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B1 noun #29 most common 10 min read

criminals

Criminals are people who have committed crimes, which are illegal acts punishable by law. They are individuals who break societal rules and are subject to legal consequences such as fines or imprisonment.

Top 29

At the A1 level, you can think of 'criminals' as 'bad people' who do things that are against the rules. For example, if someone steals a car, they are a criminal. You might hear this word in simple stories or on the news. It is a plural word, which means it talks about more than one person. One person is a 'criminal.' You can say, 'The police catch criminals.' It is a very important word to know because it helps you understand basic safety and rules in a new country. You should know that criminals are people who break the law. The law is the set of rules that everyone must follow. When someone does not follow these rules, they might be called a criminal. You can use this word when you talk about movies where there are 'good guys' and 'bad guys.' The 'bad guys' are often criminals. It is pronounced 'KRIM-ih-nulz.' Try to practice saying it slowly. Remember, we use 's' at the end because there is more than one. In your daily life, you might see signs that say 'Criminals will be prosecuted,' which means if you do something bad, you will go to court. This is a very common word in English, and you will see it in many places.

At the A2 level, you should understand that 'criminals' are people who have committed a crime. A crime is an illegal act, like stealing or hurting someone. You can use this word to describe people who are in trouble with the police. For example, 'The criminals ran away from the bank.' You can also use adjectives to describe them, like 'dangerous criminals' or 'young criminals.' It is important to remember that 'criminals' is a noun. You can also use 'criminal' as an adjective, like in 'criminal activity.' When you talk about criminals, you are often talking about the justice system. The police look for criminals, and then a judge decides if they are guilty. If they are guilty, they might go to prison. You might see this word in newspapers or hear it on TV shows about police work. You can also use it to talk about history, like 'famous criminals from the past.' It is a useful word for discussing social problems in a simple way. You should also know the word 'victim,' which is the person who is hurt by the criminals. Understanding these two words together helps you talk about events more clearly.

At the B1 level, you can use 'criminals' to discuss more complex topics like law and order, safety, and social issues. You should be able to distinguish between different types of criminals, such as 'petty criminals' who commit small crimes and 'hardened criminals' who have a long history of illegal behavior. You can also use the word in the context of 'cyber criminals' who use computers to steal information. At this level, you should be comfortable using 'criminals' in both the subject and object positions of a sentence. For example, 'Criminals often exploit weaknesses in security systems' or 'The government is implementing new strategies to rehabilitate criminals.' You should also be aware of related words like 'offender' and 'convict.' 'Offender' is a more formal word often used by the police or in reports. 'Convict' is someone who is currently in prison. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more natural. You can also start using common phrases like 'a life of crime' or 'to bring someone to justice.' This word is very common in news reports, so paying attention to how it is used there will help you improve your vocabulary. You should also know that 'criminal' can be an adjective, as in 'criminal record' or 'criminal law.'

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of the word 'criminals' and its implications. You can use it to engage in debates about the causes of crime, the effectiveness of the prison system, and the concept of rehabilitation. You should be familiar with more advanced collocations like 'white-collar criminals,' 'war criminals,' and 'career criminals.' You can also discuss the sociological aspects of the term, such as how society labels individuals as criminals and the impact of that label on their future. For example, you might say, 'The stigmatization of former criminals often prevents them from finding legitimate work.' You should also be able to use the word in more formal writing, such as essays or reports, where you might compare 'criminals' with 'offenders' or 'defendants.' At this level, you should understand the legal distinction that a person is not technically a criminal until they have been convicted in a court of law. Before that, they are 'suspects' or 'the accused.' Using these terms correctly shows a high level of English proficiency. You can also explore idioms related to crime, such as 'thick as thieves' or 'to get away with murder,' although these are more figurative. Your ability to use 'criminals' in various registers—from casual conversation to formal academic discussion—is a key indicator of your progress at the B2 level.

