a breach of protocol

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a breach of protocol" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where rules, guidelines, or procedures have not been followed, often in formal or professional settings. Example: "The investigation revealed a breach of protocol that compromised the security of the entire operation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"This was simply a breach of protocol," said CDC spokesman Benjamin Haynes in an email on Friday.

The Guardian

Juliet Lyon of the Prison Reform Trust criticised Grayling for describing the monitoring as a "breach of protocol".

The Guardian

They were reprimanded by officials at F.B.I. headquarters, who said they had committed a breach of protocol.

The New York Times

Frieden has said a breach of protocol led to the nurse's infection, but officials are not sure what went wrong.

The Guardian

Military officials said the inspectors were shocked by the offer, which they declined but reported as a breach of protocol.

The Washington Post

One snooty envoy seems to regard meeting anyone below the prime minister as a breach of protocol.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

This defection amounted to a breach of street protocol, which was generally punishable by death.

The New Yorker

But the Sun saw it as a breach of royal protocol, implying that it was an anti-Brexit speech.

The Guardian

The conservative politicians suggested that the absence of their sign-off was a breach of normal protocol.

The Guardian

British tabloids dubbed him the 'Lizard of Oz' for touching her in what they deemed a breach of royal protocol.

The Guardian

A breach of diplomatic protocol?" Rather than answering with an argument, Bush took a shot at Daschle's judgment and, by implication, his manhood.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "a breach of protocol", be specific about which rules or procedures were violated to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a breach of protocol" as a vague accusation. Always specify the exact protocol that was breached to make the statement meaningful and actionable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a breach of protocol" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is grammatically correct and frequent across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a breach of protocol" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote a violation of established rules or procedures. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and highlights its frequent usage in news, academic, and formal settings. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly specify the violated protocol for maximum impact. Alternatives such as "violation of procedure" or "deviation from standards" can be employed for variety. Be precise in your language to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity when discussing such incidents.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

violation of procedure

Focuses on the act of violating a specific procedure.

deviation from standards

Highlights the departure from established standards or norms.

failure to comply with regulations

Emphasizes the lack of adherence to official regulations.

infringement of rules

Indicates the act of breaking or violating rules.

non-compliance with guidelines

Highlights the failure to follow specific guidelines.

lapse in procedure

Suggests a temporary failure or oversight in following procedure.

irregularity in process

Indicates an unusual or abnormal occurrence in a process.

departure from established practice

Focuses on moving away from customary or traditional practices.

transgression of norms

Emphasizes violating social or ethical norms.

dereliction of duty

Highlights the failure to fulfill one's responsibilities or obligations.

FAQs

What does "a breach of protocol" mean?

The phrase "a breach of protocol" refers to a violation or failure to adhere to established rules, procedures, or customs, particularly in formal or professional settings.

How can I use "a breach of protocol" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a situation where someone didn't follow the correct procedures. For example, "Inviting Mr. Netanyahu without consulting the Obama administration was "a breach of protocol".".

What can I say instead of "a breach of protocol"?

Alternatives include "violation of procedure", "deviation from standards", or "failure to comply with regulations" depending on the context.

Is "a breach in protocol" grammatically correct?

While "breach" and "in" can sometimes be used interchangeably, "a breach of protocol" is the standard and more widely accepted phrasing. "A breach in protocol" is less common and may sound awkward to some native English speakers.