violate the rules

USAGE SUMMARY

"violate the rules" is correct and perfectly usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that someone did something that is not allowed by the rules or regulations. For example: "Alex was caught violating the school rules and was suspended for two weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many small businesses already violate the rules.

The New York Times

So did Musk violate the rules?

The Washington Post

"What happens if voters violate the rules?" I asked.

The New Yorker

This seems to violate the rules of parallel structure.

The Economist

"Why do they violate the rules?" Chief Jakubson asked.

The New York Times

"If you violate the rules, you get punished".

The New York Times

He may violate the rules of his committee -- I won't.

The Washington Post

As it is, many passengers accidentally or deliberately violate the rules they don't like or understand.

The New York Times

And there are numerous licensed gangmasters who violate the rules and exploit the loopholes".

The Guardian - Opinion

Hospitals that violate the rules could lose their training accreditation and substantial government funding.

The New York Times

I got up the courage to ask him when an architect could violate the rules.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing formal regulations or laws, "violate the rules" is appropriate. For less formal situations, consider using "break the rules".

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "violate" with verbs like "break" or "disobey", which might be more suitable in informal contexts. "Violate" often carries a stronger connotation of formality and seriousness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "violate the rules" functions as a verb phrase, where 'violate' is the transitive verb and 'the rules' is the direct object. It indicates the action of contravening or breaking established regulations, laws, or guidelines. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "violate the rules" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe the action of breaking or contravening established regulations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly acceptable in written English. While its meaning is straightforward, the register leans toward neutral and formal contexts, making it suitable for news reporting, legal documents, and academic writing. When writing in less formal settings, consider alternatives such as "break the rules". Authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Washington Post frequently employ this expression. The provided examples showcase its versatility and widespread use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

break the rules

Uses a more general verb, 'break', instead of the more formal 'violate'.

disobey the rules

Focuses on the act of not obeying or heeding the rules.

infringe the regulations

Replaces 'rules' with 'regulations' and 'violate' with 'infringe', implying a more formal setting.

contravene the regulations

Uses 'contravene', which suggests acting against or conflicting with regulations.

defy the rules

Emphasizes a deliberate and often public refusal to follow the rules.

transgress the rules

Implies crossing a boundary or limit set by the rules, often with a moral connotation.

flout the rules

Suggests open and contemptuous disregard for the rules.

breach the rules

Indicates a failure to adhere to the terms or conditions of the rules.

disregard the rules

Highlights a lack of attention or respect for the rules.

circumvent the rules

Implies finding a way to avoid complying with the rules without technically breaking them.

FAQs

How can I use "violate the rules" in a sentence?

You can use "violate the rules" to describe actions that contravene established regulations or laws, such as "The company was fined for violating environmental protection rules".

What's a less formal way to say "violate the rules"?

For less formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "break the rules" or "disobey the rules".

What's the difference between "violate the rules" and "infringe the rules"?

"Violate" generally refers to breaking a specific rule or law, while "infringe" often implies encroaching upon someone's rights or boundaries, especially in a legal context. Therefore, violate the rules is focused on the specific rule, whereas infringe the rules is focused on consequences.

Is it correct to use "violate the rules" in both formal and informal settings?

While grammatically correct in both, "violate the rules" is generally more appropriate in formal contexts, such as legal, business, or academic writing. In informal settings, alternatives like "break the rules" might be more suitable.