behaving unlawfully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "behaving unlawfully" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions that violate laws or regulations. Example: "The company was fined for behaving unlawfully in its business practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Removing regulations that governed money-dealing obviously encouraged those involved to behave unlawfully.

The Guardian - Business

With other non-doms, there is no evidence of any intention to behave unlawfully but rather to legally gain the maximum advantage from the UK's generous system.

The Guardian - Business

It was thanks to judicial review that we found out that Michael Gove had behaved unlawfully in the way he axed Building Schools for the Future.

The Guardian - Opinion

But people do not have a right to act unlawfully.

The New York Times

Did she act unlawfully?

The Guardian

It could cause him to snap, and perhaps act unlawfully.

Huffington Post

Try telling your boss that you behaved unethically but not unlawfully and see what that gets you.

The New York Times

Adults behaving badly.

The New York Times

They were behaving rationally.

The New York Times

How are they behaving?

BBC

Are individuals behaving differently?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "behaving unlawfully" to specifically describe actions that contravene existing laws or regulations. This is especially suitable in legal, business, or journalistic contexts where precision is key.

Common error

Ensure you're not using "behaving unlawfully" when the action is merely unethical. Unethical behavior might be morally wrong but not necessarily illegal. Always verify if a law or regulation has been broken.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behaving unlawfully" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by describing how an action is carried out. It indicates that the action is performed in violation of legal regulations.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "behaving unlawfully" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe actions that violate legal standards. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its frequency is limited, suggesting that alternative phrases like "acting illegally" or "violating the law" might be more common. Its primary contexts are news and business, and it carries a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that the behavior genuinely breaches a law, differentiating it from merely unethical conduct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acting illegally

Focuses on the act itself being illegal, rather than the overall behavior.

conducting oneself unlawfully

Emphasizes the manner of conducting activities in violation of the law.

violating the law

Directly states the action breaks a specific law.

engaging in illicit activities

Highlights the involvement in secret or disapproved activities.

committing offenses

Refers to the act of perpetrating a crime or wrongdoing.

breaking regulations

Specifically indicates a violation of established rules or regulations.

operating outside the law

Suggests a systematic approach to avoiding legal constraints.

flouting the rules

Implies a deliberate disregard for established rules or norms.

defying legal norms

Indicates a resistance or challenge to accepted legal standards.

transgressing legal boundaries

Highlights crossing the established limits of legal acceptability.

FAQs

How can I use "behaving unlawfully" in a sentence?

You can use "behaving unlawfully" to describe actions that violate legal standards. For example, "The company was accused of "behaving unlawfully" in its financial dealings."

What are some alternatives to "behaving unlawfully"?

Alternatives include "acting illegally", "violating the law", or "conducting oneself unlawfully". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "behaving unlawfully" formal or informal?

"Behaving unlawfully" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional, legal, or journalistic contexts. More informal alternatives might be appropriate in casual conversation.

What is the difference between "behaving unlawfully" and "acting unethically"?

"Behaving unlawfully" refers specifically to actions that break the law, while "acting unethically" describes behavior that violates moral principles but may not be illegal. It's important to distinguish between these concepts for accuracy.