as guidelines

USAGE SUMMARY

"as guidelines" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You typically use this phrase to indicate that the thing you are talking about is meant to be used as a guide or reference to help you make decisions or take action. For example, "We have provided a list of best practices as guidelines for how to approach this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There aren't rules, as much as guidelines.

The Guardian - Music

Although these aims are often presented as guidelines, not mandates, management rarely treats them as negotiable.

The New Yorker

This disregards the difference between rules as guidelines for action and their ad hoc application in the real world.

The New York Times

The Treasury officials said they were still writing a policy on conflicts of interest as well as guidelines on compensation.

The New York Times

Those seeking to speed up college lacrosse say the professional rules should serve as guidelines.

The New York Times - Sports

The highest-scoring designs are retained as guidelines ("parents") for a new generation of designs.

The Economist

In this case, the state presented the protocol as guidelines that could carelessly be "ignored".

The New York Times

They should be used as guidelines rather than as intransigent blocks to creative approaches and thought.

The New York Times

Use the recipes as guidelines and customize according to your preference.

The New York Times - Magazine

Answers to these questions are incorporated as guidelines for PD4CAT.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

The results can be used as guidelines for the experimental work on star synthesis.

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as guidelines", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being guided or referenced. Be specific about the purpose of the guidelines.

Common error

Avoid presenting something "as guidelines" when it is actually intended as a mandatory requirement. This can lead to confusion and non-compliance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as guidelines" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb or clause. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and serves to describe the intended use or purpose of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Unknown

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as guidelines" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively communicates that something is intended for guidance rather than strict adherence. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a broad range of writing, from scientific papers to news articles and general instructions. Remember to use it when you want to suggest a flexible approach and avoid imposing rigid rules.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a guide

This alternative shortens the phrase while retaining the core meaning of providing direction.

for guidance

This alternative shifts the focus to the purpose of providing guidance.

as a reference

This emphasizes the use of something as a source of information.

for informational purposes

This emphasizes the intent to inform and guide.

to serve as direction

This alternative highlights the directional aspect.

to be used as a roadmap

This uses a metaphor to illustrate the guiding function.

to function as a template

This emphasizes the role of a pattern to follow.

as a framework

This highlights the structured aspect of guidance.

as a set of principles

This refers to a collection of fundamental rules or beliefs.

for general orientation

This emphasizes the process of understanding and becoming familiar with something.

FAQs

How can I use "as guidelines" in a sentence?

You can use "as guidelines" to indicate that something is meant to be used as a reference or a direction. For example, "Use these suggestions "as guidelines", not strict rules."

What phrases are similar to "as guidelines"?

Similar phrases include "as a guide", "for guidance", or "as a reference". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "as a guideline" instead of "as guidelines"?

Both "as a guideline" and "as guidelines" are grammatically correct, but "as guidelines" is more common when referring to a set or collection of guiding principles. Use "as a guideline" when referring to a single, specific point of reference.

What's the difference between "as guidelines" and "as instructions"?

"As guidelines" suggests a flexible approach, offering advice or suggestions. "As instructions", on the other hand, implies a more rigid, step-by-step process that must be followed precisely. They are not interchangeable.