trespassing

USAGE SUMMARY

"trespassing" is a correct word in English and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of entering another person's property without their permission. Example sentence: "The police apprehended the thief after he was caught trespassing in the neighbor's backyard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After all, that seems like the logical thing to conclude, based on Fifa's decision to investigate the arrests of the four BBC journalists caught trespassing on a worker-accommodation compound.

The Guardian - Opinion

Standing there, after a visit of only a few hours, you are bound to feel strange – it felt as if we were trespassing on someone else's bad memories.

The Guardian

Please let's not arrest me for trespassing.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was taken into police custody and charged with trespassing.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Florida court seemed to be trespassing on the legislature's prerogative, which violates Article 2 of the constitution.

The Economist

Only the sovereign-bond market has the scale that would enable the ECB to achieve its intention of adding €1 trillion $1.25 trillionn) to its balance-sheet, taking it back to the peak level of around €3 trillion that it reached in early 2012.But purchasing sovereign debt is highly unpopular within Germany where it is seen as trespassing on fiscal policy.

The Economist

Commissioners would set priorities and budgets, hiring and firing chief constables (supposedly without trespassing on their operational independence).

The Economist

He applied the cosmopolitan spirit that he had acquired in these years to everything he wrote.He made his reputation as a development economist, focusing on Latin America, but he soon found himself trespassing obsessively not only into other sub-disciplines such as the theory of the firm but also into other disciplines entirely such as political science and the history of thought.

The Economist

The veteran protester was arrested last October for trespassing at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport as he held a sign ("No War for Oil") while waiting for George Bush to arrive.This was not a new experience for him.

The Economist

But even there, lawyers' representatives are wondering whether to stop trying to beat off encroachers on their turf and start engaging in a bit of trespassing themselves.

The Economist

IN THE crime movie "The Italian Job" Charlie, played by Michael Caine, upsets a mafia boss by trespassing on his turf to steal gold.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the legal implications when using "trespassing" in your writing, as it often has specific legal definitions and consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "trespassing" loosely for any kind of intrusion. Ensure it strictly refers to unauthorized entry onto property, not simply a violation of personal space or rights.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "trespassing" is as a noun, specifically a gerund or present participle acting as a noun. It describes the act of entering someone else's property without permission. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trespassing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, primarily functioning as a noun (gerund or present participle) to describe the act of unauthorized entry onto private property. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's employed across various contexts, with a strong presence in news and media, encyclopedias, and science. While maintaining a neutral register, its specific meaning and legal implications should be considered when writing. To enhance clarity, be detailed about the location and intent. Avoid using it loosely for general intrusions. Related phrases include "unlawful entry" and "illegal intrusion". Ludwig examples underscore its varied applications, making it a versatile and important term for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unlawful entry

Focuses specifically on the illegality of the entry.

illegal intrusion

Emphasizes the act of forcibly or wrongfully entering.

encroachment on property

Highlights the act of gradually taking over someone else's property.

invasion of privacy

Conveys a broader sense of violating someone's personal space or property.

unauthorized access

Highlights the lack of permission to enter or use a space.

violating boundaries

Emphasizes the crossing of established limits.

entering without permission

Directly states the absence of consent for entry.

encroaching on rights

Emphasizes the act of infringing upon legally protected entitlements.

making an incursion

Implies a sudden and often unwelcome entry.

infringing upon property

Highlights a violation of property rights.

FAQs

How is "trespassing" defined in legal terms?

In legal terms, "trespassing" generally refers to the act of knowingly entering or remaining on private property without permission. The specific definition can vary by jurisdiction.

What are the potential consequences of "trespassing"?

The consequences of "trespassing" can range from a warning to arrest and prosecution, depending on the severity of the offense and local laws. Repeat offenses often carry harsher penalties.

Which is correct, "trespassing" or "trespass"?

"Trespassing" is often used as a gerund or present participle, while "trespass" can be a noun or a verb. The correct choice depends on the grammatical structure of the sentence.

What's the difference between "trespassing" and "burglary"?

"Trespassing" involves entering property without permission, while "burglary" involves entering a building with the intent to commit a crime, such as theft. "Burglary" is a more serious offense.