break the laws

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break the laws" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions that violate legal regulations or rules. Example: "If you choose to break the laws, you may face serious consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Are we free to break the laws?

Princeton University

Their brief is to break the laws of physics.

The Guardian

"He did not break the laws of the Russian Federation and did not cross the border.

The New York Times

When we break the laws, we lose our hold on the central reality.

The Guardian - Books

Disparity in the treatment of those who break the laws has fuelled public anger about inequality.

The Guardian

'Be Best': does Melania Trump's oddly named initiative break the laws of grammar?

The Guardian

Until, of course, someone figures out how to break the laws of physics.

MIT Technology Review

One can hardly come here and break the laws," she explained.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"To break the law".

The New York Times

They break the law".

The New Yorker

Did Snowden break the law?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or ethical responsibilities, use "break the laws" to clearly denote actions that violate established rules. This phrase is straightforward and easily understood in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "break the principles" when you intend to convey the violation of legal rules. "Principles" refers to fundamental beliefs or values, whereas "laws" specifically denotes legal statutes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break the laws" functions as a verb phrase, with "break" acting as the verb and "the laws" as the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, indicating that it is a standard way to express the act of violating legal regulations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break the laws" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies the act of contravening legal regulations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct. Its prevalence across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains, demonstrates its versatility and broad applicability. While synonyms such as "violate the laws" and "contravene the laws" offer alternative phrasing, "break the laws" remains a straightforward and easily understood way to describe the non-compliance with established rules. To ensure clarity, it is essential to distinguish between "laws" and "principles", using the former when referring specifically to legal statutes. Overall, "break the laws" is a valuable phrase for expressing infractions in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

violate the laws

Replaces "break" with "violate", emphasizing a disregard or infringement of legal boundaries.

contravene the laws

Uses "contravene" instead of "break", suggesting a more formal and direct opposition to the laws.

infringe the laws

Replaces "break" with "infringe", focusing on the act of trespassing or encroaching upon legal boundaries.

disobey the laws

Uses "disobey" in place of "break", highlighting a direct refusal to comply with legal requirements.

defy the laws

Employs "defy" to convey a sense of open resistance or challenge against legal authority.

flout the laws

Substitutes "break" with "flout", implying a contemptuous disregard for the laws.

transgress the laws

Replaces "break" with "transgress", suggesting a more formal or moral violation of legal boundaries.

act against the law

Uses a more descriptive phrase instead of a direct synonym, focusing on actions that are contrary to legal requirements.

commit illegal acts

Changes the structure to focus on the commission of illegal actions, rather than the breaking of laws themselves.

be in violation of the law

Expresses the concept as a state of being rather than an action, emphasizing the condition of non-compliance.

FAQs

What's the difference between "violate the laws" and "break the laws"?

While both phrases are similar, "break the laws" typically implies a more direct and overt act of contravention, whereas "violate the laws" can suggest a more subtle or indirect infringement.

How can I use "break the laws" in a sentence?

You can use "break the laws" to describe actions that are illegal or against the rules, such as: "If you choose to "break the laws", you may face serious penalties."

Which is correct, "break the law" or "break the laws"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "break the laws" refers to multiple laws, while "break the law" refers to a single law or the legal system in general.

What are some synonyms for "break the laws"?

Some synonyms for "break the laws" include "violate the laws", "contravene the laws", and "infringe the laws".