breaking the law

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breaking the law" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing illegal activities or actions that violate legal statutes. Example: "The consequences of breaking the law can be severe, including fines and imprisonment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's breaking the law".

The New York Times

"But breaking the law?

The New York Times

It is breaking the law".

The Guardian - Opinion

Wouldn't this be breaking the law?

The New York Times

I don't like breaking the law.

Independent

Such passengers are also breaking the law.

Independent

They are also breaking the law.

The New York Times

I'm opposed to breaking the law.

Independent

"We're not breaking the law".

The New York Times

They were breaking the law.

The New York Times

Is breaking the law ever morally justifiable?

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal matters, use "breaking the law" to clearly and directly communicate that an illegal action has occurred. This phrase is easily understood and widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid replacing "breaking the law" with overly informal synonyms like "getting in trouble with the law" in formal reports or legal documents. Stick to more precise and professional language to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breaking the law" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the act of violating legal statutes. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, appearing frequently in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "breaking the law" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe illegal actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news reports to academic discussions. While alternatives like "violating the law" exist, "breaking the law" remains a direct and easily understood way to convey that an action is illegal. The phrase's prevalence in news media and legal discussions underscores its importance in communicating about legal matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

violating the law

Replaces "breaking" with a more formal synonym, "violating".

contravening the law

Uses "contravening", which implies a more direct opposition to the law.

infringing the law

Emphasizes the act of trespassing or encroaching upon legal boundaries.

disobeying the law

Focuses on the act of not following or adhering to legal requirements.

flouting the law

Suggests a blatant and disrespectful disregard for the law.

defying the law

Implies a deliberate and open resistance to legal authority.

transgressing the law

Uses a more formal and somewhat archaic term for violating a law.

committing an offense

Shifts the focus to the specific illegal act or transgression.

engaging in illegal activity

Broadens the scope to include any form of unlawful conduct.

acting unlawfully

Describes the behavior as not being in accordance with the law.

FAQs

How can I use "breaking the law" in a sentence?

You can use "breaking the law" to describe actions that violate legal statutes. For example, "The consequences of "breaking the law" can include fines and imprisonment".

What are some alternatives to "breaking the law"?

Alternatives include "violating the law", "contravening the law", or "infringing the law", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it better to say "breaking the law" or "violating the law"?

"Breaking the law" and "violating the law" are often interchangeable, but "violating the law" (/s/violating+the+law) is generally considered more formal. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What is the difference between "breaking the law" and "disobeying the law"?

"Breaking the law" refers specifically to violating a legal statute, while "disobeying the law" (/s/disobeying+the+law) can refer to not following any rule or regulation, not necessarily a formal law.