against regulations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "against regulations" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe when someone does something that goes against a set of rules or regulations. For example: "The manager was reprimanded for allowing unlicensed contractors to work on the project, which was against regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

While they may push back against regulations and enforcement actions, financial firms typically tread softly in dealing with their regulators, preferring to strike settlement deals that swiftly resolve scandals.

The New York Times

Officials said this was against regulations.

Independent

They also lobby against regulations that try to remedy this.

The Economist

"Which is already against regulations," Cadet Mynatt said.

The New York Times

(He wore safety goggles — he may be against regulations, but he's also an ophthalmologist).

The New Yorker

Distressed 22-year-old clubber searched by one female officer and four males, against regulations.

Independent

Using an actual passenger's suitcase is against regulations, and the airport's customs service has apologized.

The New York Times - Tech

That was "MacGruder and Loud," about two police officers who married each other against regulations.

The New York Times

Finally another inmate gave me a small bandage (also against regulations) which reduced the bleeding to an ooze.

The New York Times

That is not against regulations, but it is one area that needs scrutiny in the internal review.

The New York Times

The companies have used their billion-dollar war chests to effectively mobilize users against regulations in some cities.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a violation, clearly state which specific rule or regulation is being contravened. For example, "The construction was carried out "against regulations" regarding building height."

Common error

Be careful not to use "against regulations" when you mean "without regulations". The former implies a direct violation, while the latter means the absence of rules.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "against regulations" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate a violation or contradiction of established rules or laws. Ludwig AI validates the correctness and common usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "against regulations" is used to describe actions or situations that violate existing rules or laws. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly within News & Media contexts. Related phrases include "in violation of the rules" and "contrary to the guidelines". When using this phrase, ensure that you clearly specify which regulations are being violated and avoid confusing it with "without regulations", which implies the absence of rules. The phrase maintains a generally neutral register, suitable for diverse communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not in compliance with the rules

Stresses the failure to meet the standards set by a specific regulation.

in violation of the rules

Focuses on the act of breaking a specific rule.

contrary to the guidelines

Highlights a conflict with established guidelines, suggesting a less formal set of rules.

in opposition to the directives

Focuses on a direct resistance to official commands or instructions.

in defiance of the law

Emphasizes a bold opposition to legal requirements.

in breach of the code

Implies a violation of a set of ethical or professional standards.

transgressing the policies

Suggests a more serious overstepping of established policies.

acting outside the parameters

Suggests operating beyond the defined limits or boundaries of a system or regulation.

at odds with the stipulations

Highlights a state of disagreement or conflict with the conditions or requirements.

running counter to the ordinances

Indicates a conflict with local laws or regulations.

FAQs

How can I use "against regulations" in a sentence?

You can use "against regulations" to indicate that an action or decision violates established rules or guidelines. For example, "The company's practices were found to be "against regulations" by the auditing committee."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "against regulations"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in violation of the rules", "contrary to the guidelines", or "not in compliance with the rules", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "not in compliance with regulations" instead of "against regulations"?

Yes, "not in compliance with regulations" is generally considered more formal and is often used in legal or official contexts. "Against regulations" is more neutral and can be used in a broader range of situations.

What is the difference between "against regulations" and "without regulations"?

"Against regulations" means that something is done in direct violation of existing rules. "Without regulations" means that there are no rules in place to govern a particular situation. They have opposite meanings, so it is essential to use them correctly.