norm breaking

USAGE SUMMARY

'norm breaking' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe people who are challenging or disregarding the accepted standards or customs of a particular group. For example, "The new laws proposed by the young mayor were seen as norm breaking by some members of the council."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

When it's time to impress your friends or do something in the kitchen that's cooler than the norm, breaking out a sous vide cooker will do the trick.

TechCrunch

Interactive experiences around music and art are increasingly becoming the norm, breaking down the traditional barriers between creators and fans as the latter finds new ways of making the content their own.

Vice

For example, the monks connected norm breaking on the yul-lha with morality (non-violence and compassion for others) and the authority of lamas rather than potential consequences.

Human Ecology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Both programs, Amelia and Norm, broke down when the number of auxiliary variables and the missing rate was high and the sample size low.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Or, when the textbooks count the dead children, and the international norms broken with impunity, will our descendants puzzle that we took pride in retreating into passivity during this slaughter?

The New York Times

The laughs are clearly coming at the supposed weirdness of a woman with a beard, a pregnant man, and the chaos that supposedly ensues when gender norms break down.

The Guardian

The feeling of creepiness is the reaction to a norm being broken, a norm that values our individual ability to be private in public.

The New York Times

Trump's personal pilot to head the FAA? It's the latest sign norms are breaking down.

The Washington Post

The publication of transcripts by the Washington Post is the latest of many signs that established norms are breaking down inside the administration, with far-reaching and unpredictable implications.

The Guardian

The fictional child of RD Laing and Foucault, a novel in which the asylum is a prison for the punishment of those who have offended social norms without breaking the law.

The Guardian - Books

By reversing the norms and breaking the taboos, the clowns show us what we have to lose, and what we might also stand to gain, if we step outside the restrictions of social convention and polite everyday discourse.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "norm breaking", ensure the context clearly indicates which norms are being challenged and the potential implications of doing so.

Common error

Avoid assuming all instances of "norm breaking" are inherently positive or negative. The ethical and social implications depend on the specific norms being challenged and the reasons for doing so.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "norm breaking" functions as a descriptor, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun, describing an action or entity that deviates from or challenges established standards or conventions. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it characterizes behaviors, actions, or even individuals.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Academia

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "norm breaking" is a descriptor used to characterize actions or ideas that defy established conventions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and highlights its diverse use across news, science, and academic fields. While seemingly neutral, the implications of "norm breaking" depend heavily on the specific context and norms being challenged. Alternatives like "challenging conventions" or "deviating from the norm" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts. Understanding the specific norms in question and avoiding overgeneralizations about the impact of "norm breaking" are crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deviating from the norm

A more formal way of saying "norm breaking".

challenging conventions

Focuses on actively questioning and defying established practices.

defying expectations

Highlights the act of not conforming to what is typically anticipated.

subverting expectations

Focuses on undermining or overturning anticipated outcomes or behaviors.

flouting tradition

Emphasizes a disregard for established customs and practices.

rejecting conformity

Stresses a conscious decision to not align with established standards.

transgressing boundaries

Indicates exceeding or violating established limits or rules.

questioning orthodoxy

Emphasizes the act of critically examining established beliefs and practices.

defying social mores

Highlights resistance to widely accepted social customs and behaviors.

bucking the trend

Implies going against a prevailing pattern or direction.

FAQs

How can I use "norm breaking" in a sentence?

You can use "norm breaking" to describe actions or ideas that challenge or defy established standards. For example: "The artist's exhibition was considered "norm breaking" because it featured unconventional materials".

What are some alternatives to "norm breaking"?

Alternatives include "challenging conventions", "deviating from the norm", or "defying expectations" depending on the context.

Is "norm breaking" always a positive thing?

Not necessarily. While "norm breaking" can lead to progress and innovation, it can also disrupt social order or have unintended consequences. Its value depends on the specific norms being challenged and the context.

What's the difference between "norm breaking" and "rule breaking"?

"Norm breaking" refers to challenging or defying social or cultural norms, while "rule breaking" refers to violating specific, often written, rules or laws. While there may be overlap, they aren't identical.