flouting the law

USAGE SUMMARY

"flouting the law" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to someone who is openly or deliberately disregarding a law. For example: "The politician was accused of flouting the law when he publicly refused to pay taxes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Starbucks — " "Flouting the law," Harry Chalfin's father, Neil, said.

The New Yorker

"Flouting the law," Harry Chalfin's father, Neil, said.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, aviators appeal to law while quietly flouting the law.

The Guardian - Travel

"An estimated 1.4 million drivers are flouting the law by driving without insurance.

Independent

In fact, she says, they 'take pleasure in flouting the law and deliberately winding up motorists'.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At the beginning of this column, I asked whether political groups were flouting the law.

The New York Times

Who does Mr. Ferris think he is, flouting the law for his own selfish convenience?

The New York Times - Travel

A governor openly flouting the law "just made no sense to me," she said.

The New York Times

But he is angry with illegal immigrants for flouting the law, and wants the border fixed.

The Economist

Yet we're quite capable of flouting the law and dressing like peacocks without help.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Bearded men in rolled up jeans, flouting the laws of comfort and hygiene to wear brogues without socks.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flouting the law" when you want to emphasize a deliberate and often public disregard for legal requirements. It's stronger than simply breaking the law.

Common error

Don't use "flouting the law" for minor or accidental infractions. Reserve it for situations where there's a clear intent to challenge or ignore the law.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flouting the law" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used, and based on examples, it typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition, describing the act of openly disobeying legal standards.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flouting the law" is a widely used phrase to describe the act of openly and defiantly disregarding legal requirements. According to Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically correct and usable phrase, typically found in news and formal contexts. The phrase carries a neutral register, suitable for expressing disapproval of unethical or illegal behavior, but should not be used for minor or accidental infractions. Alternatives like "violating the law" or "defying the law" offer similar meanings, with slight differences in nuance. The frequency of its occurrence in reputable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist underscores its relevance in contemporary discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

violating the law

Focuses on the act of breaking the law, often implying a direct contravention.

defying the law

Implies a bold and open resistance to the law.

breaching the law

Indicates a violation or break in legal regulations.

disregarding the law

Emphasizes ignoring or paying no attention to the law.

ignoring the law

Similar to disregarding, but may imply a lack of awareness or intentional oversight.

bypassing the law

Suggests finding a way around the law without directly breaking it, often through loopholes.

infringing the law

Stresses the act of encroaching upon or violating a legal right or boundary.

circumventing the law

Highlights the act of avoiding the law through clever or strategic means.

evading the law

Suggests skillfully escaping or avoiding the reach of the law.

contravening the law

Highlights a direct conflict or opposition to the law's provisions.

FAQs

How can I use "flouting the law" in a sentence?

You can use "flouting the law" to describe someone openly disregarding legal requirements. For example, "The company was accused of "flouting the law" by not adhering to environmental regulations."

What's a good substitute for "flouting the law"?

Alternatives include "violating the law", "defying the law", or "disregarding the law", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "flouting the law" in formal writing?

Yes, "flouting the law" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news reports, legal documents, and academic analyses, as it clearly conveys a serious disregard for legal standards.

What is the difference between "flouting the law" and "breaking the law"?

"Flouting the law" implies an open and defiant disregard, while "breaking the law" is a more general term for any violation, whether intentional or not. "Flouting the law" suggests a more brazen attitude.