violating the law

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'violating the law' is correct and can be used in written English.
You would use this phrase to describe when someone is disobeying the law or breaking a rule, such as in the sentence: "The teenager was arrested for violating the law by driving without a license."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"You are violating the law".

The New York Times

"There are consequences for violating the law".

The New York Times

And you're still violating the law".

The New York Times

They don't believe they're violating the law.

The New York Times

"Who's gone to jail for violating the law?

The Guardian

Some Republicans accused Mr. Obama of violating the law.

The New York Times

But he has pleaded not guilty to violating the law".

The New York Times

"I was concerned that Henry was violating the law.

The Guardian

"They should have thought about that before violating the law".

The New York Times

None of the celebrities was accused of violating the law.

The New York Times

Florida lawmakers are debating ways of giving school systems more flexibility without violating the law.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal matters, ensure that you accurately represent the specific law being violated. Provide context and be precise in your language to avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "violating the law" without specifying which law is being broken. Vague statements can lead to confusion and weaken your argument. Be specific about the statute, regulation, or ordinance in question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "violating the law" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun to describe the act of breaking a law. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a correct and common expression. It can serve as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "violating the law" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of breaking a law. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's versatile, fitting into news reports, legal discussions, and general statements. For clarity, always specify which law is being violated. Related phrases include "breaking the law" and "contravening the law". While the phrase is widely applicable, being precise in specifying which law is being violated will enhance clarity and strengthen your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

breaking the law

Synonymous, emphasizing the action of contravening legal statutes.

disobeying the law

A simpler and more direct way of saying someone is not following the law.

contravening the law

Similar, with a more formal tone, highlighting a direct opposition to the law.

acting unlawfully

Describes the action of behaving in a manner that is not in accordance with the law.

infringing the law

Focuses on the act of trespassing or encroaching upon the boundaries set by the law.

flouting the law

Emphasizes a blatant disregard and disrespect for the law.

defying the law

Implies a deliberate and open resistance to legal authority.

transgressing the law

Highlights a moral or ethical dimension to the act of breaking the law.

non-compliance with the law

A more formal and bureaucratic way of stating a failure to adhere to legal requirements.

committing an offense

General term for engaging in any act that is legally prohibited.

FAQs

What does it mean to violate a law?

To violate a law means to break it or fail to comply with its requirements. It involves acting in a way that is contrary to what is legally permitted or required. See also "breaking the law".

What are some synonyms for "violating the law"?

Alternatives include "breaking the law", "infringing the law", "contravening the law", or "flouting the law". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What are the consequences of violating the law?

The consequences vary depending on the severity and nature of the violation. They can range from fines and penalties to imprisonment. Legal repercussions are determined by the specific laws and jurisdictions involved.

How is "violating the law" different from "disobeying the law"?

"Violating the law" typically refers to breaking a formal legal statute or regulation, while "disobeying the law" can also refer to ignoring a specific legal order or command. "Disobeying the law" is a broader term.