commit an offence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commit an offence" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to describe the act of breaking a law or regulation. Example: "If you commit an offence, you may face legal consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

"If you commit an offence, we will investigate it and you will be prosecuted".

Independent

"The retention may even benefit the individual by establishing that they did not commit an offence".

The Guardian

I don't want a pardon, because I didn't commit an offence.

The Guardian

He would also commit an offence under section 35 if he declined to obey them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Equally, there are examples of people who are charged, acquitted and then go and commit an offence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Avon&Somerset Police (@ASPolice) Roses are red, Violets are blue, If you commit an offence We're going to get you.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

If an institution has committed an offence, a settlement mitigates the risks of harsher penalties.

The Economist

While detectives have suspicions about him, they have no evidence that he committed an offence.

The Guardian

The information commissioner, Richard Thomas, has the power to investigate and prosecute anyone committing an offence.

The Guardian

If you sell it after the original use-by date you are committing an offence".

The Guardian

"It can be difficult sometimes to pinpoint who has committed an offence".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing legal documents or news reports, use "commit an offence" to clearly and directly state that a law has been broken. This phrase is widely understood and accepted in formal settings.

Common error

While "commit an offence" is correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "break the law" or "do something illegal" when speaking or writing informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commit an offence" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of breaking a law or regulation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples show its use in legal and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "commit an offence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its primary function is to denote the act of violating a law or regulation. The expression is commonly found in news reports, formal documents, and legal contexts. Ludwig AI's analysis also reveals that while broadly applicable, it tends to be more appropriate in neutral to professional settings. For informal communication, alternatives like "break the law" might be more suitable. The high frequency and source quality suggest it's a reliable and well-understood phrase in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commit a violation

This phrase is a more direct substitution, simply replacing "offence" with "violation".

perpetrate a crime

This alternative replaces "offence" with the more specific term "crime".

break the law

This is a more general way of saying "commit an offence", suitable for less formal contexts.

violate a regulation

This alternative is appropriate when the offence involves a specific regulation rather than a general law.

engage in illegal activity

This phrase broadens the scope to include any type of illegal action.

be in breach of the law

This alternative focuses on the state of being non-compliant with the law.

transgress the law

This alternative uses a more formal and somewhat archaic term for violating the law.

contravene a law

This option is frequently found in legal contexts, implying a direct violation.

infringe upon the law

This suggests a violation that might be less direct or severe.

do something illegal

This is a very general and straightforward way to express the concept.

FAQs

What does "commit an offence" mean?

The phrase "commit an offence" means to perform an action that violates a law or rule. It's often used in legal and formal contexts.

Is it better to say "commit an offence" or "commit a crime"?

While both phrases are similar, "commit a crime" often refers to more serious violations, whereas "commit an offence" can encompass a broader range of violations, including minor infractions. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What are some alternatives to "commit an offence"?

Alternatives include "break the law", "violate a regulation", or "engage in illegal activity", depending on the specific context.

How is "commit an offence" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "commit an offence" is typically used to indicate that someone has performed an illegal or prohibited action. For example, "If you commit an offence, you may face legal consequences".