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.
In my opinion, people who break the law should face consequences, but sometimes minor offences can be forgiven.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: He broke a law by parking there.
Say: He broke the law by parking there.
Usually 'break THE law' (in general); 'a law' only when naming a specific one.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Contravention of statutory regulations' is legalese; 'broke the law' is plain English.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
break the law
- the
- against
- without
- knowingly