applying the rules

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "applying the rules" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of putting established guidelines or regulations into practice in various contexts, such as legal, educational, or organizational settings. Example: "The team is focused on applying the rules consistently to ensure fairness in the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Danish government respondent to these rulings by dropping those distinctions, and applying the rules more broadly – to all children eight or older with a parent in the home country, and to all couples who apply for spousal reunification (Immigration & Denmark/Udlændingestyrelsen, 2016a, 2016b).

Comparative Migration Studies

Applying the rules of quantum mechanics to everyday objects produces perplexing implications.

The New York Times - Science

"It's about applying the rules of capitalism to investment banks," says spokesman Greg Ford.

The Guardian - Business

75 min "I am not being pedantic, just applying the rules," says Bernard Crofton.

The Guardian - Sport

The court reached its verdict on Wednesday by applying the rules that regulated it before the new law was passed.

The Guardian

In rugby, the man in the middle treads a fine line between applying the rules and letting the game flow.

The New York Times - Sports

At the Winter X Games, athletes have a say in creating and applying the rules of competition.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Clinton did not refer to them directly, but repeatedly urged his audience to be inclusive rather than exclusive in compiling and applying the rules of free trade.

The New York Times

These gaps and tensions are difficult to reconcile, and this in turn complicates the task of interpreting and applying the rules," Legg writes.

The Guardian

The book touches on notions like script direction, vowels, and justification in an innovative way by applying the rules of Arabic to Latin.

The New Yorker

Despite devoting time, expense and care to calculating tax and filling in tax returns, half of small businesses worry about making mistakes in applying the rules.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or ethical matters, ensure you accurately describe the specific rules being applied to avoid ambiguity and maintain clarity.

Common error

Instead of broadly stating "the rules were applied", specify which rules are being applied and the context in which they are relevant. This adds credibility and prevents misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "applying the rules" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun. It typically serves as the subject or object of a verb, describing the action of putting established guidelines or regulations into effect. Ludwig AI confirms its common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "applying the rules" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes the action of putting established guidelines or regulations into practice. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility is showcased through examples from diverse contexts such as news, science, and formal business. While the phrase is widely acceptable, being specific about which rules are being applied improves clarity and precision. Consider alternatives like "enforcing the regulations" or "implementing the guidelines" for nuanced meanings. Ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning to maintain clarity and effectiveness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enforcing the regulations

Emphasizes the active enforcement of rules, often implying a stricter approach.

implementing the guidelines

Focuses on the practical execution and putting the rules into effect.

executing the procedures

Highlights the systematic carrying out of a set of defined actions.

administering the policies

Implies a formal management and application of established policies.

observing the protocols

Stresses adherence to established protocols, often in a scientific or technical context.

adhering to the standards

Focuses on maintaining compliance with specific standards or benchmarks.

carrying out the provisions

Highlights the fulfillment of specific requirements or conditions.

effectuating the directives

Emphasizes the active process of making directives or orders effective.

putting the regulations into practice

Focuses on the practical implementation of regulations in real-world scenarios.

operationalizing the framework

Highlights the process of making a conceptual framework functional and practical.

FAQs

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

You can use "applying the rules" to describe the process of putting regulations, guidelines, or principles into practice. For example, "The judge was tasked with "applying the law" fairly in the case."

What are some alternatives to "applying the rules"?

Some alternatives include "enforcing the regulations", "implementing the guidelines", or "administering the policies" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "applying the rules" or "following the rules"?

"Applying the rules" and "following the rules" have distinct meanings. "Applying the rules" suggests actively implementing or enforcing a set of guidelines, while "following the rules" means adhering to them. The choice depends on whether you are talking about enforcing or complying with rules.

What is the difference between "applying the rules" and "interpreting the rules"?

"Applying the rules" involves putting established guidelines into practice. "Interpreting the rules", on the other hand, involves understanding and explaining the meaning of the rules, which may be necessary before "applying them".