violate norms

USAGE SUMMARY

"violate norms" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation or action that doesn't follow accepted social rules or standards. For example: "The teacher's conduct was seen to violate norms of professional behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

Sociology

Political Science

Ethics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The sociology of deviance focuses on actions or behaviours that violate norms, including both formally enacted rules (e.g., crime) and informal violations of cultural norms.

Wikipedia

They violate norms of law-enforcement independence from presidential influence.

The Washington Post

Other recent research demonstrates that when people violate norms, it makes them seem powerful.

The New Yorker

He will violate norms whenever it suits him and cross ethical lines whenever he feels like it.

The Washington Post

If, for example, a society impelled its members to acquire wealth yet offered inadequate means for them to do so, the strain would cause many people to violate norms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As one academic treatment of the process noted, "If the racial nature of a campaign message is made explicit, it will harm the messenger since blatantly racial appeals violate norms of racial equality.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Every sentence violates norms established by Presidents of both parties.

The New Yorker

Of course, one of Trump's favorite pastimes is violating norms and tearing up precedents.

The New Yorker

When people accuse Trump of violating norms, there is a near immediate concession that they are, after all, only norms.

The New Yorker

For him, violating norms and expectations seems to be a craft that demands painstaking attention to detail.

The New Yorker

Suddenly, all we hear about is "norms" — norms are here, norms are there, norms are everywhere: norms violated, norms overthrown, norms thrown back in the faces of their normalcy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "violate norms", clearly specify which norms are being violated to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "his actions violated norms", specify "his actions violated the norms of professional conduct."

Common error

Avoid using "violate norms" without context. It's more effective to identify the specific norms that are breached to provide clarity and impact. For example, "the policy violated norms of transparency and fairness" is stronger than "the policy violated norms".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "violate norms" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes an action that contravenes or breaks established rules, standards, or expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "violate norms" is a verb phrase used to describe actions that go against established social, ethical, or legal standards. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in both formal and informal contexts. While frequently appearing in news and media, it also finds use in academic and formal settings. To use the phrase effectively, specify which norms are being violated to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "defy conventions" or "contravene standards" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disobey customs

Points out not following customs.

deviate from expectations

Indicates a departure from anticipated behaviors or outcomes.

defy conventions

Emphasizes a deliberate resistance to established customs.

transgress customs

Implies crossing a boundary set by tradition or common practice.

contravene standards

Highlights a conflict with established benchmarks or criteria.

disregard protocol

Focuses on ignoring formal rules or procedures.

breach etiquette

Specifically refers to violations of social graces and manners.

act inappropriately

General alternative for not acting according to expectations.

undermine principles

Highlights the action of attacking the fundaments on which one is based.

infringe upon values

Highlights actions that undermine cherished beliefs or principles.

FAQs

How can I use "violate norms" in a sentence?

You can use "violate norms" to describe actions that go against established social, ethical, or legal standards. For example, "The company's marketing practices "violate norms" of consumer privacy".

What are some alternatives to "violate norms"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "defy conventions", "contravene standards", or "transgress customs".

Is it better to say "violate norms" or "violates norms"?

The correct form depends on the subject of your sentence. Use "violate norms" with plural subjects (e.g., "they violate norms"), and "violates norms" with singular subjects (e.g., "he violates norms").

What kind of norms are typically violated?

Norms that are violated can range from social etiquette and ethical standards to legal regulations and cultural expectations. The specific type of norm depends on the situation.