At the C1 level, your use of the word 'criminals' should be precise and context-aware. You should be able to discuss the philosophical and legal complexities surrounding the term. For instance, you might analyze the difference between 'political criminals' and 'common criminals,' or discuss the concept of 'corporate criminals' in the context of global finance. You should be comfortable using the word in complex sentence structures and in combination with sophisticated vocabulary. For example, 'The proliferation of cyber criminals has necessitated a complete overhaul of international data protection laws.' You should also be aware of the subtle connotations of the word and how it can be used to influence public opinion. In academic or legal writing, you might choose to use more specific terms like 'recidivists' (people who repeat crimes) or 'transgressors.' You should also be able to interpret the word when it is used metaphorically or in literature. Your understanding of the word should extend to its etymology and how its meaning has evolved over time. You can also discuss the ethics of how criminals are portrayed in the media and the impact of 'true crime' entertainment on the public's perception of the justice system. At this level, you are expected to use the word with total confidence and accuracy in any professional or academic setting.

At the C2 level, you possess a masterful command of the word 'criminals' and its extensive semantic field. You can use it to articulate complex theories in criminology, such as the social construction of 'criminals' or the psychological profiles of 'serial criminals.' Your vocabulary includes highly specialized terms like 'malefactors,' 'felons,' and 'sociopaths,' and you know exactly when to use each for maximum impact. You can engage in high-level discussions about the intersection of law, morality, and social policy, using 'criminals' as a central concept. For example, you might argue about the 'dehumanization of criminals in the penal system' or the 'rehabilitation of war criminals in post-conflict societies.' You are also sensitive to the power dynamics involved in labeling certain groups as 'criminals' and can critique the use of the term in political rhetoric. Your writing is characterized by a sophisticated use of collocations, idioms, and metaphors involving the word. You can effortlessly switch between different registers, from the highly technical language of a legal brief to the evocative language of a literary critique. At this level, the word 'criminals' is just one tool in a vast and nuanced vocabulary that allows you to express even the most subtle shades of meaning with clarity and precision.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

criminals in 30 Seconds

Criminals are individuals who break the law and face legal punishment.
The term is used for anyone from petty thieves to serious offenders.
In legal terms, it usually refers to those who have been convicted.
The word carries a strong social stigma and implies a violation of rules.

The term criminals refers to individuals who have been found guilty of committing acts that are prohibited by the state and punishable by law. In a legal sense, a person is only technically a criminal once they have been convicted in a court of justice, though in everyday conversation, the word is often used more broadly to describe anyone who engages in illegal activities. The concept of what makes someone a criminal is deeply tied to the social contract; societies establish rules to ensure safety, order, and fairness, and those who violate these rules are categorized as criminals. This categorization can range from individuals who commit minor infractions, known as petty criminals, to those involved in serious, violent, or organized illegal enterprises.

Legal Status: A criminal is defined by their relationship to the penal code of a specific jurisdiction. What is considered criminal in one country might not be in another, highlighting the relative nature of the term.

People use this word in various contexts, from formal police reports and news broadcasts to casual discussions about safety in a neighborhood. It is a heavy word, carrying a significant social stigma that suggests a person has disregarded the well-being of others or the stability of society.

The police are working tirelessly to apprehend the criminals responsible for the recent string of robberies in the downtown area.

In modern discourse, there is also a focus on the root causes of why people become criminals, such as poverty, lack of education, or systemic inequality. This has led to a shift in some circles toward using terms like 'justice-involved individuals' to reduce stigma, though 'criminals' remains the standard term in legal and general English.

Societal Impact: The presence of criminals in a community often leads to increased security measures, higher insurance premiums, and a general sense of unease among the public.

Cyber criminals often use sophisticated phishing techniques to steal sensitive personal information from unsuspecting internet users.

Sociologists study the behavior of criminals to understand the underlying factors that contribute to the development of a life of crime.

Rehabilitation: Many modern legal systems aim to rehabilitate criminals, providing them with the skills and support needed to reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens.

History is full of stories about famous criminals who became folk heroes, despite their illegal activities.

The judge sentenced the criminals to ten years in prison to ensure they could no longer harm the community.

Using the word criminals correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a plural count noun and its various shades of meaning depending on the adjectives that precede it. When you speak about criminals, you are often discussing them in relation to the law, the police, or the justice system. For example, you might say 'The police caught the criminals,' which is a straightforward use of the word as the object of an action. You can also use it as the subject: 'Criminals often target vulnerable people.'

