break a law

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'break a law' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who has disregarded or violated a rule or regulation. For example, "As punishment for stealing company property, John was fired and might even be charged with breaking a law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"They have to break a law".

The New York Times

"If you break a law, there is a consequence for it".

The New York Times

"Sometimes to do the right thing, you have to break a law".

The Guardian

If enough people break a law, is it no longer enforceable?

The New York Times

"Then you have to have someone go in and break a law.

The Guardian

It is possible to break a law -- say, doing 40 in a 25 m.p.h.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"Breaking a law is breaking a law, and it has to be addressed," de Blasio said at a press conference addressing the investigation into Garner's death.

Huffington Post

"But he broke a law.

The Guardian - Film

"You think I broke a law?" he asked.

The New York Times

"You don't know you've broken a law until someone says you've broken a law".

The New York Times - Tech

Illegal immigrants deserve punishment for breaking a law.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context. While "break a law" is straightforward, consider alternative phrasing like "violate a regulation" or "contravene a statute" for more precise legal or formal discussions.

Common error

While "break a law" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in informal conversations where less formal alternatives like "bend the rules" or "skirt the law" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break a law" functions as a verb phrase. It typically serves as the predicate of a sentence, expressing an action involving the violation of a legally established rule. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break a law" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of violating a legal rule or regulation. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, with some presence in scientific and wiki-based sources. While the phrase itself is neutral in register, its usage often implies discussions related to legal infractions and their consequences. When using "break a law", it's important to consider the specific context to determine whether more formal alternatives like "violate a regulation" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act against the law

General expression of taking an action that goes directly against established laws.

violate a regulation

Focuses on breaching a specific regulation, which is a type of rule or order.

contravene a statute

Emphasizes a more formal and legalistic violation, specifically of a statute.

be in breach of regulations

Expresses a state of non-compliance with existing regulations.

infringe upon a rule

Highlights the act of encroaching or undermining a rule.

defy a legal order

Focuses on directly opposing or resisting a legal order.

disobey a commandment

Refers to not following a divine or authoritative commandment.

transgress an ordinance

Implies a violation of a local law or ordinance.

flout the rules

Suggests a blatant and open disregard for the established rules.

commit an infraction

Highlights the act of carrying out a minor violation or breach.

FAQs

What is the meaning of "break a law"?

The phrase "break a law" means to violate or disregard a legal rule, regulation, or statute. It implies an action that goes against what is legally permissible and often carries consequences as defined by the legal system.

Which is correct, "break a law" or "violate a law"?

Both "break a law" and "violate a law" are correct and have similar meanings. "Break a law" is more common in everyday language, while "violate a law" might be preferred in more formal or legal contexts.

What are some alternative phrases for "break a law"?

Alternatives include "contravene a statute", "infringe upon a rule", "disobey a commandment", or "act against the law", depending on the specific context and type of rule being violated.

How to use "break a law" in a sentence?

You can use "break a law" in a sentence like, "If you steal company property, you "risk breaking a law" and facing legal consequences" or "Sometimes, people feel they must "break a law" to do what they believe is morally right, though it may lead to legal repercussions."