a standing rule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a standing rule" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a rule or regulation that is established and remains in effect until it is amended or repealed. Example: "According to the organization's bylaws, a standing rule requires all members to attend at least three meetings per year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

A harsh headmaster had a standing rule that students had to take off shoes or boots before entering the classroom.

The New York Times - Books

According to the saxophonist Bob Wilber, "he made it a standing rule never to take overseas engagements during the World Series".

The Guardian - Music

8. David Cross had to fight for the mustache worn by his character, Tobias Funke, because Fox executive Gail Berman had a standing rule for men in comedies: no hats, no mustaches, no fluffy shirts.

The New Yorker

David Cross had to fight for the mustache worn by his character, Tobias Funke, because Fox executive Gail Berman had a standing rule for men in comedies: no hats, no mustaches, no fluffy shirts.

The New Yorker

After the teams converged on the field, umpires ejected both Payton and Lima and warned both teams not to throw at hitters, as part of baseball's new enforcement of a standing rule.

The New York Times - Sports

Lorne Craner, a foreign-policy thinker who worked for McCain in the House and Senate in the 1980s, told me that McCain had a standing rule in his office then.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Justice Anthony Kennedy writing for the majority in a 7-1 decision, held that a lower federal appellate court erred by not holding the University to a 2003 decision and the exacting requirements of a long standing rule the government must follow when making distinctions based on race.

Huffington Post

But, at the same time you have to respect the patient's right to accept or reject any medical treatment and, as I said, there has also been a long standing rule that they are to respect the patient's request for another opinion from a physician of their choice "(P1).

BMC Medical Ethics

Before kick-off the Manchester police could be seen enforcing a strict "no persistent standing" rule inside the stadium.

The Guardian - Sport

Wilkins did receive his Nobel Prize, by way of happy end, but a most awkward situation would once again have arisen had Franklin still been alive in 1962 [since according to a long-standing rule, a Nobel Prize can be shared by three individuals at most; cf. Watson et al. (2012, p. 243)].

History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences

According to university lore, the pasture was where students grazed their horses in the late 19th century; a standing university rule dictates that the president, or "prexy," has sole rights to the area for livestock grazing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a standing rule", ensure the context clearly indicates who enforces the rule and what the consequences are for violating it. This adds clarity and authority to your writing.

Common error

Avoid implying that "a standing rule" is universally known or accepted. Clearly define the specific group or context to which the rule applies to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a standing rule" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific type of regulation or guideline. It denotes a rule that is established and consistently in effect. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a standing rule" refers to an established and consistently enforced guideline. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in various contexts such as News & Media, Academia, and Science. It is generally neutral, tending towards formal, and is used to communicate or remind about existing expectations and procedures. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context is clear regarding who enforces the rule and the consequences of its violation. Consider alternatives like "an established regulation" or "a set procedure" to convey similar meanings with nuanced differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an established regulation

Focuses on the official and permanent nature of the rule.

a set procedure

Emphasizes the structured and sequential nature of the rule.

a fixed policy

Highlights the organization's commitment to the rule.

a firm guideline

Suggests the rule is advisory but strongly recommended.

a standing order

Implies the rule is a formal directive.

a constant practice

Focuses on the habitual and consistent application of the rule.

a customary law

Indicates the rule is derived from tradition and widespread acceptance.

a long-held principle

Emphasizes the historical significance and importance of the rule.

an unwritten law

Signifies the rule is followed without formal documentation.

a general provision

Suggests that the rule applies broadly across situations.

FAQs

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

You can use "a standing rule" to describe an established and consistently enforced guideline. For example, "It was "a standing rule" that students had to remove their shoes before entering the classroom".

What are some alternatives to "a standing rule"?

Alternatives include "an established regulation", "a set procedure", or "a fixed policy", depending on the context and level of formality you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "a standing rule" or "a long-standing rule"?

Both are correct, but "a long-standing rule" /s/a+long-standing+rule emphasizes the rule's duration and history. "A standing rule" simply implies that the rule is currently in effect.

Can "a standing rule" be informal, or does it always imply a formal regulation?

While often used in formal contexts, "a standing rule" can also apply to informal settings, such as "a house rule" or a generally accepted practice within a group.