at the rule of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the rule of" is not commonly used in written English and may not be correct in most contexts.
It could be used in discussions about governance or authority, but it is more typical to use "under the rule of" instead. Example: "The citizens lived peacefully under the rule of a just king."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He was thumbing his nose at the rule of law to profiteer enormously".

The New York Times

It is a perversion of the American justice system that strikes directly at the rule of law.

The New York Times

A trial date has not yet been set, but the proceeding is to be held at the Rule of Law complex in the Rusafa section of the capital, a heavily fortified compound where judges live to protect them against retaliation.

The New York Times

"I would make the broader point that when you chip away at the rule of law and basic rights, ultimately, you falter profoundly... with [the emergence of] a culture that has allowed this to occur in the Northern Territory".

The Guardian

When the most powerful country in the world thumbs its nose at the rule of law and human rights, it grants a licence to others to commit abuse with impunity".

The Guardian

In truth, as long as the plutocrats thumb their noses at the rule of law and steal corporate assets with impunity, no Russian company is going to get the price their assets may deserve.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

LAST October China's Communist Party announced an "extensive and profound revolution" aimed at establishing the rule of law by 2020.

The Economist

--Attitudes and influence of key Palestinian interest groups on Palestinian plans, policies and actions aimed at promoting the rule of law and public order.

The Guardian

Commentators and analysts also welcome a Communist Party document promising wide-ranging changes to the judicial system aimed at strengthening the rule of law.

BBC

From Rwanda to Iraq to Darfur to Kenya's post-election violence earlier this year, revenge thrives where governments are weak, mistrusted, and ineffective at enforcing the rule of law.

Huffington Post

The commission we have on the party should absolutely look at the rules of the leadership election.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or regulatory environments, consider using the more common and grammatically sound phrase "under the rule of" instead of "at the rule of".

Common error

Avoid using "at" when "under" more accurately conveys the idea of being governed by a set of rules. Incorrect prepositional usage can obscure your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the rule of" functions as a prepositional phrase, attempting to modify a noun or verb by indicating a relationship to governance or legal principles. Ludwig AI indicates it is not a standard phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "at the rule of" appears in various sources, it is not considered grammatically standard. Ludwig AI suggests the phrase is not commonly used and "under the rule of" is much preferred. As such, "at the rule of" may be misunderstood. Alternatives like "under the rule of" offer clearer and more widely accepted ways to convey the intended meaning. When writing, consider using the alternatives to ensure clarity and maintain grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the rule of

Indicates governance or control by a specific entity or set of laws, focusing on the framework within which actions occur.

subject to the laws of

Highlights compliance and obligation within a legal framework, emphasizing adherence to established norms.

governed by the principles of

Emphasizes the guiding influence of specific principles or standards in decision-making and actions.

in accordance with the regulations of

Focuses on adherence to specific regulations or guidelines, emphasizing formal compliance.

within the framework of

Specifies the broader context or structure within which activities take place, indicating boundaries and guidelines.

under the authority of

Highlights the control and power exerted by a governing body or individual, focusing on the source of command.

compliant with the standards of

Stresses adherence to established standards and benchmarks, emphasizing conformity and quality.

guided by the tenets of

Emphasizes the foundational beliefs or principles that direct actions and decisions, providing a philosophical basis.

bound by the statutes of

Highlights the legal obligations and constraints imposed by statutory laws, emphasizing mandatory compliance.

respecting the jurisdiction of

Acknowledges and adheres to the legal boundaries and authority of a specific jurisdiction, emphasizing deference to legal powers.

FAQs

What is a more common alternative to "at the rule of"?

A more common and grammatically correct alternative is "under the rule of", which clearly indicates governance or control.

How to use "under the rule of" in a sentence?

Example: "The country prospered under the rule of a wise and just leader."

Is "at the rule of" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "at the rule of" is less common and can sound awkward. It's generally better to use "under the rule of" for clarity.

What does "under the rule of" mean?

It means being governed or controlled by a specific set of laws, principles, or authority.