material breach

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "material breach" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in legal contexts, particularly in contracts, to refer to a significant violation that affects the agreement's core. For example, "The failure to deliver the goods on time constituted a material breach of the contract." Alternative expressions include "substantial breach" and "serious breach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This ordinary-course covenant is only qualified by materiality, not a MAC, meaning Skyworks need only prove a material breach.

The New York Times

It is a material breach".

The Economist

That in itself is a material breach.

The Guardian

"There has been a material breach of trust".

The New York Times

However, France made no mention of any "material breach".

The New York Times

The French version does not mention Iraq's "material breach".

The New York Times

Mr. Secretary, you've used the expression "material breach".

The New York Times

Material breach is the breaking of an agreement that counts.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It will say clearly that Iraq is in material breach.

The New York Times

"It's a material breach of the United Nations resolutions.

The New York Times

MATERIAL BREACH "The Security Council... 1. Decides that Iraq has been and remains in material breach of its obligations".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When drafting contracts, clearly define what constitutes a "material breach" to avoid ambiguity and potential disputes. Specify objective criteria or measurable outcomes that determine materiality.

Common error

Don't treat every breach as a "material breach". A minor or inconsequential breach doesn't necessarily allow the other party to terminate the agreement. Focus on breaches that substantially affect the benefit of the bargain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "material breach" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a clause. Ludwig AI confirms it's used to describe a significant violation of an agreement or obligation, often in legal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "material breach" is a frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, primarily within legal and formal settings to denote a significant violation of a contract or obligation. Its meaning is precise, indicating a breach that substantially impacts the agreement, potentially allowing the non-breaching party to seek remedies. When writing, define "material breach" clearly in contracts, and avoid misclassifying minor infractions as "material breaches". While alternatives exist, "material breach" remains the standard term in legal and business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant violation of contract

Replaces "material breach" with more descriptive terms, focusing on the importance of the violation and specifying that it relates to a contract.

substantial non-compliance

Emphasizes the degree of non-compliance with the agreement, indicating a considerable failure to adhere to its terms.

fundamental breach of agreement

Highlights the fundamental nature of the breach, suggesting it strikes at the core of the agreement.

serious contractual default

Replaces "breach" with "default", adding formality and underlining the severity of the failure to fulfill contractual obligations.

grave infringement of terms

Focuses on the violation of specific terms, emphasizing the seriousness of the infringement.

critical violation of obligations

Stresses the critical nature of the violated obligations, implying that they are essential to the agreement's purpose.

major failure to perform

Highlights the failure to execute the agreement's requirements, framing it as a significant shortcoming.

severe contractual infraction

Uses "infraction" to denote a violation, stressing its severity within the contractual context.

egregious breach of duty

Adds a moral dimension by referencing a "breach of duty", underlining the blameworthiness of the violation.

important failure to adhere

Uses simpler language to describe the failure to follow the agreed-upon terms, while still emphasizing its importance.

FAQs

How is "material breach" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "material breach" is usually used to describe a significant violation of a contract or agreement. For example, "The company's failure to deliver the goods on time constituted a "material breach" of the contract."

What are some alternatives to saying "material breach"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "substantial breach", "significant violation of contract", or "fundamental breach of agreement".

What distinguishes a "material breach" from a regular breach of contract?

A "material breach" is a serious violation that goes to the heart of the contract, substantially depriving the other party of the benefit of their bargain. A regular breach might be a less significant failure to perform.

Can a minor oversight be considered a "material breach"?

Generally, no. A "material breach" involves a substantial failure to fulfill a contractual obligation. Minor oversights or inconsequential deviations typically do not rise to the level of a "material breach".