What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
infringed
Example
The company infringed on the patent by producing a similar product. [infringed: verb]
Example
The artist sued the company for infringing on their copyright. [infringing: gerund or present participle]
violate
Example
The suspect was arrested for violating the terms of their parole. [violated: past tense]
Example
The paparazzi violated the celebrity's privacy by taking photos without permission. [violating: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Violate is more commonly used than infringe in everyday language, likely due to its broader range of applications. However, infringe is still widely used in legal and technical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between infringed and violate?
Both infringe and violate are formal words that are typically used in serious or legal contexts. However, violate may be slightly less formal due to its wider range of applications and potential use in everyday language.
