illegal entry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "illegal entry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to law, immigration, or security to describe the act of entering a place without permission or in violation of laws. Example: "The authorities are cracking down on illegal entry across the border."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you attempt to enter Tibet illegally you risk deportation for illegal entry from China since Tibet is in China and remains a sensitive area for travel.

WikiHow

Illegal entry is currently being checked.

The New Yorker

Morrison: I've always referred to illegal entry.

The Guardian

Illegal entry carries a sentence of up to three years.

The New York Times

Greece is "the focus for illegal entry to the European Union," the report says.

The New York Times

They say they strayed into Iran by accident but were convicted of espionage and illegal entry.

The Economist

Many viewed his "illegal" entry with skepticism, citing his contacts with Islamic guerillas in Afghanistan.

The New Yorker

Twice in 1923 he was arrested for illegal entry into the United States.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One supporter describes his father's illegal entry into the United States from Mexico.

The New York Times

"There is no espionage or illegal entry evidence against my clients.

The New York Times

Campbell said there had been no suspected "illegal entry" vessels arriving in Australia this week.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the term "illegal entry" in conjunction with specific details about the location, method, or consequences to provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "illegal entry" when you mean to describe someone's current status. "Illegal entry" refers to the act of entering, while "illegal presence" describes their status after entry. For example, someone may have entered legally but overstayed their visa, making their presence illegal, but their entry wasn't necessarily illegal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "illegal entry" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the action of entering a place or country unlawfully. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "illegal entry" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the act of entering a place without legal authorization. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely employed in news, legal, and official contexts. Related phrases include "unlawful entry" and "unauthorized entry", each offering slightly different nuances. When using the phrase, ensure you're referring to the act of entering, not the state of being present illegally. Be cautious of confusing it with "illegal presence". While it often appears in formal contexts, its usage can vary depending on the source.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unlawful entry

This alternative is a more formal synonym, often used in legal contexts.

unauthorized entry

This phrase emphasizes the lack of permission to enter.

illicit entry

This alternative suggests that the entry is not only illegal but also morally wrong.

criminal entry

This phrase directly highlights the criminal nature of the act.

wrongful entry

This alternative indicates that the entry was unjust or unfair.

irregular entry

This phrase focuses on the procedural aspect of the entry being non-standard.

clandestine entry

This emphasizes the secret or hidden nature of the entry.

surreptitious entry

This alternative highlights the secretive and stealthy nature of the entry.

illegal immigration

This term refers to the broader concept of immigrating illegally, not just the act of entering.

border crossing violation

This alternative specifically refers to violating border regulations during entry.

FAQs

What does "illegal entry" mean in legal terms?

"Illegal entry" refers to the act of entering a country or property without the required legal authorization or permission. It is a violation of immigration laws or property rights, depending on the context.

What are some synonyms for "illegal entry"?

You can use synonyms such as "unlawful entry", "unauthorized entry", or "illicit entry" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. See also "unlawful entry", "unauthorized entry".

Is "illegal entry" the same as "illegal immigration"?

No, "illegal entry" refers specifically to the act of entering a country without authorization, while "illegal immigration" is a broader term that encompasses various ways of residing in a country without legal permission, including overstaying a visa or working without proper documentation.

What are the penalties for "illegal entry" in the United States?

Penalties for "illegal entry" in the United States can range from fines and detention to deportation, depending on the circumstances and prior immigration history. Repeat offenders may face more severe consequences, including imprisonment.