph, or individual rule within a legal document or contract. It explains a particular condition or requirement that the people involved must follow.
compensation
A1Compensation is money given to someone to make up for a loss, injury, or suffering. It can also mean the total amount of pay and benefits a worker receives for doing their job.
compliance
A1Compliance is the act of following a rule, law, or specific order. It is most often used to describe when a person or a company obeys legal requirements or safety standards.
confidentiality
A1Confidentiality means keeping information secret or private. It is a rule that says you cannot tell other people's secrets to anyone else.
conviction
A1A conviction is a formal decision in a court of law stating that someone is guilty of a crime. It can also describe a very strong and certain belief or opinion that a person holds.
copyright
A1The legal right that gives the creator of an original work the power to control how it is used. It prevents others from copying, selling, or performing the work without the owner's permission.
