transgression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "transgression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct. Example: "The committee decided to take action against the transgression of the established guidelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Couldn't some enterprising young fashion designer today employ Barlow's Cameron-endorsed visage as a similar cipher for off-the-peg prêt-a-porter moral transgression?

The Guardian - Opinion

According to an analysis by a divinity professor and an education specialist known for designing courses on "traditional morality", the photographs showed an "immoral transgression incompatible with conducting educational functions".

The Guardian

And he has ignored the advice of planners, councillors and housing professionals in supporting the extension of the right-to-buy scheme (though this final transgression is, of course, much less remarkable).

The Guardian

Sadly, we have come to expect this treatment of older women, but it is Kate's age, highlighted by the paper, that makes her transgression so despicable.

The Guardian - Opinion

I am my own Dieu, I fashion my vanity, delighting in the vicarious transgression that has fashionable artists like those fools Cocteau and Picasso, who have never dared to have oral sex with a leprotic geriatric vagabond.

The Guardian - Books

He will serve an immediate dugout penalty for that transgression.

The Guardian - Sport

The Scottish Football Association compliance officer Tony McGlennan has issued a "notice of complaint" to Meekings, whose transgression was missed by the six match officials on duty at Hampden on Sunday when Caley Thistle beat Celtic 3-2.

The Guardian - Sport

He makes that irreversible transgression with something like "a sense of delirious abandonment".

The Guardian

The transgression cost Mr Yang his job as a law professor.

The Economist

This amounts to a textbook transgression of the Commonwealth Charter, which includes a commitment to freedom of expression, the separation of powers and the like, promulgated by the queen in March.

The Economist

When earlier reports of a chlorine attack were aired, they were played down by American officials; chlorine gas is not banned under the chemical-weapons convention which virtually all countries have signed, and thus represented a lesser transgression.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "transgression", ensure the context clearly establishes what rule, law, or moral principle has been violated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "transgression" is a valid word, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler words like "mistake" or "error" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "transgression" is as a noun. It refers to an act that violates a law, duty, or moral principle. Examples provided by Ludwig show its use in various contexts, including legal, ethical, and social situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "transgression" is a noun denoting a violation of rules, laws, or moral principles. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence in formal contexts such as news media, science, and business. While alternatives like "violation" and "offense" exist, "transgression" carries a specific weight, suggesting a serious breach. When writing, ensure the context clearly defines the violated norm. Avoid overuse in informal settings for better clarity. Overall, "transgression" is widely used, versatile, and mostly pertains to serious matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

violation

Focuses on the act of breaking a rule or law.

offense

Highlights the feeling of being insulted or hurt.

infringement

Emphasizes encroachment upon a right or privilege.

breach

Suggests a failure to uphold a duty or obligation.

wrongdoing

Broadly covers any immoral or illegal act.

sin

Implies a religious or moral failing.

misdeed

Refers to a bad or wicked act.

crime

Specifically denotes an illegal act punishable by law.

lapse

Indicates a temporary failure of judgment or morality.

error

Focuses on a mistake or deviation from correctness.

FAQs

How to use "transgression" in a sentence?

You can use "transgression" to refer to a violation of a law, rule, or moral code. For example, "The company was fined for its environmental transgressions."

What can I say instead of "transgression"?

You can use alternatives like "violation", "offense", or "infringement" depending on the specific context.

Is "transgression" a formal word?

"Transgression" is a relatively formal word that is commonly used in news, legal documents, and academic writing. In casual conversation, simpler words like "mistake" or "error" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "transgression" and "sin"?

While both words refer to wrongdoing, "transgression" generally implies a violation of a specific rule or law, while "sin" implies a violation of religious or moral principles.