Hello, diligent learner! Picture this: you’re watching an English crime drama, completely engrossed, but every so often, you stumble upon a phrase that sounds strange in a literal sense, yet fits perfectly in the context. Or maybe, you’re reading an English mystery novel, and you come across similar expressions. Ever wondered why? They’re called collocations – commonly used word pairs that native English speakers use fluently. Knowing these crime-related collocations can skyrocket your understanding and make you sound more natural when discussing topics like crime. So, are you ready to crack the code and delve into the thrilling world of crime-related collocations?
Let’s dive into the investigation and unravel 41 useful English collocations related to crime:
1. Armed robbery: A robbery where the robber uses a weapon.
Example: The armed robbery took place at a convenience store downtown.
2. Break the law: To do something illegal.
Example: If you break the law, you will face consequences.
3. Capital punishment: The legally authorized killing of someone as punishment for a crime.
Example: Some countries still practice capital punishment.
4. Commit a crime: To do something illegal.
Example: He committed a crime and was sentenced to jail.
5. Drug trafficking: The illegal trade of drugs.
Example: The police busted a major drug trafficking operation.
6. Eye witness: A person who saw a crime or accident take place.
Example: The eye witness identified the thief in a lineup.
7. Fraudulent activity: Deceptive actions designed to result in financial gain.
Example: The bank alerted me to fraudulent activity on my credit card.
8. Get away with: To manage to do something bad without being punished or criticized for it.
Example: He thought he could get away with stealing the money.
9. Homicide investigation: The process of looking into a murder.
Example: The homicide investigation led to the arrest of two suspects.
10. Illicit goods: Goods that are not legal to sell or own.
Example: The customs officer seized illicit goods at the border.
11. Innocent until proven guilty: The principle that one is considered innocent unless proven otherwise.
Example: In the court of law, everyone is innocent until proven guilty.
12. Jump bail: To fail to appear in court after being released on bail.
Example: He decided to jump bail and is now on the run.
13. Kidnapping case: A situation or instance where someone is kidnapped.
Example: The police solved the high-profile kidnapping case.
14. Money laundering: The process of making illegally-gained proceeds appear legal.
Example: The businessman was arrested for money laundering.
15. Notorious gangster: A well-known criminal who is part of a gang.
Example: Al Capone was a notorious gangster in Chicago.
16. Obstruct justice: To prevent the justice process from happening properly.
Example: Tampering with evidence is an attempt to obstruct justice.
17. Plea bargain: An agreement in a criminal case where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge.
Example: His lawyer suggested a plea bargain to reduce his sentence.
18. Repeat offender: A person who continues to commit crimes even after being caught and punished.
Example: As a repeat offender, he faced a stricter sentence.
19. Search warrant: A legal document authorizing the police to search a specified place.
Example: The police obtained a search warrant for his apartment.
20. Tax evasion: The illegal nonpayment or underpayment of tax.
Example: The company was fined for tax evasion.
21. Undercover operation: An operation carried out by law enforcement with the identity of the officers kept secret.
Example: The undercover operation successfully infiltrated the smuggling ring.
22. Violent crime: A crime in which the offender uses or threatens to use violent force.
Example: The city has seen a decrease in violent crime.
23. White-collar crime: A nonviolent crime committed by someone, typically for personal financial gain.
Example: Embezzlement is a type of white-collar crime.
24. Wrongfully accused: Accused of something that one did not do.
Example: He was wrongfully accused and spent years proving his innocence.
25. Youth offender: A person under 18 who commits a crime.
Example: The youth offender was sentenced to community service.
Congratulations on making it to the end of this list! Now, you have a new arsenal of collocations to accurately and expressively talk about crime-related topics. Whether you’re engaged in a debate, writing an essay, or simply enjoying an English crime novel or show, these phrases will enhance your understanding and expression in English. Remember, language is a powerful tool—use it responsibly and respect its laws, just like any citizen would in society!
