breach the rules

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breach the rules" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to violating or breaking established guidelines or regulations. Example: "If you choose to breach the rules, you may face disciplinary action from the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Installation of permanent checkpoints implementing systematic controls at frontiers, however, would breach the rules, they say.

The New York Times

Breach the rules once and you'll lose four weeks' worth of benefits; twice and you won't be able to feed your kids for three months.

The Guardian - Opinion

I asked Simon Clare, spokesman for Coral bookmakers, what he thought punters would make of disqualifying horses whose jockeys breach the rules.

The Guardian - Sport

Third parties who knowingly assist a foreign investor to breach the rules will also be subject to civil and criminal penalties, including fines of $45,000 for individuals and $225,000 for companies.

The Guardian - Business

The penalties for those who still breach the rules may be more of a sticking point but at some point a deal will be done, because neither side will want to risk the threat of strike action becoming a reality.

The Guardian - Sport

Stier added: "This includes the need for greater use of discretion by stewards and also might include developing an incentive for riders who do not breach the rules over a set period or set number of rides.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Motorists who breach the rule in central London face a fine of at least £65.

The Guardian

Maintaining the dividend would breach the rule of thumb that dividends should be covered at least twice by earnings.

The Guardian - Business

Legal experts advising the council of Europe have concluded that the changes breach the rule of law, democracy and human rights.

The Guardian

"Because Greece has a political grouping that is unabashedly Nazi and organises acts that essentially breach the rule of law".

BBC

He initially moved to defend, before realising that doing so would breach the rule that forbids changing line in the braking zone.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing formal rules or regulations, using "breach the rules" is appropriate. In less formal contexts, consider alternatives like "break the rules".

Common error

Avoid using "breach the rules" when "break the rules" or "violate the rules" would be more appropriate. "Breach" often implies a more formal or legal violation than a simple breaking of rules.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breach the rules" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of violating or failing to comply with established regulations or guidelines. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in formal and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "breach the rules" is a commonly used phrase that describes the act of violating established regulations or guidelines. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news and media, as well as wiki contexts. It typically serves to convey that a specific set of rules has been broken. While "break the rules" is a more informal option, "breach the rules" often carries a more formal tone. Common alternatives include "violate the rules" and "infringe the rules". Given its usage and contexts, the phrase is best suited for neutral to professional communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

infringe upon the regulations

Emphasizes the act of stepping over or violating established regulations.

violate the guidelines

Focuses on disregarding specific guidelines, implying a more formal setting.

disregard the stipulations

Highlights the act of ignoring or paying no attention to specific requirements or agreements.

contravene the stipulations

Uses a more formal term, 'contravene', suggesting a direct contradiction or opposition to established rules.

defy the norms

Implies a deliberate act of resistance against accepted standards or behavior.

transgress the bounds

Suggests exceeding or overstepping defined limits or boundaries.

break with convention

Indicates a departure from traditional practices or established customs.

act against the code

Highlights actions that go against a specific set of principles or a moral framework.

bend the standards

Implies a manipulation or alteration of established standards to suit a particular purpose.

flout the ordinances

Suggests a blatant and open disregard for established regulations or laws.

FAQs

How can I use "breach the rules" in a sentence?

You can use "breach the rules" to describe a situation where someone has broken or violated established rules or regulations. For example: "If you "breach the rules", you may face disciplinary action."

What can I say instead of "breach the rules"?

You can use alternatives like "violate the rules", "break the rules", or "infringe the rules" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "breach the rules" or "break the rules"?

Both ""breach the rules"" and "break the rules" are correct, but "breach" often implies a more formal or legal violation. Choose the one that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "breach the rules" and "violate the rules"?

While both phrases indicate non-compliance, ""breach the rules"" often suggests a specific transgression, whereas "violate the rules" can imply a more general disregard for regulations.