was in violation of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was in violation of" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something has broken a rule or law. Example: The company's actions were in violation of the environmental regulations, resulting in hefty fines.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

The fine inflicted was in violation of the Sanitary Code.

The New Yorker

He said it was "in violation of international norms".

The Guardian

It noted that Germany was in violation of Europe's fiscal rules.

The New York Times

Perhaps, they prayed, the store was in violation of the city's convoluted zoning laws.

The New York Times

"The fact remains that what he did was in violation of N.C.A.A. rules," Sharp said Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

"She was in violation of the diversion agreement, so we would have reinstated our prosecution.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

You are in violation of international conservation regulations".

The New Yorker

"They certainly were in violation of it this morning".

The New York Times

Russia is in violation of the sovereignty of Ukraine.

The Guardian

Russia is in violation of its international obligations".

The Guardian

But those treaties were in violation of federal law.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was in violation of", ensure the context clearly identifies what rule, law, or agreement was breached for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "was in violation of" without specifying the exact rule, law, or agreement that was breached. For instance, instead of saying "The action was in violation of regulations", specify "The action was in violation of environmental protection regulations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was in violation of" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It links a subject to a state of non-compliance with a rule, law, or agreement. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was in violation of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate non-compliance with rules, laws, or agreements. Ludwig's AI confirms its standard usage, supported by numerous examples predominantly from news and media sources. While alternatives like "failed to comply with" or "acted in breach of" exist, "was in violation of" offers a formal and descriptive way to convey that a standard has been contravened. When using the phrase, ensure you clearly specify what rule or law was breached. Its prevalence in various contexts underscores its importance in clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was non-compliant with

This phrase emphasizes a state of not meeting the necessary standards or regulations.

failed to comply with

This alternative specifies a lack of adherence to a rule, regulation, or requirement.

acted in breach of

This suggests an active breaking of a contract, agreement, or legal duty.

contravened

This alternative is a single word that expresses the idea of acting against or violating a law, principle, or code of conduct.

ran afoul of

This idiomatic phrase implies encountering problems or conflicts as a result of violating something.

infringed upon

This alternative phrase implies a more direct and impactful breach or encroachment upon a right, agreement, or standard.

flouted

Implies a blatant and contemptuous disregard for a law or rule.

transgressed against

This emphasizes a moral or ethical boundary that has been crossed.

defied the rules of

This phrase suggests open resistance or disregard for established rules or norms.

disregarded

This is a shorter term with more informal register.

FAQs

How can I use "was in violation of" in a sentence?

Use "was in violation of" to indicate that an action, entity, or situation contravened a specific rule, law, agreement, or standard. For example: "The company's practices were in violation of the labor law."

What are some alternatives to "was in violation of"?

Alternatives include "failed to comply with", "acted in breach of", or "was non-compliant with". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "was in violation of" or "violated"?

"Was in violation of" is a more formal and descriptive phrase, while "violated" is a more concise verb. Use "was in violation of" when you want to emphasize the specific act of non-compliance. Otherwise, consider "violated" for brevity.

What's the difference between "was in violation of" and "was in breach of"?

"Was in violation of" generally refers to contravening a law or regulation, while "was in breach of" usually refers to breaking a contract or agreement. However, both phrases can sometimes be used interchangeably.