illegal gathering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "illegal gathering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a group of people who have gathered or assembled together in an unlawful or unauthorized manner. Example: The police arrived at the park to break up the illegal gathering of protesters, who were holding signs and chanting slogans without a proper permit.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

They face charges of public violence, illegal gathering and trespassing.

The Guardian

Khamis says charges including participation in an illegal gathering were not dropped.

The Guardian

The charge of illegal gathering against the trio of activists could bring a prison sentence of up to five years.

The New York Times

Iran's state-run IRNA news agency quoted Mashhad's governor, Mohammad Rahim Norouzian, as saying there was an illegal gathering there.

The New York Times

But lawyers for the detainees said most of the people swept up were suspected only of illegal gathering, and had no connections to terrorism.

The New York Times

Mr. Fairooz, who faces charges related to his role in the uprising, also learned he had been sentenced to 13 months in prison, on charges including illegal gathering.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Those held were detained for attending illegal gatherings.

The New York Times

Such illegal gatherings have continued, including an unusually bold gathering of thousands in July for the birthday of the Dalai Lama.

The New York Times

Posters have been pasted on walls calling for the "resolute stopping of illegal gatherings, marches and demonstrations".

The Economist

Rajab was freed in May after serving a two-year sentence for participating in "illegal gatherings" in 2011.

The Guardian

"There were illegal gatherings in Khartoum and other states," police spokesman General Hashim Abdelrahim told the official SUNA news agency.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on legal matters, use "illegal gathering" to accurately describe events that violate assembly laws. This term is direct and widely understood in journalistic and legal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "illegal gathering" when describing events that are permitted and peaceful. Ensure that the gathering genuinely violates laws before using this term, as mislabeling can lead to legal misrepresentations and offense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "illegal gathering" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause, denoting an event that contravenes legal statutes. Examples from Ludwig showcase its usage in news reports and legal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

9%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "illegal gathering" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe an assembly that violates legal regulations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news and media contexts, as well as in legal documentation. Related phrases include "unlawful assembly" and "prohibited meeting", each carrying slightly different connotations. When using the phrase, it's crucial to ensure the gathering genuinely violates assembly laws to avoid misrepresentation. The term is primarily used in a neutral register when reporting or discussing such events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unlawful assembly

Focuses more on the legal definition and is often used in legal contexts.

unlawful convocation

Similar to "unlawful assembly" but suggests a more formal or organized event.

prohibited meeting

Emphasizes the act of the meeting being formally banned.

banned gathering

Similar to 'prohibited meeting' but may imply stronger enforcement.

unauthorized rally

Specifically refers to a public demonstration that lacks official permission.

unsanctioned protest

Highlights the lack of approval for a demonstration or expression of dissent.

clandestine meeting

Suggests the gathering is being held in secret, often for illicit purposes.

secret assembly

Like 'clandestine meeting', emphasizes the hidden nature of the gathering.

irregular congregation

A more formal term indicating a gathering that doesn't adhere to established rules.

illicit convention

Implies the gathering is not only illegal but also morally wrong.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "illegal gathering"?

Alternatives include "unlawful assembly", "prohibited meeting", or "unauthorized rally", depending on the specific context.

What kind of activities might be classified as an "illegal gathering"?

An "illegal gathering" could refer to various scenarios such as an unsanctioned protest, a secret meeting of a criminal organization, or any assembly that violates local laws regarding public gatherings.

What is the difference between an "illegal gathering" and a riot?

An "illegal gathering" refers to the unlawful assembly itself, while a riot typically involves violence, disturbance, or damage to property committed by a group of people. A gathering can be illegal without being a riot, but a riot is almost always an illegal gathering.

What are the potential legal consequences for participating in an "illegal gathering"?

Consequences vary depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the gathering, but can include fines, arrest, and imprisonment. Additionally, individuals may face charges such as disturbing the peace or inciting violence.