Breaking the law

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Breaking the law" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the act of violating legal statutes or regulations. Example: "The consequences of breaking the law can be severe, including fines and imprisonment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Breaking the law," Horn said.

The New Yorker

Breaking the law, however, is another matter.

The New York Times - Magazine

Breaking the law doesn’t always leave you richer.

Forbes

Breaking the law will cause you penalties or even arrest.

WikiHow

JUDAS PRIEST - Breaking the Law.

Vice

A Girl's Guide to Breaking the Law.

Vice

It's breaking the law".

The New York Times

"But breaking the law?

The New York Times

It is breaking the law".

The Guardian - Opinion

Wouldn't this be breaking the law?

The New York Times

I don't like breaking the law.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal issues, consider the specific context and choose a phrase that accurately reflects the nature and severity of the violation. "Breaking the law" is generally applicable, but more specific terms may be appropriate in certain situations.

Common error

Avoid using "breaking the law" as a blanket term for all legal infractions. Be specific about the nature of the violation and the relevant laws or regulations involved to ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "breaking the law" is typically as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples showcase its use in discussing the consequences or implications of illegal actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "breaking the law" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of violating legal statutes or regulations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, its specific meaning can vary depending on the context. For more formal situations, alternatives like "violating the law" may be preferable. Understanding the nuances of "breaking the law" and its alternatives can improve the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Violating the law

This alternative is a more formal way of saying the same thing, focusing on the act of violation.

Contravention of the law

This alternative is highly formal and emphasizes a direct contradiction of legal statutes.

Acting unlawfully

Focuses on the illegal nature of the action, rather than the violation of a specific law.

Flouting the law

This suggests a deliberate and open disregard for the law.

Disobeying the legal code

This option emphasizes the explicit refusal to adhere to legal requirements.

Offending against the law

This option is less common and implies a transgression or wrongdoing against legal principles.

Breaching regulations

This alternative focuses on the violation of specific rules or guidelines.

Transgressing the law

Similar to offending, but can also suggest a moral dimension to the legal breach.

Committing an offense

This is a general term for any illegal act, regardless of its severity.

Engaging in illegal activity

Highlights the sustained nature of the unlawful conduct.

FAQs

What does "breaking the law" mean?

The phrase "breaking the law" refers to the act of violating a law, regulation, or legal code. It implies non-compliance with established legal standards, which can lead to penalties or legal consequences.

How can I use "breaking the law" in a sentence?

You can use "breaking the law" to describe actions that are illegal or against the law. For example: "The consequences of "breaking the law" can be severe." or "He was arrested for "breaking the law"".

What can I say instead of "breaking the law"?

You can use alternatives like "violating the law", "acting unlawfully", or "committing an offense" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "breaking the law" and "flouting the law"?

"Breaking the law" generally refers to any violation of legal rules. "Flouting the law" implies a deliberate and often public disregard for the law, suggesting a more defiant attitude.