breaching the rules

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breaching the rules" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing violations or infractions of established guidelines or regulations. Example: "The committee decided to take action against the player for breaching the rules of fair play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Those accused of breaching the rules are pilloried in Iran.

The New York Times

Then Bai's state-run employer fired her for breaching the rules.

The Guardian

There must be tough action taken against any bank found breaching the rules".

The Guardian - Money

There are countless instances of huge drugs manufacturers breaching the rules so they can get medicines on the market.

Independent

Last year, 3,600 teenagers were caught breaching the rules - a 9% rise on the previous year.

The Guardian - Books

The maximum penalty for breaching the rules will be €20m (£17.5m) or 4% of global turnover, whichever is higher.

The Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

But Villa's manager John Gregory admitted they too were close to breaching the rule this season.

The Guardian - Sport

The latter insult also assumes you're superior, breaching the rule about not actively putting that sense across.

WikiHow

The commission found that The GWPF had breached the rules of its charitable status.

Independent

Those who have breached the rules should see fines and transfer embargoes.

Independent

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "breaching the rules", clearly specify which rules are being violated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "breaching the rules of contract law" is more precise than simply "breaching the rules".

Common error

Avoid using "break the rules" in very formal contexts where "breach the rules" is more appropriate. While both convey a similar meaning, "breach" carries a more formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breaching the rules" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a gerund phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it correctly describes the act of violating established regulations or guidelines, for instance, "Users caught breaching the rules are banned."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "breaching the rules" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes the act of violating established regulations or guidelines. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is suitable for use in written English. It finds frequent application in news reporting, formal business contexts, and scientific writing, signaling its versatility across diverse communication settings. When using the term, be specific about the rules being breached to avoid ambiguity. While "breaking the rules" serves as a more informal alternative, "breaching the rules" is preferred in professional and legal contexts for its precision and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

violating the regulations

This alternative focuses on the act of contravening specific regulations, often in a formal context. It highlights a transgression of established guidelines.

non-compliance with the regulations

This alternative uses formal language and is appropriate in legal or business contexts to point out someone did not follow the rules.

contravening the norms

This implies acting against accepted standards or customs, not necessarily formal laws.

disobeying the guidelines

This suggests a failure to comply with specific guidelines or recommendations, often in a professional or organizational context.

infringing the code

This alternative is suitable when referring to a specific set of rules or a code of conduct.

transgressing the law

This phrase is used when an actual law has been broken.

flouting the conventions

This implies openly disregarding established social norms or conventions.

defying the protocols

This alternative suggests a deliberate act of resistance against established procedures.

disregarding the provisions

This is suitable when specific conditions or clauses are being ignored.

overstepping the boundaries

This implies going beyond what is considered acceptable or permissible.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "breaching the rules"?

Alternatives include "violating the regulations", "contravening the norms", or "disobeying the guidelines", each with slightly different connotations depending on the context.

How does the formality of "breaching the rules" compare to "breaking the rules"?

"Breaching the rules" is generally more formal and appropriate in legal, business, or official contexts, while "breaking the rules" is more common in everyday language. Ludwig AI indicates both are used correctly but formal writing typically requires "breaching".

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "breaching the rules"?

It is most appropriate in formal settings such as legal documents, official reports, and business communications, where precision and a professional tone are required. News reports also commonly use this phrase.

Is "breaching the rules" grammatically correct?

Yes, "breaching the rules" is grammatically correct. "Breaching" is the gerund form of the verb "breach", used here as a noun, and "rules" is a plural noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is standard English.