in violation of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in violation of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a disregard for a particular law, rule, or principle. For example, "He was arrested for driving in violation of the speed limit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

elections were held in violation of the 15th Amendment.

The New Yorker

confirmed the rumor, arguably in violation of its confidentiality policies.

The New Yorker

You are in violation of international conservation regulations".

The New Yorker

He had killed Hall in violation of the law.

The New Yorker

Britain, she contended, is consequently in violation of European law.

The New York Times

But is the deli still in violation of town law?

The New York Times

"They certainly were in violation of it this morning".

The New York Times

"That's an outrageous act in violation of the law".

The New York Times

Is my building in violation of high-rise building codes?

The New York Times

Civilians have been directly targeted in violation of international law.

The Guardian - Opinion

Russia is in violation of its international obligations".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in violation of", ensure that you clearly state the specific rule, law, or agreement that has been breached. This adds clarity and strengthens your statement.

Common error

Avoid using other prepositions in place of "of". "In violation to" or "in violation with" are incorrect and should be avoided.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in violation of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating that an action or state is not in compliance with a particular rule, law, or agreement. As Ludwig AI explains, it points out a transgression or breach.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in violation of" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that a rule, law, or agreement has been breached. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, highlighting non-compliance and potential consequences. It is most frequently used in news and media contexts, but also appears in scientific and formal business settings. When using this phrase, clearly state the specific rule or law that has been violated to enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "in breach of" or contrary to can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in breach of

Replaces "violation" with "breach", emphasizing the act of breaking an agreement or law.

in contravention of

A more formal way of saying "in violation of", often used in legal contexts.

contrary to

Indicates something is against or opposing a rule or expectation.

non-compliant with

Focuses on the state of not adhering to a specific set of rules or standards.

in disregard of

Emphasizes the act of ignoring or neglecting a rule or law.

in defiance of

Highlights a deliberate resistance or disobedience to a rule or law.

in conflict with

Highlights the incompatibility or clash with a law, rule, or principle.

against the rules

A simpler and more direct way to express non-compliance with established rules.

transgressing against

A more emphatic way of indicating the crossing of established boundaries or laws.

in opposition to

Implies a conflict or resistance against a standard or regulation.

FAQs

What does "in violation of" mean?

The phrase "in violation of" means that someone or something is not following a particular rule, law, agreement, or principle. It indicates a breach or contravention of established guidelines.

How can I use "in violation of" in a sentence?

You can use "in violation of" to describe actions or situations that contravene specific regulations. For example, "The company was fined for operating "in violation of" environmental laws".

What are some alternatives to "in violation of"?

Some alternatives to "in violation of" include "in breach of", contrary to, "in defiance of", and "in contravention of". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it ever correct to say "in violation to" or "in violation with"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "in violation" is "of". The phrases "in violation to" and "in violation with" are grammatically incorrect. Always use "in violation of".