a rule about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rule about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing guidelines, regulations, or principles related to a specific topic or subject matter. Example: "There is a rule about how to conduct meetings effectively to ensure everyone's voice is heard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Is there a rule about this?

The New York Times

Would there be a rule about typing in all caps?

The New York Times

A rule about not throwing directly at an opponent's skull?

The New York Times - Sports

I have a rule about dating my models.

The New Yorker

John has a rule about casting children: Never alone.

The New Yorker

He had a rule about not dating actresses.

The New York Times

And there is a rule about complete silence.

The New York Times

I have a rule about never fancying celebrities.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The peripatetic actor-writer-filmmaker Tim Blake Nelson has a rule about not directing his own plays.

The New Yorker

The story: Vardalos plays Genevieve, a florist in Brooklyn who has a rule about men -- no more relationships.

Huffington Post

Resolve to include a rule about pets in your roommate agreement.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Specify the source or authority behind "a rule about" to enhance its credibility and legitimacy. For example, instead of saying "There's a rule about cell phones", say "The company has a rule about cell phones".

Common error

Avoid using "a rule about" when the guideline is more of a suggestion or best practice. Using "suggestion for" or "guideline on" can better reflect the advisory nature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rule about" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun by specifying the topic or subject that the rule pertains to. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct phrase. Examples show it connecting a rule to a specific context or subject matter.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rule about" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce or refer to regulations, guidelines, or principles. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very common, predominantly in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. While generally neutral, its formality can vary. When writing, ensure that the context is clear, and consider the audience to determine whether a more formal alternative is appropriate. Common mistakes include overgeneralizing the applicability of the rule and not clearly stating its source. Always strive for precision and clarity in stating the boundaries and authority of any “a rule about”.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a regulation concerning

Replaces "rule" with "regulation", indicating a formal directive or law.

a guideline regarding

Substitutes "rule" with "guideline", suggesting a recommended practice rather than a strict requirement.

a policy on

Uses "policy" instead of "rule", emphasizing a formal plan or set of principles.

a principle governing

Replaces "rule" with "principle", highlighting a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior.

a standard for

Uses "standard" to denote a level of quality or attainment, especially one used by general agreement.

a requirement of

Emphasizes the obligatory nature of the rule, using "requirement" to indicate something that is needed or essential.

a provision relating to

Substitutes with "provision", often used in legal or formal contexts to denote a specific condition or stipulation.

a code of conduct for

Uses "code of conduct", which refers to a set of rules outlining the norms, rules, and responsibilities or proper practices of an individual party or organization.

a convention regarding

Replacing with "convention" suggests a generally agreed-upon practice or procedure.

stipulations concerning

Uses "stipulations" instead of "rule", highlighting specific and often formal conditions or agreements.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a rule about" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "a regulation concerning", "a policy on", or "a provision relating to".

Is "a rule about" the same as "a rule regarding"?

While both phrases are similar, "a rule about" is generally considered more informal. "A rule regarding" might be preferred in more formal writing.

When is it better to use "guidelines" instead of "a rule about"?

Use "guidelines" when you're referring to recommendations or best practices that are not strictly enforced. "A rule about" implies a stricter enforcement.

What's a common mistake people make when talking about rules?

One common mistake is not specifying the source of the rule. For example, instead of saying "There's a rule about that", it's better to say "The company has "a rule about" that".