break the law — do something illegal
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
to do something that is not allowed by the law; to commit a crime or an illegal act.
Say it like a native
Textbook He committed a contravention of the statutory regulations.
Native He broke the law.
'Contravention of statutory regulations' is legalese; 'broke the law' is plain English.
Pattern: break the law
In use
- 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
Common mistake
✗ He broke a law by parking there.
✓ He broke the law by parking there.
Usually 'break THE law' (in general); 'a law' only when naming a specific one.
Common collocations
break the law— the, against, without, knowingly
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).