Adjective Collocations: Adjectives like 'hardened,' 'convicted,' 'petty,' and 'violent' provide essential context. A 'hardened criminal' is someone who has committed many crimes and shows no remorse, while a 'petty criminal' commits minor, non-violent offenses.

It is important to distinguish between 'criminals' and 'suspects.' A suspect is someone the police believe might have committed a crime, whereas 'criminals' implies that the guilt is established or at least widely accepted in the context of the story.

The documentary explored how some criminals use their intelligence to evade capture for decades.

In academic or formal writing, you might see the word used in discussions about criminology or law: 'The sentencing of criminals must balance the needs for punishment and rehabilitation.'

Verb Pairings: Common verbs used with criminals include 'apprehend,' 'prosecute,' 'sentence,' 'rehabilitate,' and 'release.' These verbs describe the different stages of the legal process.

Many criminals find it difficult to secure employment after being released from prison due to their permanent records.

The international court is responsible for bringing war criminals to justice for their actions during the conflict.

Compound Nouns: You will often see 'criminals' paired with specific types of crime, such as 'cyber criminals,' 'career criminals,' or 'white-collar criminals.'

The new law aims to deter potential criminals by increasing the mandatory minimum sentences for violent offenses.

Witnesses were asked to identify the criminals from a series of photographs provided by the investigators.

You will encounter the word criminals in a wide array of settings, ranging from high-stakes legal environments to popular entertainment. In the realm of news and journalism, 'criminals' is a staple term used to report on arrests, trials, and crime statistics. News anchors might report on 'apprehended criminals' or 'wanted criminals' who are still at large. In the world of television and film, crime dramas and police procedurals like 'Law & Order' or 'CSI' use the word constantly to drive their narratives. Here, the word often sets up a clear distinction between the 'good guys' (the police) and the 'bad guys' (the criminals).

Political Discourse: Politicians frequently use the word when discussing public safety, law enforcement funding, or prison reform. Phrases like 'tough on criminals' are common during election campaigns.

In the legal profession, lawyers, judges, and paralegals use 'criminals' to refer to the defendants in criminal cases, although they might prefer more specific terms like 'the accused' or 'the defendant' in the courtroom.

The evening news featured a segment on how criminals are exploiting social media to find their next targets.

You will also hear this word in educational settings, particularly in sociology, psychology, and law classes, where students analyze the motivations and behaviors of those who break the law.

True Crime Podcasts: The massive popularity of true crime media has made the word 'criminals' even more prevalent in everyday language, as listeners discuss the details of famous cases.

During the town hall meeting, residents expressed their fear that criminals were becoming bolder in their neighborhood.

The documentary crew interviewed former criminals who had successfully turned their lives around through vocational training.

Online Security: Tech companies often issue warnings about 'cyber criminals' who attempt to breach data servers and steal user information.

The museum increased its security staff to prevent criminals from attempting to steal the priceless artifacts.

In many video games, players must defend their cities against waves of criminals and outlaws.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing the noun criminals with the adjective 'criminal' or the noun 'crime.' Remember that 'criminals' refers to the people, 'crime' refers to the illegal act itself, and 'criminal' can describe the nature of the act (e.g., criminal behavior). Another common error is using 'criminals' when 'suspects' is more appropriate. In many English-speaking cultures, there is a strong emphasis on 'innocent until proven guilty,' so calling someone a criminal before a trial can be seen as biased or even legally problematic in a professional context.

Singular vs. Plural: Learners sometimes forget that 'criminals' is the plural form. If you are talking about one person, you must use 'a criminal.' For example, 'He is a criminal,' not 'He is a criminals.'

Additionally, be careful with the pronunciation; the stress is on the first syllable: CRIM-i-nals. Misplacing the stress can make the word difficult for native speakers to recognize.

Incorrect: The criminals was caught by the police. (Should be: The criminals were caught...)

Another nuance is the difference between 'criminals' and 'offenders.' While they are often used as synonyms, 'offenders' is frequently used in official or social work contexts to sound less judgmental.

Word Choice: Don't confuse 'criminals' with 'villains.' 'Villains' is usually reserved for fictional characters in books or movies, while 'criminals' is used for real-life lawbreakers.

