breaking the law

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiom

   doing something that is against the law

   Grammar: Used as a verb phrase; it does not usually take an object after 'law'.

   Patterns

   • breaking the law
   • break the law

   He was arrested for breaking the law.

   Breaking the law can lead to a fine or even prison.

   She didn't realize she was breaking the law by parking there.

2. 2phraseidiom

   the act of not obeying a particular legal rule

   Grammar: Often used in legal or news contexts about specific rules.

   Patterns

   • breaking the law on something
   • breaking a law

   The company was accused of breaking the law on safety standards.

   Breaking a law like this can result in heavy penalties.

   They are breaking the law by selling without a license.

Common combinations

breaking the law

Breaking the law is never a good idea.

break the law

You break the law if you drive without a license.

breaking the law by doing something

He was breaking the law by using his phone while driving.

accused of breaking the law

The manager was accused of breaking the law.

Synonyms and how they differ

committing a crime

More formal and usually refers to serious offenses; 'breaking the law' is broader and more everyday.

violating the law

Formal and often used in legal writing; 'breaking the law' is the common spoken phrase.

offending

Means doing something wrong or illegal but is less direct; it can also mean making someone upset.

Opposites

Word family

lawbreaker noun

a person who breaks the law

lawbreaking noun

the act of breaking the law

Commonly confused: breaking the law or breaking a law?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “breaking the law”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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