contrary to the law

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrary to the law" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is done illegally or against the law. For example: "The defendant was found guilty of committing fraud, contrary to the law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

This would be contrary to the law, it is argued.

The Guardian

and went behind such lines, contrary to the law of war, in civilian dress..

Cornell University

"The T.L.C.'s reaction was contrary to the law governing service refusals".

The New York Times

She worries that our single-minded obsession with happiness is, contrary to the law of attraction, making us sad.

The New Yorker

Any drift toward radicalism will not only run contrary to the law, but will also guarantee their political marginalization.

The New York Times

This prerogative power, however, did not extend to authorizing acts which were contrary to the law pure and simple.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

All those actions were "contrary to the laws of warfare" and the Geneva Conventions, he said then.

The New York Times

VI, cl. 2, state laws that "interfere with, or are contrary to the laws of congress, made in pursuance of the constitution" are invalid.

Cornell University

From the 4th century on there are accounts of miracles – events contrary to the laws of nature – being credited to saints to whom believers prayed.

Independent

Brinegar was convicted of importing intoxicating liquor into Oklahoma from Missouri in violation of the federal statute which forbids such importation contrary to the laws of any state.

Cornell University

No less than their insurgent targets, they are fighters without uniforms or insignia, directly participating in hostilities, employing armed force contrary to the laws and customs of war.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contrary to the law", ensure you can specifically identify the law or legal principle being violated to strengthen your argument or statement.

Common error

Avoid using "contrary to the law" without specifying which law is being contravened. This can weaken your statement and make it less persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary to the law" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier. It describes an action or condition that is in opposition to or violates legal statutes. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contrary to the law" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote actions or conditions that violate established legal standards. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in English, highlighting its appropriateness across diverse contexts. While generally neutral, its formality can shift based on the setting. It is most frequently encountered in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure to specify the law being contravened for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in violation of the law

Focuses on the act of breaking the law.

against the law

A more direct and simpler way of saying something is illegal.

illegal

A single-word adjective to describe something not allowed by law.

unlawful

Similar to "illegal" but can also imply a lack of moral principle.

in defiance of the law

Emphasizes a deliberate act of disobedience.

not in accordance with the law

A more formal and explicit way of stating non-compliance.

outside the bounds of the law

Highlights that the action exceeds legal limits.

counter to legal regulations

Specifically refers to regulations and their violation.

in conflict with the law

Highlights the opposition between an action and the legal framework.

transgressing the law

Focuses on the act of crossing or exceeding the boundaries of the law.

FAQs

How can I use "contrary to the law" in a sentence?

Use "contrary to the law" to indicate that an action or decision violates a specific legal statute or principle. For example, "The company's actions were deemed "in violation of the law" after an investigation."

What is a more formal alternative to "contrary to the law"?

A more formal alternative would be "not in accordance with the law", which is often used in legal documents or official statements.

Is "contrary to the law" the same as "illegal"?

While similar, "contrary to the law" often implies a direct contradiction or violation of a specific law, whereas "illegal" is a more general term for anything not permitted by law. The nuance can depend on context.

Can "contrary to the law" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "contrary to the law" is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very informal settings, simpler terms like "against the law" might be preferred.