disobedience to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disobedience to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of not following rules, laws, or authority figures. Example: "His disobedience to the school rules resulted in a suspension."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another condition for civil disobedience to be justified, according to Rawls, is that disobedients coordinate with other minorities.

SEP

From despair, to disobedience, to destruction.

The Guardian - Opinion

Douthat accurately points out that Schaeffer advocated civil disobedience to protest abortion.

The New Yorker

Opinion polls suggest only a minority support using civil disobedience to impose that demand, fearing disruption.

The Economist

In Oct. 1940 Gandhi launched individual civil disobedience to win freedom of speech against war.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He meant, of course, disobedience to a God of peace, not to himself.

The New York Times

Within days, the uprising changed from localized civil disobedience to a riot.

The Guardian

And they are dropping hints about civil disobedience to fight it.

The New York Times

You need an act of civil disobedience to get any attention at that firm".

The New York Times

We always encourage people to use any kind of civil disobedience to get our message across.

The New York Times - Magazine

The introduction of religion into politics raised the stakes considerably the Protestant John Whitgift, Archbishop of Canterbury under Elizabeth I, warned that "disobedience to the prince in civil matters is disobedience to God".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disobedience to", ensure the context clearly specifies what or whom the disobedience is directed towards. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "disobedience to" when the intended meaning is simply a lack of knowledge or ability. Disobedience implies a deliberate act of defiance, not unintentional non-compliance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disobedience to" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjectival modifier to describe the nature of an action or behavior. It specifies the target of the disobedience, clarifying what or who is being defied. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "disobedience to" is a grammatically correct and widely used prepositional phrase that describes the act of not following rules, laws, or authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, though often found in neutral to formal settings like news, encyclopedias, and scientific articles. While common, it's important to ensure clarity in specifying what or whom the disobedience is directed towards. Alternatives like "non-compliance with" or "defiance of" can be considered depending on the desired tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-compliance with

Replaces "disobedience" with "non-compliance" and "to" with "with", focusing on a lack of adherence to rules or requests.

defiance of

Uses "defiance" to emphasize a rebellious attitude, slightly stronger than simple disobedience.

resistance to

Highlights active opposition or unwillingness to accept authority.

insubordination towards

Emphasizes a hierarchical relationship where someone is failing to respect or obey their superior.

failure to obey

Directly states the act of not following orders or rules.

rebellion against

Suggests a more significant and organized opposition.

violation of

Focuses on the breaking of rules, laws, or agreements.

infringement of

Implies a transgression or breach of rules, often in a formal context.

contravening

A more formal term indicating direct opposition or violation of a rule or law.

breach of

Highlights the act of breaking an agreement or law.

FAQs

How can I use "disobedience to" in a sentence?

The phrase "disobedience to" is typically followed by the person, rule, or entity that is being disobeyed. For instance, "His disobedience to the judge's orders led to a contempt charge." You can also use "non-compliance with" as a good alternative.

What's a more formal alternative to "disobedience to"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "non-compliance with" or "infringement of". These options are suitable for professional or academic writing.

Is "disobedience of" grammatically correct instead of "disobedience to"?

"Disobedience to" is the standard and more common phrasing. While "disobedience of" might be acceptable in certain contexts, it's generally safer and clearer to use "disobedience to".

What's the difference between "disobedience to" and "defiance of"?

"Disobedience to" implies a failure to follow rules or commands, while "defiance of" suggests a more active and rebellious opposition. Defiance carries a stronger connotation of challenging authority.