trespass on

USAGE SUMMARY

"trespass on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to unlawfully entering onto someone else's property. Example: The police were called when a group of teenagers trespassed on the neighbor's lawn.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

If girls from one spot trespass on another one's spot, there could be serious repercussions".

Vice

For example, as a result of one's trespass on their land, one may become their slave.

SEP

"He didn't trespass on city land.

The New York Times

People "trespass" on the ocean; fishermen "slaughter".

The New York Times - Books

WHY do Texans frequently trespass on bluebonnet fields?

The New York Times

He did not want to trespass on her secrets.

The New Yorker

We should not trespass on the BBC's independence.

The Guardian

Kane can stroll through parks he has built and trespass on ghettos he has neglected.

The Economist

Like gulls, they often peck and kill chicks that trespass on their territories.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Under Connecticut law, land surveyors may trespass on property in the course of their work.

The New York Times

But he complained that people constantly trespass on his property, parking there illegally and littering.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In metaphorical contexts, be mindful of the connotations of unwanted intrusion that "trespass on" carries.

Common error

Avoid using "trespass on" when simply referring to entering a place; the phrase implies an illegal or unwanted intrusion. Instead, use neutral verbs like "enter" or "visit".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "trespass on" functions primarily as a verb indicating an unlawful or unwanted intrusion. It is used to describe both physical entry onto private property and the infringement of abstract rights or boundaries, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "trespass on" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe unlawfully entering property or infringing upon rights. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While interchangeable with terms like "encroach upon" or "intrude upon", it carries a specific connotation of unwanted intrusion. When using this phrase, consider the legal or ethical implications of the "trespass" being described, and avoid using it in neutral contexts where simple entry is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encroach upon

Implies a gradual intrusion, often metaphorical, onto someone's rights or territory.

intrude upon

Suggests a disruptive entry or interference into someone's space or privacy.

infringe upon

Focuses on violating someone's rights or boundaries, often legally.

violate

Highlights a direct breach of a rule, law, or principle.

overstep

Emphasizes exceeding acceptable limits or boundaries.

impinge on

Denotes a negative impact or restriction on something.

invade

Implies an aggressive entry or takeover.

interfere with

Suggests meddling or hindering something.

breach

Signifies a breaking or violation of an agreement or boundary.

disrupt

Highlights the disturbance or interruption caused by an action.

FAQs

What does "trespass on" mean?

The phrase "trespass on" means to unlawfully enter onto someone else's property or to infringe upon someone's rights or privacy.

How can I use "trespass on" in a sentence?

You can use "trespass on" in a sentence like: "The hikers were warned not to "trespass on" private land" or "The new law was seen as "trespassing on" individual freedoms."

What can I say instead of "trespass on"?

You can use alternatives like "encroach upon", "intrude upon", or "infringe upon" depending on the context.

What's the difference between ""trespass on"" and "encroach on"?

"Trespass on" often refers to a direct physical intrusion, while "encroach on" can imply a more gradual or subtle infringement on rights or territory.