is illegal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is illegal" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe an action, behavior, or item that is against the law or prohibited. Example: "Jaywalking is illegal in this city, so make sure to only cross the street at designated crosswalks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Abuse is illegal.

The New York Times

"Everything there is illegal".

The New Yorker

Forgery is illegal.

The New York Times - Arts

The  former is illegal.

The New York Times

Gambling is illegal.

The New York Times

"Illegal is illegal.

The New York Times

And that is illegal.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

That, of course, is illegal.

The Economist

"This is illegal and dangerous".

The New York Times

That in itself is illegal.

The New York Times

Shorting domestic stocks is illegal.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal matters, always specify the jurisdiction or context in which something "is illegal". Laws vary by region and situation.

Common error

Avoid assuming universal illegality. What "is illegal" in one place or context may be perfectly legal elsewhere. Always clarify the specific scope.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is illegal" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject by asserting that it violates the law. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and very common in English. Numerous examples demonstrate its role in stating prohibitions and legal infractions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

32%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is illegal" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that serves to denote that an action or object contravenes the law. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject to indicate its unlawful status. Its neutral tone allows for application across various contexts, from news reports to legal documents. While the phrase itself is straightforward, it's crucial to specify the jurisdiction or context in which something is illegal, as laws vary geographically and situationally. The high frequency of "is illegal" across diverse sources underscores its importance in legal and general discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is prohibited

Indicates a formal ban or restriction, often used in official contexts.

is against the law

Directly states a violation of legal statutes.

is unlawful

Synonymous with illegal, but can sometimes imply a moral dimension.

is not allowed

A general term for something that is not permitted, whether by law or rule.

is forbidden

Similar to 'is not allowed' but carries a stronger sense of authority.

is illicit

Suggests something is morally wrong as well as legally prohibited.

is unauthorized

Implies a lack of official permission or sanction.

is criminal

Specifies that the action constitutes a crime.

is illegitimate

Indicates that something does not conform to accepted rules or standards.

is proscribed

A more formal and less common synonym for prohibited.

FAQs

How can I use "is illegal" in a sentence?

Use "is illegal" to state that an action or activity is against the law. For example, "Tax evasion "is illegal" in most countries".

What's a good substitute for saying something "is illegal"?

Depending on the context, you could say it "is prohibited", "is unlawful", or "is against the law".

Is it correct to say "something is illegal to do"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. For instance, "It "is illegal" to operate a vehicle without a valid license".

What's the difference between "is illegal" and "is unethical"?

"Is illegal" means something violates the law, while "is unethical" means something violates moral principles. An action can be unethical but not illegal, and vice versa.