Infraction vs Imfraction Quiz: Test Yourself
Five quick questions on infraction vs imfraction. Pick an answer to get instant feedback.
Flip Cards: Quick Review
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A violation of a rule or law, often minor.
“He paid a fine for a parking infraction.”
Not a real word.
It is a misspelling. Write “infraction” instead.
To break a law or encroach on a right.
“The copy infringes on the author’s copyright.”
The act of breaking a law or right.
“The company sued for patent infringement.”
People mix up infraction vs imfraction because of how the word sounds when spoken. Your lips and teeth shape the “f,” which can make the “n” before it sound a little like an “m.” Only one spelling is correct, and it is “infraction,” with an “n.”
| Term | Meaning | Part of speech / Category | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infraction | A violation of a rule, law or agreement, usually a minor one | Noun / correct spelling | The referee called an infraction on the visiting team. |
| Imfraction | None; a misspelling of infraction | Not a word / common error | Incorrect: She was cited for an imfraction. |
| Infringe | To break a law or agreement, or to encroach on someone’s rights | Verb / related word | The ad may infringe on their trademark. |
| Infringement | The act of breaking a law or violating a right | Noun / related word | The lawsuit alleges copyright infringement. |
What does infraction mean?
An infraction is a violation of a rule, law or agreement, and the word usually points to a minor one. It is a noun, and the plural is infractions.
You will see it in everyday and official settings. A speeding ticket is a traffic infraction, a dress code violation is a policy infraction, and a foul in sports is a rule infraction. In many places in the United States, an infraction is also a legal category for minor offenses that are typically punished with a fine rather than jail time, and it is generally treated as less serious than a misdemeanor. The exact rules vary by state and country.
The word comes from the Latin infringere, meaning to break. That root also gives us “infringe” and “infringement,” and it is related to “fracture” and “fraction.”
Is “imfraction” a real word?
No, “imfraction” is not a standard English word. It is a misspelling of “infraction,” and spell-checkers will flag it.
The mistake is easy to make. English does have a spelling pattern where “in-” turns into “im-” before certain letters, such as in “impossible” and “immature.” Writers sometimes apply that pattern to the wrong word. In “infraction,” the prefix stays “in-,” and the root is “fraction.”
Infraction vs imfraction: why do people confuse them?
The confusion comes from sound and from a real spelling rule. When you say “infraction” quickly, the “n” is pronounced just before the “f,” and the sound can drift toward an “m.” Writers then spell what they think they hear.
The prefix rule adds to the problem. The prefix “in-” changes to “im-” only before the letters b, m and p. The letter “f” is not on that list, which is why we write “infinite,” “inflate” and “influence,” and also “infraction.”
How can you remember how to spell infraction?
Remember that infraction is “in” plus “fraction,” and “fraction” comes from a Latin word meaning to break. An infraction breaks a rule, so spell it with the same “n” you hear at the start of “in-.”
Common mistakes with infraction vs imfraction
- ✗ She was cited for a parking imfraction.
✓ She was cited for a parking infraction. - ✗ The player’s imfraction cost the team a point.
✓ The player’s infraction cost the team a point. - ✗ Several rule imfractions were reported.
✓ Several rule infractions were reported. - ✗ The company was sued for copyright imfringement.
✓ The company was sued for copyright infringement. - ✗ Even a minor imfraction can lead to a fine.
✓ Even a minor infraction can lead to a fine.
Memory tricks
- B, M, P only. The prefix “in-” becomes “im-” only before b, m or p. There is no “f” in that group, so keep the “n.”
- Infraction = in + fraction. A fraction is a piece broken off, and an infraction is a rule that has been broken.
- Spot the family. Infraction, infringe and infringement all start with “inf-,” so none of them take an “m.”
Frequently asked questions
Is it infraction or imfraction?
The correct spelling is infraction. Imfraction is a common misspelling and is not found in standard dictionaries.
Is imfraction ever correct?
No. Imfraction is not an accepted spelling in any standard form of English. Always write infraction.
What is an infraction in law?
In many places in the United States, an infraction is a minor offense, such as a traffic violation, that is usually punished with a fine. It is generally less serious than a misdemeanor, but the exact rules vary by state and country.
What is the plural of infraction?
The plural is infractions, as in “The report listed three infractions.” Imfractions is a misspelling.
What is the difference between infraction and infringement?
An infraction is a violation of a rule or law, often a minor one. Infringement is the act of breaking a law or violating a right, and it is commonly used for copyright, patent and trademark cases.
Conclusion
When it comes to infraction vs imfraction, only infraction is correct. Keep the “n,” because “in-” turns into “im-” only before b, m and p. Share this with someone who mixes these two up.