Grammar fix
break the law
do something illegal
to do something that is not allowed by the law; to commit a crime or an illegal act.
collocationB1common
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- If you break the law, you might have to pay a fine or go to court.society
- In my opinion, people who break the law should face consequences, but sometimes minor offences can be forgiven.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: break the law
WrongHe broke a law by parking there.
RightHe broke the law by parking there.
Usually 'break THE law' (in general); 'a law' only when naming a specific one.
Patternbreak the law
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Contravention of statutory regulations' is legalese; 'broke the law' is plain English.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
break the lawtheagainstwithoutknowingly
Don't confuse it
Do not confuse with 'change the law' (to make new laws or rules) or 'follow the law' (to obey the law).