# illegally

/ˌɪˈɫiɡəɫi/ (US) · /ɪlˈiːɡəli/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/illegally
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

in a way that breaks the law. You use this when someone does something that is not allowed by the government or official rules.

For teachers: in a manner that contravenes established law or official regulations.

## Examples

- He was fined for parking his car illegally.
- The company was caught dumping waste illegally into the river and faced a massive fine.
- While the protesters claimed their actions were morally justified, the court ruled that they had entered the private facility illegally and were liable for damages.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He was arrested for drive illegally" but "He was arrested for driving illegally" — When following a preposition like 'for', the action must be a gerund (-ing form), not the base verb.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed after the verb or at the end of the clause; can also precede the past participle in passive constructions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.