Incorrect: There are many criminals in the Batman movies. (Better: There are many villains in the Batman movies.)

Incorrect: He committed a criminals. (Should be: He committed a crime.)

Preposition Use: We say 'crimes committed BY criminals,' not 'crimes committed OF criminals.'

Incorrect: The city is full of criminal. (Should be: The city is full of criminals.)

Incorrect: They are criminals people. (Should be: They are criminals OR They are criminal people.)

The English language offers many synonyms for criminals, each with its own specific nuance and level of formality. 'Offenders' is perhaps the most common alternative, often used in legal and social contexts to refer to anyone who has broken a law or rule. 'Lawbreakers' is a more literal and slightly less formal term. For more serious crimes, you might use 'felons,' which specifically refers to people who have committed a felony, a serious category of crime.

Convicts vs. Criminals: A 'convict' is specifically someone who is currently serving a prison sentence. While all convicts are criminals, not all criminals are convicts (some might have finished their sentence or avoided prison).

'Delinquents' is a term usually reserved for young people who commit crimes, often referred to as 'juvenile delinquents.' 'Culprits' is a useful word when you are talking about the person responsible for a specific, often smaller, misdeed.

The police are still searching for the culprits who spray-painted the side of the library.

In a more literary or old-fashioned context, you might encounter words like 'miscreants' or 'wrongdoers.' 'Outlaws' suggests people who are living outside the protection and control of the law, often associated with the American Old West.

Informal Terms: In slang or informal speech, you might hear 'crooks' or 'cons' (short for convicts). 'Thugs' is another term, though it often carries connotations of violence and is sometimes considered controversial.

The detective spent his career tracking down white-collar crooks who stole millions from elderly investors.

Juvenile delinquents are often given community service instead of jail time to help them learn from their mistakes.

Antonyms: The opposite of criminals would be 'law-abiding citizens' or 'innocents.' These terms describe people who follow the rules of society.

The witness was a law-abiding citizen who felt it was her duty to report what she had seen.

The goal of the police is to protect innocent people from the actions of dangerous criminals.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"The state has a duty to prosecute all criminals to the full extent of the law."

Neutral

"The police are looking for the criminals who broke into the shop."

Informal

"I love watching shows about smart criminals."

Child friendly

"In this story, the police catch the criminals and keep the town safe."

Slang

"The feds finally locked up those crooks."

Fun Fact

The root 'crimen' is also related to the Latin 'cernere,' which means 'to decide' or 'to sift,' suggesting that a crime is something that must be judged or decided upon.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈkrɪm.ɪ.nəlz/

US /ˈkrɪm.ə.nəlz/

First syllable: CRIM-i-nals

Rhymes With

subliminals liminals abdominals nominals phenomenals officinals medicinals vicinals

Common Errors

Putting the stress on the second syllable (cri-MIN-als).
Pronouncing the 'i' as a long 'eye' sound.
Forgetting the 's' at the end when talking about more than one person.
Confusing the pronunciation with the word 'terminal'.
Merging the last two syllables into one.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word is common in news and fiction, making it easy to recognize.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct spelling and understanding of pluralization.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but requires correct syllable stress.

Listening 2/5

Very common in media, so it is easily heard.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

law bad people police steal

Learn Next

offense conviction rehabilitation justice felony

Advanced

recidivism penal jurisdiction indictment transgression

Grammar to Know

Plural Noun Agreement

The criminals ARE (not IS) running away.

Possessive Plural

The criminals' (not criminal's) hideout was found.

Articles with Plural Nouns

Criminals (general) are a problem. THE criminals (specific) were caught.

Adjective Placement

The DANGEROUS criminals (adjective before noun).

Relative Clauses

The criminals WHO (not WHICH) stole the car.

Examples by Level

The police catch criminals.

Police catch bad people.

Plural noun 'criminals' with plural verb 'catch'.

Criminals are bad people.

They are not good.

Subject-verb agreement: 'Criminals' (plural) + 'are'.

I see criminals in the movie.

I see them on the screen.

Direct object of the verb 'see'.

Criminals steal things.

They take things that are not theirs.

Simple present tense for a general fact.

The criminals ran away.

They went away fast.

