break a rule

USAGE SUMMARY

"break a rule" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the action of not following or violating a rule. Example: "I knew I shouldn't have broken the rule against eating in the library, but I was too hungry to resist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Alison Ohringer and Erik Agard break a rule, and I am here for it.

The New York Times

"You did break a rule that I have about the word 'suspect,' but I didn't want to interfere," Kiernan said.

The New Yorker

Should someone break a rule, says Damien Valdes, a senior, "they'd be ostracized from their peer group immediately".

The New York Times

But, she said, "I appreciate being with someone who encourages me to break a rule or take a chance".

The New York Times

Clarity about rules such as this one helps people know when it's an appropriate time to break a rule and when it is not.

Harvard University

There's a wild vicarious freedom that comes from watching a character on one of these shows deliciously break a rule we couldn't break.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Then Obama broke a rule of politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Accidental or not, he broke a rule.

The New York Times - Sports

By doing so, he broke a rule that Micronesian knowledge should remain in those islands only.

The Economist

If you broke a rule on Smith's team, you would not play.

The New York Times - Sports

(Romney had also broken a rule by asking Obama a direct question, as Chris Hayes points out).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing consequences, specify whether breaking the rule leads to formal penalties or social repercussions.

Common error

Ensure you're using "break" (to violate) and not "brake" (to stop). For example, "He had to "apply the brakes" quickly to avoid a collision" uses "brake" correctly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break a rule" functions as a verb phrase where "break" is the verb indicating the action of violating, and "rule" is the noun representing the regulation being violated. Ludwig AI affirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

24%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break a rule" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of violating a regulation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it finds frequent application across diverse contexts, including news reporting, academic discussions, and general writing. While semantically similar alternatives like "violate a regulation" or "infringe upon a policy" exist for more formal settings, "break a rule" remains widely understood and accepted. A key writing tip is to specify the consequences of violating the rule, and writers should be careful not to confuse "break" with its homophone "brake".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

violate a regulation

Uses "violate" and "regulation" to convey a more formal breach of rules.

disobey an order

Implies a direct command is being defied.

infringe upon a policy

Suggests a more indirect violation of a set policy.

contravene a guideline

Indicates a breach of a non-binding recommendation.

transgress a law

Refers specifically to breaking a legal statute.

defy a convention

Highlights the act of going against established norms.

flout an instruction

Emphasizes open disregard for an instruction.

breach a protocol

Suggests a violation of a formal set of procedures.

deviate from a standard

Implies not adhering to a set benchmark or expectation.

disregard a requirement

Focuses on ignoring a specific necessity or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "break a rule" in a sentence?

You can use "break a rule" to describe the act of violating an established regulation or guideline. For example, "He decided to "break a rule" by parking in a restricted area".

What's a more formal way to say "break a rule"?

For a more formal tone, you could say "violate a regulation" or "infringe upon a policy". These alternatives are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What are the consequences of "breaking a rule"?

The consequences of "breaking a rule" vary depending on the context. It could range from a minor reprimand to severe penalties such as fines, suspension, or legal action.

Is it ever acceptable to "break a rule"?

Whether it's acceptable to "break a rule" is subjective and context-dependent. Sometimes, people might "break a rule" for ethical reasons or in emergency situations, but they must be prepared to face the consequences.