is already illegal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is already illegal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is prohibited by law at the present time. Example: "The act of selling certain substances is already illegal in many countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Downloading is already illegal.

The New York Times

Homosexuality is already illegal in 37 African countries.

The Guardian

Smoking is already illegal in all government buildings and hospitals.

The New York Times

It is already illegal for people of the same sex to marry in North Carolina.

The New York Times

Such incitement, regardless of the means, is already illegal in Britain.

The New York Times

"There is no reason to legislate against it, when homosexual sex is already illegal.

The Guardian

(It is already illegal to exclude individuals from a group plan because of their genetic profile).

The New York Times

It is already illegal in Germany for employees to contact staff during holidays.

The Guardian - Tech

Dumping household or commercial garbage in street-corner baskets is already illegal.

The New York Times

Homosexuality is already illegal in Uganda, as in several other poor African nations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Fixing prices on anything from gas to soda is already illegal.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and purpose of your writing. While "is already illegal" is generally suitable, more formal alternatives like "is currently prohibited" might be preferable in legal or academic contexts.

Common error

Avoid assuming that something illegal in one jurisdiction is illegal everywhere. Always specify the relevant location or governing body when stating that something "is already illegal" unless it's genuinely universally prohibited.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is already illegal" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a particular action or object. It asserts that a certain activity is currently prohibited by law. Ludwig AI supports this by presenting numerous examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is already illegal" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that something is currently prohibited by law. Ludwig AI analysis shows that the phrase is primarily used in news and media, and it serves to emphasize existing prohibitions, often in discussions about law enforcement or the need for new legislation. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the exact action and relevant jurisdiction to avoid ambiguity and maintain accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is currently prohibited

This alternative is a more formal way of saying something is not allowed.

is against the law

This alternative is a simpler and more direct way to state something is illegal.

is unlawful

This alternative uses a more formal and legal term for illegal.

is not permitted

This alternative focuses on the lack of permission rather than the legal aspect.

is banned

This alternative implies a formal prohibition, often with a public announcement.

is outlawed

This alternative suggests a more forceful and decisive prohibition.

is illicit

This alternative emphasizes the moral or ethical wrongness of the act, in addition to its illegality.

is criminalized

This alternative specifically highlights the act of making something a crime.

is a violation of the law

This alternative is a more descriptive and emphatic way of stating illegality.

falls under existing prohibitions

This alternative emphasizes that the action is covered by pre-existing laws.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is already illegal"?

It means that a law or regulation already exists that prohibits a specific action or behavior. It indicates that there is no need to create a new law to address that particular issue.

What can I say instead of "is already illegal"?

You can use alternatives like "is currently prohibited", "is against the law", or "is unlawful" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say something "is already illegal"?

It's not always redundant. Saying something "is already illegal" can emphasize that existing laws should be enforced or that new laws are unnecessary. It can also highlight a lack of awareness or enforcement of existing laws.

What's the difference between something that "is illegal" and something that "is already illegal"?

The addition of "already" emphasizes that the prohibition is not new; it is an existing condition. It suggests a potential oversight, ignorance, or disregard for a pre-existing law.