Past tense verb 'ran'.

Are there criminals here?

Is it safe?

Question form using 'Are there'.

The criminals are in jail.

They are in a locked room.

Prepositional phrase 'in jail'.

We do not like criminals.

We don't want them.

Negative sentence with 'do not'.

The police arrested the criminals last night.

They took them to the station.

Past simple tense 'arrested'.

Many criminals use masks to hide their faces.

They wear things on their heads.

Use of 'many' with a countable plural noun.

The criminals stole a lot of money from the bank.

They took the cash.

Irregular past tense 'stole'.

It is dangerous to be near criminals.

You might get hurt.

Infinitive phrase 'to be near'.

The judge sent the criminals to prison.

The judge made a decision.

Direct object 'criminals'.

Some criminals are very clever.

They are smart.

Adjective 'clever' modifying the subject.

The news is talking about the criminals.

The TV is reporting it.

Present continuous 'is talking'.

The police found the criminals in a small house.

They discovered them.

Prepositional phrase 'in a small house'.

Cyber criminals often target people who use weak passwords.

They use computers to steal.

Compound noun 'cyber criminals'.

The government wants to help criminals find jobs after prison.

They want them to work.

Infinitive 'to help' followed by object and base verb.

Hardened criminals usually spend many years in jail.

People who commit many crimes.

Adjective 'hardened' used as a collocation.

The police are looking for the criminals who robbed the museum.

They are searching.

Relative clause 'who robbed the museum'.

Most criminals regret their actions once they are caught.

They feel sorry.

Verb 'regret' with plural subject.

The city has a plan to reduce the number of criminals.

They want fewer crimes.

Noun phrase 'number of criminals'.

Some criminals become famous because of their stories.

People know their names.

Linking verb 'become'.

The criminals were caught because of a witness.

Someone saw them.

Passive voice 'were caught'.

White-collar criminals often commit crimes that involve large sums of money.

Business people who break the law.

Collocation 'white-collar criminals'.

The rehabilitation of criminals is a major goal of the modern justice system.

Helping them change.

Noun 'rehabilitation' followed by 'of criminals'.

Society often struggles to reintegrate former criminals into the community.

Bringing them back.

Infinitive 'to reintegrate'.

The documentary examines the psychological profiles of violent criminals.

How they think.

Plural possessive (implied) or general plural.

Many criminals are victims of their own circumstances, such as poverty.

They had a hard life.

Complex sentence with 'such as'.

The international court is dedicated to prosecuting war criminals.

People who commit crimes during war.

Collocation 'war criminals'.

The police used advanced technology to track the criminals' movements.

Where they went.

Possessive plural 'criminals''.

Some people believe that criminals should be punished more severely.

Harder punishment.

Passive voice 'be punished'.

The systemic factors that produce criminals are often overlooked by politicians.

The deep reasons.

Relative clause 'that produce criminals'.

Labeling individuals as criminals can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy.

They become what people call them.

Gerund 'Labeling' as the subject.

The treaty aims to facilitate the extradition of international criminals.

Sending them back to their country.

Formal noun 'extradition'.

Criminologists study the recidivism rates of released criminals.

How often they commit crimes again.

Technical term 'recidivism'.

The distinction between political dissidents and criminals is often blurred in autocracies.

The line is not clear.

Contrast between two groups.

The portrayal of criminals in popular media often romanticizes their lifestyles.

Makes it look cool.

Subject-verb agreement: 'portrayal' (singular) + 'romanticizes'.

High-profile criminals often hire the most expensive legal teams.

Famous lawbreakers.

Adjective 'high-profile'.

The justice system must balance the rights of the victims with the rights of the criminals.

Fairness for both sides.

Parallel structure 'rights of the...'.

The sociological discourse surrounding the 'criminalization' of poverty highlights how certain groups are disproportionately labeled as criminals.

How being poor is treated like a crime.

Passive voice 'are labeled'.

The intricate networks established by organized criminals pose a significant challenge to global security.

Complex groups of lawbreakers.

Subject 'networks' + plural verb 'pose'.

Dehumanizing criminals is a common tactic used to justify draconian sentencing laws.

Treating them like they aren't human.

Gerund 'Dehumanizing' as subject.

