Cool MateCriminals vs The kidnappers are working for you
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Criminals
Top 2,000 (common)
The kidnappers are working for you
Top 3,000 (common)
Most common: Criminals
| Criminals | The kidnappers are working for you | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈkrɪmɪnəlz//🇺🇸 //ˈkrɪmɪnəlz// | 🇬🇧 //ðə ˈkɪdnæpəz ɑː ˈwɜːkɪŋ fə juː//🇺🇸 //ðə ˈkɪdnæpɚz ɑr ˈwɜrkɪŋ fɔr ju// |
| Meaning | People who break the law. | People who take others for money are helping you. |
| Example | The police arrested several **criminals** after the bank robbery. | The kidnappers are working for you to ensure your release. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| Collocations | repeat criminals, organized criminals, petty criminals, violent criminals, convicted criminals | negotiate with kidnappers, kidnappers demand ransom, kidnappers are arrested, kidnappers release hostages, victims of kidnappers |
| Antonyms | law-abiding citizens, good people, innocents | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'criminal' (singular) and 'criminals' (plural)., Using 'criminals' when referring to someone accused but not convicted., Overusing in non-legal contexts may seem inappropriate. | Confusing 'kidnap' with 'abduct' - they are similar but have different connotations., Using 'kidnappers' for non-criminal contexts, which can lead to misunderstanding., Incorrectly estimating the seriousness of the situation; this phrase should be used carefully. |
| Usage notes | Use 'criminals' in discussions about crime. It's appropriate in news and legal contexts but may sound harsh in casual conversations. | Use in discussions about crime or negotiation. Avoid in casual conversations or humorous contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Criminals vs The kidnappers are working for you
What's the difference between Criminals and The kidnappers are working for you?
Criminals: People who break the law. The kidnappers are working for you: People who take others for money are helping you.
Which is more common: Criminals and The kidnappers are working for you?
Criminals is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Criminals: The police arrested several **criminals** after the bank robbery. The kidnappers are working for you: The kidnappers are working for you to ensure your release.
Can I use Criminals and The kidnappers are working for you interchangeably?
Not always. Criminals and The kidnappers are working for you are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.