contravention of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contravention of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to refer to a violation or breach of a law, rule, or agreement. Example: "The company faced penalties due to its contravention of environmental regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Q: Isn't this a contravention of the civil service code?

The Guardian

Very annoying, and a contravention of trading standards.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It was in contravention of every known city regulation".

The New York Times

Israel does not recognise its neighbour and currently occupies the territory in contravention of international law.

Independent

By the letter of the law, it was a contravention of first-class regulations.

Independent

Regardless, why did the railroad allow these graffiti, in peculiar contravention of all custom?

The New York Times

The court heard such an order was illegal and was in contravention of the Geneva Convention.

The Guardian

"His continued detention is still in direct contravention of international standards for child asylum seekers".

The New York Times

That is a contravention of clause 29 of Magna Carta 1297, which is still in force".

The Guardian

No oil purchaser had agreed to pay the extra charge in contravention of United Nations rules.

The New York Times

That was, as the grand jury notes, "in contravention of Pennsylvania law".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contravention of" in formal writing, legal documents, or when emphasizing the seriousness of a violation. It adds a tone of authority and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "contravention of" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "violation of" or "breach of" are more appropriate and less likely to sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contravention of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to indicate a violation or breach. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct. It commonly connects an action or situation to the rule, law, or agreement that has been violated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contravention of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote a violation or breach, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to assert non-compliance, and it is most frequently found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While it is a useful phrase for formal writing and legal documents, it should be used sparingly in informal contexts, where simpler alternatives are more appropriate. Remember that, while precise, this expression works best when needing to emphasize the severity of the breach. When this is not the case, synonyms might result in a less formal, yet clearer and more natural sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

breach of

A more common and slightly less formal alternative, generally interchangeable with the original phrase.

violation of

Similar in meaning and formality, but may imply a more deliberate act.

infringement of

Often used in the context of rights or patents, implying a transgression.

non-compliance with

Focuses on the failure to adhere to a standard or regulation.

disregard for

Emphasizes a lack of respect or attention to a rule or law.

defiance of

Suggests a more active and rebellious opposition.

transgression of

Implies crossing a boundary or limit, often in a moral or ethical sense.

flouting of

Suggests openly and contemptuously disregarding a rule or law.

opposition to

Focuses on direct resistance or contradiction.

dereliction of

Specifically refers to the neglect of a duty or responsibility.

FAQs

What does "contravention of" mean?

The phrase "contravention of" means a violation or breach of a law, rule, agreement, or principle. It indicates an action that goes against established standards.

How to use "contravention of" in a sentence?

You can use "contravention of" in sentences like: "The company's actions were in "breach of" contract", or "His behavior was a clear "contravention of" company policy".

What can I say instead of "contravention of"?

You can use alternatives like "violation of", "breach of", or "infringement of", depending on the specific context. "Non-compliance with" can also work.

Is "contravention of" formal?

Yes, "contravention of" is a formal phrase often used in legal and official contexts. It might sound overly formal in casual conversation; consider using alternatives like "violation of" or "breach of" in less formal settings.