The ethical implications of using AI to predict who might become criminals are deeply contentious.

Using computers to guess the future.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

Historical analysis reveals that many individuals once branded as criminals are now celebrated as visionaries.

People who were 'bad' are now 'good'.

Passive participle 'branded'.

The reintegration of war criminals into society remains one of the most daunting tasks in post-conflict reconciliation.

Bringing them back after a war.

Superlative 'most daunting'.

Corporate criminals often evade justice through the use of shell companies and offshore accounts.

Business people hiding money.

Plural subject 'criminals'.

The debate over whether criminals are 'born or made' continues to fascinate both scientists and the public.

Nature vs. nurture.

Noun clause 'whether criminals are born or made'.

Common Collocations

hardened criminals

convicted criminals

petty criminals

cyber criminals

war criminals

career criminals

apprehend criminals

rehabilitate criminals

violent criminals

organized criminals

Common Phrases

a life of crime

bring to justice

behind bars

break the law

serve time

criminal record

at large

pay the price

take the law into one's own hands

crime doesn't pay

Often Confused With

criminals vs crime

Crime is the act; criminals are the people.

criminals vs criminal (adj)

Criminal (adj) describes the act (e.g., criminal record).

criminals vs suspects

Suspects are not yet proven guilty; criminals are.

Idioms & Expressions

"partners in crime"

Two people who do something together, often something mischievous or illegal.

My brother and I were partners in crime when we were kids.

informal

"thick as thieves"

Very close friends who share secrets.

Those two have been thick as thieves since they met in primary school.

informal

"get away with murder"

To do something bad and not be punished for it.

The boss lets him get away with murder because he's the top salesman.

informal

"highway robbery"

A situation where something is much too expensive.

Charging ten dollars for a bottle of water is highway robbery!

informal

"steal someone's thunder"

To take the credit or attention away from someone else.

I was about to announce my news, but she stole my thunder.

informal

"smooth criminal"

Someone who commits crimes or does bad things in a very skillful or charming way.

He's a smooth criminal who managed to trick everyone in the office.

informal

"on the run"

Trying to avoid being caught by the police.

The criminals have been on the run for three days now.

neutral

"do time"

To serve a prison sentence.

He had to do time for a crime he didn't commit.

informal

"caught red-handed"

Caught in the middle of doing something wrong.

The criminals were caught red-handed as they were leaving the store.

neutral

"stiff penalty"

A very harsh or severe punishment.

The criminals faced a stiff penalty for their involvement in the fraud.

neutral

Easily Confused

criminals vs convicts

Both refer to people who broke the law.

Convicts are specifically those currently in prison.

The convicts are in their cells, but the criminals are still at large.

criminals vs offenders

They are often used as synonyms.

Offenders is more formal and used in official reports.

The report lists the number of young offenders in the city.

criminals vs villains

Both are 'bad guys'.

Villains is for fiction; criminals is for real life.

The Joker is a villain, but Al Capone was a criminal.

criminals vs culprits

Both refer to people who did something wrong.

Culprits usually refers to a specific, often minor, incident.

The culprits who broke the window were never found.

criminals vs delinquents

Both refer to lawbreakers.

Delinquents specifically refers to young people.

The juvenile delinquents were sent to a special school.

Sentence Patterns

The [noun] catch criminals.

The police catch criminals.

Criminals stole [noun].

Criminals stole the car.

[Adjective] criminals often [verb].

Cyber criminals often steal passwords.

The [noun] of criminals is [adjective].

The rehabilitation of criminals is important.

By [gerund] criminals, the state [verb].

By prosecuting criminals, the state ensures order.

The [noun] surrounding criminals [verb].

The discourse surrounding criminals evolves constantly.

Criminals who [verb] are [adjective].

Criminals who steal are dangerous.

It is [adjective] to [verb] criminals.

It is difficult to rehabilitate criminals.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in news, legal, and entertainment domains.

Common Mistakes

The criminals is running. → The criminals are running.
Criminals is a plural noun and needs a plural verb.
He is a criminals. → He is a criminal.
Use the singular form when talking about one person.
He committed a criminals. → He committed a crime.
You commit a 'crime' (the act), you don't commit a 'criminal' (the person).
The police caught the criminal's. → The police caught the criminals.
Do not use an apostrophe for a simple plural.
The criminals who stole the car which... → The criminals who stole the car...
Use 'who' for people (criminals) and 'which' for things (car).

