## Breaking the Law: English Expressions for Lawbreaking### IntroductionEngaging in activities deemed illegal can be described in a multitude of ways in the English language. From formal legal terms to informal slang, the way we express "触犯法律" depends heavily on the context. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of common expressions used to describe breaking the law, ranging in severity and formality. ### Levels of Offenses and Corresponding Vocabulary#### 1. Minor Offenses/Misdemeanors:These actions are generally considered less serious and often result in less severe punishments like fines or community service. Some common phrases include:
To break the rules:
This is a general term often used for minor infractions.
Example:
"He
broke the rules
by littering in the park."
To commit an infraction:
A more formal way to describe a minor violation.
Example:
"She
committed an infraction
by parking in a handicapped spot."
To get a ticket:
Specifically refers to receiving a citation for a minor offense, often traffic-related.
Example:
"I
got a ticket
for speeding on the highway."#### 2. Criminal Offenses/Felonies:These actions are considered much more serious and can lead to imprisonment. Common expressions include:
To commit a crime:
A general term for engaging in illegal activity.
Example:
"He
committed a crime
by stealing from the store."
To break the law:
Similar to "commit a crime," but broader in scope.
Example:
"She
broke the law
by hacking into government databases."
To be charged with (a crime):
Used when someone is formally accused of a crime.
Example:
"He was
charged with
assault and battery."
To be convicted of (a crime):
Used when someone is found guilty of a crime in court.
Example:
"She was
convicted of
fraud and sentenced to prison."
To serve time:
Refers to spending time in jail or prison as punishment for a crime.
Example:
"He had to
serve time
for his involvement in the robbery." #### 3. Informal & Figurative Expressions:These are not legal terms, but rather common phrases used in everyday language to describe illegal or unethical behavior:
To cross the line:
Implies that someone has gone beyond acceptable behavior.
Example:
"He really
crossed the line
when he cheated on the exam."
To bend the rules:
Means to act outside of established rules, often to one's advantage.
Example:
"She knew how to
bend the rules
to get what she wanted."
To get away with (something):
To avoid punishment or consequences for wrongdoing.
Example:
"He thought he could
get away with
stealing the money."### ConclusionUnderstanding the nuances of language surrounding illegal activities is important for effective communication. This article provided a range of expressions, from formal legal terms to informal idioms, to help you accurately describe "触犯法律" in various contexts.
Breaking the Law: English Expressions for Lawbreaking
IntroductionEngaging in activities deemed illegal can be described in a multitude of ways in the English language. From formal legal terms to informal slang, the way we express "触犯法律" depends heavily on the context. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of common expressions used to describe breaking the law, ranging in severity and formality.
Levels of Offenses and Corresponding Vocabulary
1. Minor Offenses/Misdemeanors:These actions are generally considered less serious and often result in less severe punishments like fines or community service. Some common phrases include:* **To break the rules:** This is a general term often used for minor infractions.* *Example:* "He **broke the rules** by littering in the park." * **To commit an infraction:** A more formal way to describe a minor violation.* *Example:* "She **committed an infraction** by parking in a handicapped spot." * **To get a ticket:** Specifically refers to receiving a citation for a minor offense, often traffic-related. * *Example:* "I **got a ticket** for speeding on the highway."
2. Criminal Offenses/Felonies:These actions are considered much more serious and can lead to imprisonment. Common expressions include:* **To commit a crime:** A general term for engaging in illegal activity.* *Example:* "He **committed a crime** by stealing from the store." * **To break the law:** Similar to "commit a crime," but broader in scope.* *Example:* "She **broke the law** by hacking into government databases." * **To be charged with (a crime):** Used when someone is formally accused of a crime.* *Example:* "He was **charged with** assault and battery." * **To be convicted of (a crime):** Used when someone is found guilty of a crime in court.* *Example:* "She was **convicted of** fraud and sentenced to prison." * **To serve time:** Refers to spending time in jail or prison as punishment for a crime.* *Example:* "He had to **serve time** for his involvement in the robbery."
3. Informal & Figurative Expressions:These are not legal terms, but rather common phrases used in everyday language to describe illegal or unethical behavior:* **To cross the line:** Implies that someone has gone beyond acceptable behavior.* *Example:* "He really **crossed the line** when he cheated on the exam." * **To bend the rules:** Means to act outside of established rules, often to one's advantage.* *Example:* "She knew how to **bend the rules** to get what she wanted." * **To get away with (something):** To avoid punishment or consequences for wrongdoing. * *Example:* "He thought he could **get away with** stealing the money."
ConclusionUnderstanding the nuances of language surrounding illegal activities is important for effective communication. This article provided a range of expressions, from formal legal terms to informal idioms, to help you accurately describe "触犯法律" in various contexts.