be a violation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a violation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or behaviors that breach rules, laws, or agreements. Example: "Failing to follow the safety protocols could be a violation of company policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It should be a violation.

The New York Times

It would be a violation of trust.

The Guardian - Books

That's got to be a violation of labor laws.

The New York Times - Sports

To execute Hill could be a violation of international law.

The Guardian

That would be a violation of campaign finance law.

The New York Times

Such activity would be a violation of federal securities laws.

The New York Times

Therefore, it could not be a violation of the F.C.P.A".

The New Yorker

If it remained in their pocket, it would be a violation, like a traffic ticket".

The New York Times

"This appears to be a violation of the Safe Drinking Water Act".

The New York Times

It would be a violation of his obligations if he went to the police".

The Guardian

A legal scholar says that could be a violation of Federal Trade Commission law.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be a violation", ensure the context clearly identifies the specific rule, law, or agreement being breached. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be a violation" without specifying what is being violated. For instance, instead of saying "That would be a violation", specify "That would be a violation of the contract terms".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a violation" functions primarily as a predicate nominative, linking a subject to a noun that renames or defines it. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase indicates that something contravenes a rule, law, or agreement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be a violation" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe actions that contravene rules, laws, or agreements. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While versatile, clarity is enhanced when specifying the exact rule being violated. Consider related phrases such as "constitute a breach" or "represent an infringement" for stylistic variation. Remember to maintain clarity and context when employing this phrase to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stand in violation of

Highlights the condition of being non-compliant with a specific rule or law.

constitute a breach

Replaces "violation" with "breach", indicating a failure to observe a law or agreement.

represent an infringement

Uses "infringement" instead of "violation", suggesting an act of breaking a law or right.

amount to a contravention

Employs "contravention" to denote an action that conflicts with a law or regulation.

be contrary to

Indicates direct opposition to a rule or principle.

contravene the regulations

Specifically refers to acting against established regulations.

transgress the bounds of

Implies exceeding acceptable limits or boundaries.

fly in the face of

Suggests a bold and obvious defiance of established norms.

be at odds with

Indicates disagreement or conflict with established rules or principles.

run afoul of

Suggests encountering negative consequences due to non-compliance.

FAQs

How can I use "be a violation" in a sentence?

You can use "be a violation" to indicate that an action or behavior breaks a rule, law, or agreement. For example, "Sharing confidential information would be a violation of company policy".

What's a formal alternative to "be a violation"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "constitute a breach" or "represent an infringement" instead of "be a violation" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it always necessary to specify what rule is being violated when using "be a violation"?

Yes, it's best practice to clearly specify the rule, law, or agreement that is being violated for clarity. For example, instead of saying "That would be a violation", say "That would be a violation of the non-disclosure agreement".

What is the difference between "be a breach" and "be a violation"?

"Be a breach" generally refers to failing to meet a duty or agreement, while "be a violation" indicates breaking a specific rule or law. The two phrases are often interchangeable but "be a violation" has a stronger connotation of breaking a rule.