constitute a violation

USAGE SUMMARY

"constitute a violation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an act or circumstance that is considered to be a violation of a law or rule. For example: "Driving without a valid license constitutes a violation of traffic laws."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Oh, yes, and there are the lawsuits about whether revenue to Trump's hotels from foreign governments constitute a violation of the Constitution's emoluments clause.

The Washington Post

The ACLU said State's actions "constitute a violation of Van Buren's constitutional rights". There is the question.

HuffPost

"Does this constitute a violation?" one executive asked.

The New York Times

Do they constitute a violation of the warranty of habitability?

The New York Times

Failure to do so will constitute a violation".

The New York Times

Such activity could constitute a violation of securities law.

The Guardian - Tech

Pettigrew's admission would be considered a "nonanalytical positive" and constitute a violation.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Treadwell said yesterday that "these acts constitute a violation of federal law".

The New York Times

But the information the government obtains need not be intimate to constitute a violation of privacy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

What constitutes a violation of the Constitution?

Huffington Post

First, that forcing Apple to write code that weakens its devices and the security of its customers constitutes a violation of free speech as protected by the Constitution.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "constitute a violation", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific rule, law, or agreement is being violated. Clarity enhances the impact and understanding of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "constitute a violation" in overly broad or vague contexts. Always specify what standard is being breached to maintain clarity and avoid misinterpretation. For example, instead of saying "That constitutes a violation", specify "That constitutes a violation of the company's confidentiality agreement."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constitute a violation" functions as a predicate in sentences, asserting that a specific action or situation meets the criteria to be considered a breach of established rules, laws, or agreements. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

26%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "constitute a violation" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to describe actions that breach established rules or laws. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly legal, ethical, and regulatory discussions. Its formal tone makes it ideal for professional and academic writing. Common alternatives include "represent an infringement" and "amount to a breach", each offering subtle differences in emphasis. When employing this phrase, ensure you clearly specify what rule is being violated to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

represent an infringement

This alternative replaces "violation" with "infringement", emphasizing the act of breaking a rule or law.

amount to a breach

Using "breach" instead of "violation" highlights the breaking of an agreement or trust.

contravene the regulations

This option specifically focuses on regulations and their potential breaches.

be an infraction of

Using "infraction" offers a slightly milder term than "violation", implying a less severe breach.

be considered a transgression

Substituting "transgression" adds a stronger connotation of wrongdoing or sin.

infringe upon the rules

This alternative shifts the focus to the rules that are being violated, rather than the act itself.

be in contravention of

This alternative provides a more formal and legalistic tone, suitable for official documents.

fall foul of legislation

This is a slightly more formal option emphasizing legislative context.

run afoul of the law

This idiomatic phrase suggests that the action clashes directly with legal boundaries.

fly in the face of regulations

This more figurative expression suggests a blatant disregard for established norms.

FAQs

How can I use "constitute a violation" in a sentence?

You can use "constitute a violation" to describe an action that breaks a rule, law, or agreement. For example, "Unauthorized access to the system constitutes a violation of security protocols."

What are some alternatives to "constitute a violation"?

Alternatives include phrases like "represent an infringement", "amount to a breach", or "be considered a transgression", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more formal to say "constitute a violation" or "be a violation"?

"Constitute a violation" tends to be more formal and is often used in legal or official contexts, whereas "be a violation" is simpler and more generally applicable.

What's the difference between "infringement" and "violation"?

While often interchangeable, "infringement" often implies a more specific violation of rights or patents, while "violation" is a broader term applicable to any broken rule or law. Thus, "represent an infringement" would be more appropriate when referencing rights.