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Criminal Act vs. Criminal Activity
Suspect vs. Defendant
Welcome to my new “What’s the Difference?” series — where we clear up confusing English terms in context. If you're preparing for IELTS, improving your speaking, or just love learning English, this is for you!
Criminal Act vs. Criminal Activity
✅ Criminal Act = A single illegal action
✅ Criminal Activity = Ongoing or repeated involvement in crime
Example:
The burglary was a criminal act, but investigators later uncovered years of criminal activity involving stolen goods.
Tip:
Use "criminal act" when talking about one specific crime.
Use "criminal activity" when referring to general or repeated unlawful behavior.
Suspect vs. Defendant
✅ Suspect = A person under investigation for a crime
✅ Defendant = A person who has been officially charged and is facing trial
Example:
The suspect was taken in for questioning. A week later, he appeared in court as the defendant in a high-profile murder trial.
Tip:
A suspect becomes a defendant once formal charges are filed.
Want to practice using them in real discussions? Book a lesson with me on Cafetalk and let’s level up your English together!
Stay tuned for Episode 2 of “What’s the Difference?” coming soon!
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