unlawful entry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unlawful entry" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to the act of entering a property without permission or legal right. Example: "The suspect was charged with unlawful entry after being found inside the building without authorization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Best was charged with unlawful entry.

The New York Times

Thirty students were charged with unlawful entry.

The New York Times

He, too, was charged with misdemeanor unlawful entry.

The Washington Post

He was charged with second-degree theft and unlawful entry.

The Washington Post

A misdemeanor charge of unlawful entry was dropped.

The Washington Post

The judge sentenced MN to time served for unlawful entry.

The Guardian

Mostly they get statutory rape, simple assault, impairing the morals of minors, and unlawful entry.

The New Yorker

The individual was charged with unlawful entry and transported to Washington's metropolitan police department, Hoback said.

The Guardian

It disclosed more details about Australia's unlawful entry into Indonesian waters.

The Guardian

Effectively, unlawful entry would not preclude an immigrant from applying for a status adjustment.

The Guardian

He learned she had been prosecuted for the misdemeanor offense of unlawful entry.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal matters, use "unlawful entry" to clearly indicate a violation of property rights or immigration laws.

Common error

Avoid using "unlawful entry" interchangeably with terms like "trespassing" or "illegal immigration" without considering the specific legal context. "Trespassing" may refer to a broader range of unauthorized entries, while "illegal immigration" specifically relates to crossing borders unlawfully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unlawful entry" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific type of illegal action, as confirmed by Ludwig, which states that it is typically used in legal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

22%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unlawful entry" is a common noun phrase primarily used in legal and news contexts to describe the act of entering a property or area without authorization. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and functions to report illegal actions, confirmed by its frequent use in news and legal reporting. While synonyms such as "illegal entry" or "trespassing" exist, it's important to consider the specific legal context to ensure accuracy. When using the phrase, avoid confusing it with broader terms and use it precisely to indicate a violation of property rights or immigration laws.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

illegal entry

Focuses specifically on the illegal nature of the entry, similar to the original phrase.

trespassing

Refers to entering someone's property without permission; broader term than "unlawful entry".

unauthorized access

Highlights the lack of authorization, applicable in both physical and digital contexts.

illegal immigration

Specifically relates to entering a country illegally, narrowing the scope.

forced entry

Emphasizes the use of force to gain entry, adding a detail about the method.

criminal trespass

A more formal and legal term for trespassing, emphasizing the criminal aspect.

unpermitted access

Focuses on the lack of permission, applicable in various contexts.

wrongful intrusion

Emphasizes the unjust and invasive nature of the entry.

unwarranted access

Highlights that the access was not justified or necessary.

illicit access

Refers to access that is forbidden by law, rule, or custom.

FAQs

What is the difference between "unlawful entry" and trespassing?

"Unlawful entry" is a legal term that often implies a more formal or serious violation than trespassing. While both involve entering property without permission, "unlawful entry" may carry specific legal consequences or relate to federal laws, such as immigration violations. Trespassing can be a more general term for unauthorized entry.

What are some synonyms for "unlawful entry"?

Synonyms include "illegal entry", "trespassing", "unauthorized access", and "criminal trespass". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

How is "unlawful entry" used in immigration law?

In immigration law, "unlawful entry" refers to entering a country without the required legal permission, such as a valid visa or entry document. It is a violation of immigration laws and can lead to deportation or other legal consequences.

What are the potential penalties for "unlawful entry"?

The penalties for "unlawful entry" vary depending on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances. They can include fines, imprisonment, and deportation (in the case of immigration violations). The severity of the penalties may also depend on factors such as prior criminal history and any aggravating circumstances.