Tips

Use Specific Terms

Instead of just saying 'criminals', try using 'cyber criminals' or 'petty criminals' to be more precise.

Watch Your Verbs

Remember that 'criminals' is plural, so use 'are', 'were', 'have', and 'do'.

Innocent Until Proven Guilty

In professional writing, use 'suspects' or 'the accused' until a person is actually convicted.

Stress the First Syllable

Say 'CRIM-i-nals' to sound more like a native speaker.

Formal vs Informal

Use 'offenders' in formal reports and 'criminals' in general stories.

Visual Association

Picture a jail cell to help you remember the word 'criminals'.

Look for Collocations

When reading, notice which adjectives are often used with 'criminals'.

Practice in Context

Talk about a crime movie you saw to use the word naturally.

News Exposure

Listen to the news to hear how reporters use the word 'criminals'.

Avoid Overuse

Try synonyms like 'lawbreakers' if you find yourself using 'criminals' too much.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'CRIMinals' as people who 'CRIMe' (commit crimes) and end up in 'inals' (rhymes with 'binals' or 'terminals', like the end of their freedom).

Visual Association

Imagine a person in a black-and-white striped suit holding a bag with a dollar sign on it. This classic image of a criminal helps anchor the word.

Word Web

Police Jail Law Crime Judge Handcuffs Theft Trial

Challenge

Try to write three sentences using 'criminals' with three different adjectives: 'petty', 'hardened', and 'cyber'.

Word Origin

The word 'criminal' comes from the Late Latin 'criminalis,' which is derived from the Latin 'crimen,' meaning 'accusation, indictment, or crime.' It entered Middle English via the Old French word 'criminel.'

Original meaning: Originally, it referred to anything relating to a crime or the prosecution of a crime.

Indo-European (Latin branch)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using the word to describe groups of people, as it can be used to unfairly stigmatize certain communities.

In the UK and US, there is a strong 'true crime' culture where people enjoy documentaries and podcasts about famous criminals.

Al Capone (famous American gangster) Sherlock Holmes (who fought many clever criminals) Robin Hood (a criminal who is seen as a hero)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

News Reports

apprehended the criminals
wanted criminals
string of crimes
police investigation

Legal Settings

convicted criminals
sentencing the criminals
criminal record
legal defense

Entertainment

mastermind criminals
partners in crime
heist
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Social Discussions

rehabilitating criminals
causes of crime
public safety
neighborhood watch

Online Safety

cyber criminals
identity theft
phishing scams
data breach

Conversation Starters

"Do you think the justice system is too soft on criminals?"

"Why do you think some people become career criminals?"

"What is the best way to rehabilitate criminals so they don't commit crimes again?"

"Have you ever seen a movie where the criminals were the main characters?"

"Do you think cyber criminals are more dangerous than traditional criminals?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you saw a report about criminals on the news. How did it make you feel?

If you were a judge, how would you decide the punishment for different types of criminals?

Discuss the idea that some criminals might be victims of their circumstances.

Imagine a world without any criminals. What would that look like?

Should former criminals be allowed to have their records cleared after a certain amount of time?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, in a literal sense, it always refers to people who have broken the law, which is seen as negative by society. However, in fiction, some criminals are portrayed as heroes.

A criminal is a general term for anyone who breaks the law. A felon is a specific term for someone who has committed a 'felony,' which is a serious crime like murder or arson.

It is better to use 'lawbreaker' or 'offender' for very minor things. 'Criminal' sounds quite serious.

Yes, you can count them: one criminal, two criminals, many criminals.

It is pronounced CRIM-i-nals, with the stress on the first part.

This refers to people who commit non-violent crimes in a professional or business setting, like stealing money from a company.

No. A suspect is someone the police think might have done it. A criminal is someone who has been proven to have done it.

It means someone who has committed many crimes and does not feel sorry for what they did.

Yes, for example, 'He has a criminal record' or 'That is criminal behavior'.

The plural is 'criminals'.