a rule of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rule of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a principle or guideline that governs behavior or actions in a specific context. Example: "In our organization, there is a rule of conduct that all employees must follow to maintain professionalism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's a rule of thumb.

The New York Times

This is a rule of reason.

Cornell University

Then Obama broke a rule of politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a rule of law question.

The Guardian

It is a rule of injustice".

The Guardian

Now it's almost a rule of commerce.

The New York Times - Arts

This is a rule of technological innovation.

MIT Technology Review

"Thirty days, as a rule of thumb," Hendricks said.

The New York Times - Sports

"At the same time, there was a rule of law.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

There is a rule-of-law issue here".

The New York Times

As a rule-of-thumb this limit is at zero.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a rule of" to describe a guideline, ensure the context clearly defines the scope of the rule. For instance, specify whether it applies to a specific field, industry, or situation to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a rule of" as an unbreakable law. It often represents a general principle or guideline, which may have exceptions or variations depending on specific circumstances. Use qualifiers like 'generally' or 'typically' to indicate its non-absolute nature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rule of" functions primarily as a determiner and preposition, introducing a noun or noun phrase that represents a principle, standard, or guideline. Examples from Ludwig, such as "a rule of thumb" and "a rule of law", illustrate its use in specifying different types of governing principles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rule of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce various principles, guidelines, and standards across diverse contexts. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It appears most frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines the rule's scope and recognize that it often represents a general principle rather than an absolute law. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "a rule of" to convey clear and accurate information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a principle of

Replaces "rule" with "principle", emphasizing a fundamental belief or doctrine.

a guideline for

Substitutes "rule" with "guideline", suggesting a less strict and more advisory approach.

a standard for

Replaces "rule" with "standard", highlighting a benchmark or level of quality.

a regulation concerning

Uses "regulation" instead of "rule", implying a formal and legally binding requirement.

a convention in

Replaces "rule" with "convention", suggesting a widely accepted practice or custom.

a custom of

Uses "custom" instead of "rule", focusing on traditional and habitual practices.

a practice within

Substitutes "rule" with "practice", highlighting a common method or way of doing things.

a habit of

Replaces "rule" with "habit", suggesting a repeated behavior or tendency.

a method for

Uses "method" instead of "rule", focusing on a specific procedure or technique.

a system of

Replaces "rule" with "system", highlighting a structured and organized set of procedures.

FAQs

How can I use "a rule of" in a sentence?

You can use "a rule of" to introduce a guideline or principle, for example: "As a rule of thumb, allow 30 minutes of cooking time per pound of turkey", or "There's "a rule of civil procedure" about it -- Rule 11".

What's the difference between "a rule of thumb" and "a hard and fast rule"?

"A rule of thumb" is a general guideline based on practical experience, whereas "a hard and fast rule" is a strict, inflexible regulation that must be followed without exception.

What can I say instead of "a rule of"?

You can use alternatives like "a principle of", "a guideline for", or "a standard for" depending on the context.

Is "a rule of" always grammatically correct?

Yes, "a rule of" is grammatically correct. However, ensure that the subsequent noun or phrase accurately reflects the specific principle or guideline you intend to convey. For example, "a rule of law" describes the legal principle of governance under laws.