of the law

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of the law" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to the laws, regulations, or customs that are in place in a particular area. For example, "He was sentenced in accordance with the laws of the land."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Spirit of the law".

The New Yorker

The majesty of the law.

The New Yorker

Life on both sides of the law.

The New Yorker

Enforcement of the law was then delayed.

The New York Times

And one jump ahead of the law.

The New York Times - Magazine

(He supports other aspects of the law).

The New York Times

Parts of the law are still quoted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I found myself thinking of the law.

The New Yorker

"We take violations of the law seriously".

The New York Times

You run afoul of the law (Edwards).

The New York Times

"The protection of the law".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal topics, use "of the law" to precisely indicate aspects, principles, or requirements associated with the legal system.

Common error

Avoid using "of the law" when a more specific term like "legal standards" or "statutory provisions" would provide greater clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of the law" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying nouns or clauses by specifying a relationship to legal concepts. It indicates aspects, principles, or requirements associated with the legal system, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

20%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "of the law" is a versatile prepositional phrase frequently used to denote a relationship to legal principles. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears very commonly in sources like news media, scientific journals, and academic papers. When writing, it's crucial to ensure that "of the law" is used precisely to avoid overgeneralization, opting for more specific terms when clarity is paramount. Alternatives like "legal aspects" or "legal matters" can also be considered based on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in accordance with legislation

Highlights compliance with specific legislative acts.

within the bounds of legality

Refers to operating within legally permissible limits.

within the legal framework

Refers explicitly to operating under legal guidelines.

subject to legal requirements

Emphasizes the binding nature of legal obligations.

legal aspects

Focuses on the components and considerations tied to law.

concerning legal matters

Relates to the handling and discussion of legal topics.

under the purview of the statute

Indicates coverage or jurisdiction of a particular law.

regarding legal principles

Centers on the core doctrines and tenets of law.

legally binding

Highlights the enforceable nature of something under the law.

related to the legal system

Encompasses elements directly associated with the broader judicial structure.

FAQs

How can I use "of the law" in a sentence?

You can use "of the law" to describe various aspects related to legal principles. For example, "The spirit "of the law" aims to ensure fairness", or "He denied any violation "of the law"".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "of the law"?

Alternatives include "legal aspects", "legal matters", or "legal principles", depending on the specific context you want to convey. See also "within the legal framework".

Is it correct to say "of law" instead of "of the law"?

While "of law" might be grammatically understandable in some contexts, "of the law" is generally preferred when referring to specific or established legal systems or principles. Without the article 'the', it becomes more abstract.

What's the difference between "the letter of the law" and "the spirit of the law"?

"The letter "of the law"" refers to the literal interpretation of legal rules, while "the spirit "of the law"" refers to the intended purpose and principles behind those rules.