breach of protocol

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breach of protocol" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone has violated established rules or procedures, often in formal or professional settings. Example: "The investigation revealed a significant breach of protocol during the handling of sensitive information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A clear breach of protocol".

The Guardian

It was a monstrous breach of protocol, and Pompadour paid the price.

The New York Times - Books

But having forced Felix and Sylvester into yet another breach of protocol, Maeve is now supercharged.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If not the breach of protocol, something else probably would have ignited Posada's kindling emotions.

The New York Times - Sports

The stunning breach of protocol, did shut up the socialist revolutionary.

The Guardian

The Middle East media site Al-Monitor called his gesture an "unofficial breach of protocol".

The New Yorker

The White House considered the speech a serious breach of protocol designed to undermine the president.

The Washington Post

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

The Guardian

Police chiefs, who have been unable to establish contact with Kennedy have said any such breach of protocol constitutes "heresy".

The Guardian

There was no mention of "breach of protocol and zero tolerance" or even "non-compliance, high risk" in the report.

The Guardian - Business

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

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about formal settings or official procedures, use "breach of protocol" to highlight a violation of established rules, especially when it carries significant consequences or reflects a systemic issue.

Common error

Avoid using "breach of protocol" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler phrases like "violation of rules" or "failure to comply" when discussing everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breach of protocol" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an instance where established rules or procedures have been violated. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "breach of protocol" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes a violation of established rules or procedures. As Ludwig AI confirms, its prevalence in news and formal business contexts signifies its importance in discussing deviations from expected norms, particularly in professional or governmental settings. While alternatives like "violation of procedure" exist, "breach of protocol" carries a specific weight, indicating a potentially significant failure to adhere to established guidelines. When using this phrase, be mindful of its formality and reserve it for situations where the context warrants a serious discussion of procedural failures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

violation of procedure

Refers more generally to any failure to follow established methods, not necessarily in a formal setting.

dereliction of duty

Implies a failure to fulfill responsibilities, often with a negative consequence.

lapse in procedure

Suggests a temporary or minor failure to adhere to rules.

deviation from norms

Indicates a departure from expected behavior or standards, which may or may not be formal.

infringement of regulations

Focuses on the violation of specific, codified rules or laws.

transgression of rules

Emphasizes the act of going against established rules, often implying a moral or ethical dimension.

failure to comply

Highlights the lack of adherence to a requirement or expectation.

non-compliance with guidelines

Specifically addresses the failure to follow recommended practices.

going against the grain

Implies disagreeing with majority of people or organization, often suggesting a deliberate choice to defy expectations.

stepping out of line

Suggests acting inappropriately or exceeding the bounds of acceptable behavior in a social context.

FAQs

How to use "breach of protocol" in a sentence?

You can use "breach of protocol" to describe situations where there has been a failure to observe the established rules or procedures. For example, "The investigation revealed a significant "breach of protocol" during the handling of sensitive information."

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

You can use alternatives like "violation of procedure", "failure to comply", or "infringement of regulations" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "breach of protocol" or "violation of protocol"?

Both ""breach of protocol"" and "violation of protocol" are correct, but "breach of protocol" often implies a more formal or official setting.

What's the difference between "breach of protocol" and "breach of etiquette"?

"Breach of protocol" refers to a violation of established rules or procedures, often in professional or governmental contexts, while "breach of etiquette" refers to a violation of social norms or manners.