What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
convict
Example
The judge convicted him of robbery and sentenced him to ten years in prison. [convicted: past tense]
Example
The prosecutor presented evidence that led to the conviction of the suspect. [conviction: noun]
culprit
Example
The police are still searching for the culprit who robbed the bank. [culprit: noun]
Example
The culprit behind the company's financial troubles was revealed to be the CEO. [culprit: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Culprit is less commonly used than convict in everyday language. Convict is a more specific term that is used in legal contexts and is more commonly heard in news reports and crime dramas.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between convict and culprit?
Convict is a more formal term that is typically used in legal contexts, while culprit can be used in a more casual or informal tone.
