Meaning
To fail to obey a rule or law.
Cultural Background
In American business culture, 'breaking the rules' is sometimes praised as 'disruption' or 'thinking outside the box.' In Japan, following social rules (manner) is extremely important. Breaking a small rule can cause 'meiwaku' (trouble/annoyance) to others. Germany is known for a high respect for 'Ordnung' (order). Rules are expected to be followed strictly to keep society functioning. The British often talk about 'fair play.' Breaking a rule in a game is seen as a major character flaw.
Plural is more common
If you are talking about being a rebellious person, say 'He breaks the rules' (plural) rather than 'He breaks a rule' (singular).
Don't say 'breaked'
This is the most common mistake for beginners. Always use 'broke' for the past tense.
Meaning
To fail to obey a rule or law.
Plural is more common
If you are talking about being a rebellious person, say 'He breaks the rules' (plural) rather than 'He breaks a rule' (singular).
Don't say 'breaked'
This is the most common mistake for beginners. Always use 'broke' for the past tense.
Use 'bend' for kindness
If you want to ask someone to help you even if it's against the rules, ask: 'Can you bend the rules for me just this once?'
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'break'.
Yesterday, he _______ a rule in the library and had to leave.
The sentence uses 'Yesterday', so we need the past simple form 'broke'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the most natural sentence.
We use 'rule' for games, not 'law' or 'regulation'.
Complete the dialogue.
Teacher: 'Why are you eating in class?' Student: 'I'm sorry, I didn't mean to _______.'
Eating in class is against the instructions, so it is 'breaking a rule'.
Match the action to the phrase.
You use your hands in a soccer game.
Using hands in soccer is not allowed.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where do we follow rules?
School
- • No running
- • Raise your hand
- • Be on time
Games
- • Wait your turn
- • No peeking
- • Follow the dice
Work
- • Dress code
- • Safety first
- • No smoking
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYesterday, he _______ a rule in the library and had to leave.
The sentence uses 'Yesterday', so we need the past simple form 'broke'.
Choose the most natural sentence.
We use 'rule' for games, not 'law' or 'regulation'.
Teacher: 'Why are you eating in class?' Student: 'I'm sorry, I didn't mean to _______.'
Eating in class is against the instructions, so it is 'breaking a rule'.
You use your hands in a soccer game.
Using hands in soccer is not allowed.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'Break a rule' refers to one specific action. 'Break the rules' refers to a general behavior or multiple violations.
Yes, speeding is a legal matter, so 'broke a law' or 'broke a traffic rule' both work.
Usually, but in art and innovation, it can be positive. It means you are being creative.
Use 'to violate a regulation' or 'to breach a protocol.'
It is a noun for a person who often disobeys rules. It can be an insult or a compliment.
Yes! 'Break a promise' is a very common and similar collocation.
Use 'a' if it's any rule. Use 'the' if you are talking about a specific rule everyone knows.
Usually, there is a 'consequence' or a 'penalty.'
Cheating is a type of rule-breaking, usually done to win a game or pass a test.
Yes! This means you did something you promised yourself you wouldn't do.
Related Phrases
Bend the rules
similarTo allow an exception to a rule without officially changing it.
Follow the rules
contrastTo obey all instructions and regulations.
Break the law
specialized formTo commit a crime punishable by the government.
Play by the rules
similarTo act fairly and honestly.
