a firm rule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a firm rule" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strict or unyielding guideline or principle that must be followed. Example: "In our organization, there is a firm rule that all employees must adhere to the code of conduct at all times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

And we had a firm rule that anybody who left had to sell back their stock".

The New York Times

Solicitor General Theodore B. Olson urged in his brief against adopting such a firm rule.

The New York Times

Still, it was a firm rule that trade interventions had to be "GATT-legal" -- that is, they couldn't violate the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.

The New York Times

In the New York Police Department, there is a firm rule against hiring anyone — potential police officers or civilians — with a felony conviction, said Paul J. Browne, the department's chief spokesman.

The New York Times

A firm rule may satisfy even an East Side bicycle opponent like Gabrielle Leppert, 70, who often walks her bichon, Benji, along the 96th-97th Street pedestrian path and worries that a bicycle could hit the dog.

The New York Times

-- Go on and string yourselves up, turn on the gas.' " April 28 , 1942 "It has by now become a firm rule: On the day after a house search there are suicides".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

It created a very firm rule of actual confrontation for a narrowed class of covered hearsay, termed "testimonial statements," and created only a limited number of exceptions.

Duke University

"But if you had a good firm rule of law, and the markets knew... there were no exceptions... you would be in the long run much better off.

Huffington Post

We had an absolutely firm rule".

Wikipedia

Some talk of the necessity of a period of "firm rule".

The Guardian

In Tripoli, Libya Dawn has struggled to impose firm rule on a city now giving way to anarchy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When establishing guidelines, clearly articulate “a firm rule” to ensure everyone understands the non-negotiable aspects of the expectations, fostering consistent behavior and accountability.

Common error

Avoid applying “a firm rule” inflexibly in situations that require nuanced judgment; always consider extenuating circumstances to prevent unfair or impractical outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a firm rule" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a guideline or principle that is strictly enforced. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase indicates something that is unwavering and consistently applied.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a firm rule" is a commonly used phrase to denote a strict and consistently enforced guideline. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It functions as a noun phrase, typically used to establish clear expectations and boundaries. Its usage is most frequent in News & Media and Academia. When writing, it’s beneficial to understand when to apply "a firm rule" and when to allow for flexibility. Alternatives like "a strict regulation" or "a hard and fast rule" can be used to emphasize different aspects of the rule's nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strict regulation

Replaces "rule" with "regulation" and "firm" with "strict", emphasizing the mandatory aspect.

a hard and fast rule

Adds "hard and fast" to emphasize the unyielding nature of the rule.

an established policy

Substitutes "rule" with "policy", indicating a more formal guideline.

a fixed principle

Replaces "rule" with "principle", suggesting a foundational belief or standard.

a mandatory requirement

Emphasizes the compulsory aspect by using "mandatory requirement" instead of "rule".

a non-negotiable condition

Highlights the inflexibility of the rule as a condition that cannot be altered.

an unbending standard

Focuses on the rigid and inflexible aspect of the rule.

a rigid guideline

Conveys the strict and inflexible nature of the rule.

an ironclad regulation

Uses "ironclad" to intensify the rule's strength and enforceability.

a definitive provision

Replaces "rule" with "provision", implying a specific and clear term or stipulation.

FAQs

What does "a firm rule" mean?

The phrase "a firm rule" refers to a strict, unyielding guideline or principle that must be followed without exception. It indicates a clear and non-negotiable standard of behavior or procedure.

How to use "a firm rule" in a sentence?

You can use "a firm rule" to describe a policy or guideline that is strictly enforced. For example, "The company has "a firm rule" against using company resources for personal use."

What are some alternatives to "a firm rule"?

Alternatives to "a firm rule" include "a strict regulation", "a hard and fast rule", or "a mandatory requirement".

Is it better to use "strict rule" or "a firm rule"?

Both "strict rule" and "a firm rule" are acceptable, but they have slightly different connotations. "A firm rule" suggests a well-established and consistently enforced guideline, while "strict rule" emphasizes the severity of the rule.