altering the rules

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "altering the rules" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing changes or modifications to established guidelines or regulations. Example: "The committee is considering altering the rules to make the competition more inclusive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

They flourish in a world they deliberately built for themselves, by expertly altering the rules.

The New Yorker

Initially, politicians can dodge the fire, paying lip service to reformist desires without significantly altering the rules of the game.

The Guardian - Opinion

He should offer to revise the constitution's most divisive parts and discuss altering the rules governing the coming election.

The Economist

Strangely, there is little chance of sitting congressmen and senators altering the rules to help the upstarts.

The Economist

Eight members opposed altering the rules, three said they remained undecided and the 13 others could not be reached this week.

The New York Times

There is, to my mind, something not quite right about a rule that allows the chancellor himself to define the cycle and keep altering the rules.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

But the agency is considering altering the rule so that it would affect fewer companies, Reuters reports.

The New York Times

Lottery officials said they could not alter the rules.

The New York Times

In the case of Silvio Berlusconi, you alter the rules.

The Economist

Airlines may not change the fare, but alter the rules for getting the fare.

The New York Times

House Republicans are also proposing to alter the rules surrounding the consolidation of student loans.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing changes to rules, specify the context or domain (e.g. "altering the rules" in sports, business, or politics) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "altering the rules" without specifying which rules are being altered. Provide context to ensure the reader understands the specific changes being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "altering the rules" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun in a sentence. It describes the action of modifying or changing existing regulations, guidelines, or conventions, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

15%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "altering the rules" is a grammatically correct and frequently used gerund phrase that describes the act of modifying existing regulations or guidelines. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across a variety of contexts, from news and media to academia and science. When using the phrase, clarity is key; be sure to specify which rules are being altered to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives include "modifying the regulations" or "changing the guidelines". The phrase is appropriate for both formal and informal communication, with a neutral tone that makes it widely accessible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modifying the regulations

Emphasizes a partial or limited change to regulations.

changing the guidelines

Focuses on adjusting or revising established guidelines.

revising the policies

Highlights a formal review and amendment of policies.

adjusting the framework

Suggests a tweak or alteration to an existing structural framework.

amending the procedures

Implies making formal corrections or additions to procedures.

reforming the system

Suggests a comprehensive change to the entire system

transforming the norms

Implies a fundamental shift in accepted standards or behaviors.

reshaping the conventions

Focuses on changing traditional practices or agreements.

tweaking the regulations

Indicates a minor or subtle adjustment to existing regulations.

overhauling the framework

Indicates a thorough and extensive revision of an existing framework.

FAQs

How can I use "altering the rules" in a sentence?

You can use "altering the rules" to describe the act of changing or modifying existing regulations or guidelines. For instance, "The company is considering "modifying the regulations" to accommodate new market trends."

What's the difference between "altering the rules" and "breaking the rules"?

"Altering the rules" refers to the act of changing or modifying existing regulations, often through legitimate means. "Breaking the rules", on the other hand, implies violating or disobeying existing regulations.

What can I say instead of "altering the rules"?

Alternatives include "modifying the regulations", "changing the guidelines", or "revising the policies", depending on the specific context.

Is "altering the rules" formal or informal language?

The phrase "altering the rules" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the communication.