infringe on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "infringe on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of violating or encroaching upon someone's rights, territory, or freedoms. Example: "The new law may infringe on our privacy rights, raising concerns among citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Would this infringe on someone's copyright?

The Guardian - Sport

"It doesn't infringe on anyone's rights".

The New York Times

"That would infringe on sovereignty and we will refuse".

The New York Times

He was trying not to infringe on her routine.

The New Yorker

We didn't mean to infringe on copyrights or anything".

The New Yorker

One wind project would infringe on bear habitat.

The New York Times

The amendment does not infringe on anyone's right to speak.

The New York Times

Mandating microstamping would not infringe on anyone's gun ownership rights.

The New York Times

I hope this does not infringe on copyright.

The Guardian - Money

Dell Curry said: "I would never infringe on the coaches.

The New York Times - Sports

"Corruption can, and often does, infringe on fundamental rights.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or ethical matters, use "infringe on" to accurately describe the violation of rights or laws. For example, "The new policy may "infringe on" privacy rights."

Common error

Avoid using "infringe on" when describing minor inconveniences or disagreements. Reserve it for situations involving significant violations of rights, laws, or agreements to maintain the appropriate level of seriousness.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "infringe on" functions primarily to describe the act of violating, encroaching upon, or limiting a right, freedom, or boundary. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "infringe on" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to describe the violation or encroachment upon rights, freedoms, or established boundaries. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, it carries a neutral to formal tone. When using "infringe on", it's crucial to reserve it for significant violations rather than minor inconveniences. Alternatives like "encroach upon", "violate", and "transgress" offer nuanced options for similar meanings, but it's important to consider the specific context when choosing the best fit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encroach upon

Emphasizes gradual intrusion into someone's space or rights.

encroach on

Highlights a gradual advance beyond proper limits.

violate

Suggests a direct and forceful breaking of a rule, law, or right.

trespass on

Focuses on unauthorized entry or intrusion onto someone's property or rights.

transgress

Implies exceeding a boundary or limit, often in a moral or legal sense.

impinge on

Suggests a more subtle or indirect effect on something, often rights or freedoms.

invade

Emphasizes a more aggressive and disruptive entry or violation.

breach

Indicates a failure to observe a law or agreement.

undermine

Focuses on weakening or damaging something gradually.

compromise

Suggests a partial or temporary reduction in quality or effectiveness.

FAQs

How to use "infringe on" in a sentence?

You can use "infringe on" to indicate that something violates or encroaches upon a right, law, or freedom. For instance, "The new regulations may "infringe on" the rights of citizens."

What can I say instead of "infringe on"?

You can use alternatives like "encroach upon", "violate", or "transgress" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "infringe on" or "infringe upon"?

"Infringe on" and "infringe upon" are both acceptable, with "infringe on" being slightly more common in contemporary usage. The meaning remains the same regardless of the preposition used.

When does technological tracking begin to "infringe on" privacy?

Technological tracking starts to "infringe on" privacy when it collects and uses personal data without consent, impacting individual autonomy and freedom. The line between legitimate data collection and privacy infringement is blurry.