breach

USAGE SUMMARY

"breach" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a noun or a verb. Example sentence (as a noun): The breach of security into the company's system was quickly detected. Example sentence (as a verb): The company breached the terms of the contract.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a complete breach of precedent".

The Guardian

Secondly, for users who do breach the company's terms of service, a new tier of sanction has been introduced.

The Guardian - Tech

If the party of which I'm a member makes an announcement which has the potential to breach the law and those obligations then I will argue against it … It would be very unsatisfactory".

The Guardian

Sure, it was funny, but it was also an outrageous breach of seismic etiquette.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the final breach is the one 2Day FM would be most concerned about.

The Guardian

Trade union officers and the Labour party seemed to have been caught unaware of the reforms on Wednesday, and saying the proposals appeared to breach the previous understanding that reforms to the funding of political parties would be conducted on a bipartisan basis.

The Guardian

Amnesty International alleges that its communications have been intercepted illegally in breach of its rights to privacy and freedom of expression.

The Guardian

A saver would need to have more than £72,000 deposited in the current top-paying easy access account (paying 1.4%) to breach the £1,000-a-year income barrier.

The Guardian - Money

The intelligence agencies argue that a breach of privacy only happens when human eyeballs see the selected results, and that no fishing expeditions are allowed.

The Guardian

Already, the authorities enjoy sweeping powers under a 2013 law to close down websites for advocating "extremist activities" or "participation in public events held in breach of appropriate procedures".

The Guardian

The move by Lloyds to ask for backing for bonuses of 200% of salary puts the UK government – facing allegations that it is allowing banks to breach the EU rules – on the spot.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "breach" - it often implies a serious violation or a significant disruption.

Common error

Avoid confusing "breach", which means a violation or gap, with "breech", which refers to the buttocks or the rear part of a firearm. Using the wrong word can significantly alter the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The word "breach" functions primarily as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it denotes a violation or gap; as a verb, it signifies the act of violating or breaking. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and versatile usage, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "breach" is a versatile term used as both a noun and a verb, primarily to describe a violation or break. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, noting its common usage across various contexts, especially in News & Media. When writing, be mindful of potential confusion with "breech" and ensure correct usage in legal and formal contexts. Related terms include "violation" and "infringement", offering alternative ways to express similar ideas. Keep these tips in mind to effectively and accurately use "breach" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

violation

Focuses specifically on the act of breaking a rule, law, or agreement.

infringement

Emphasizes the act of trespassing or encroaching upon a right or privilege.

contravention

A more formal term for violating a law or regulation.

transgression

Implies crossing a moral or ethical boundary.

rupture

Highlights the breaking of a relationship or agreement.

infraction

Refers to a minor violation of a rule or law.

dereliction

Describes a failure to fulfill a duty or obligation.

lapse

Suggests a temporary failure or deviation from a standard.

crack

Focuses on a literal or figurative break in something.

break

A general term for an act of breaking or violating something.

FAQs

How to use "breach" in a sentence?

You can use "breach" as a noun to describe a violation (e.g., "a security breach") or as a verb to describe the act of violating something (e.g., "to breach a contract").

What can I say instead of "breach"?

You can use alternatives like "violation", "infringement", or "contravention" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "breach of contract" or "breech of contract"?

"Breach of contract" is correct. "Breech" refers to the rear end of a firearm or the buttocks, and is not appropriate in this context.

What's the difference between "breach" and "violation"?

While both "breach" and "violation" refer to breaking a rule or law, "breach" often implies a more significant or disruptive break. "Violation" can be used for both minor and major infractions.