by rules

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by rules" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is done according to established guidelines or regulations. Example: "The game is played by rules that all participants must follow to ensure fairness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I don't abide by rules.

The New York Times

She wasn't bound by rules".

The New York Times - Arts

By rules even.

The Guardian - Music

"By rules it wasn't a fumble.

The New York Times - Sports

Novelists are not bound by rules of doctoral quotation.

The Economist

An engineer is not led blindly by rules.

The New York Times

Asian cultures are a little bit more bound by rules.

The New York Times

Great advertisements are not, however, created by rules and principles.

The Guardian

With so much interest in cheese, it makes sense not to be bound by rules.

The New York Times - Food

Thirteen people died.In a country bound by rules about everything, water safety is a surprising exception.

The Economist

Unconstrained by rules, "he tried all sorts of things," working quickly, precisely, following his intuition.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about regulations, consider using "according to the rules" or "in accordance with guidelines" for a formal tone. Be sure to maintain consistency in style within your document.

Common error

Avoid using "by rules" when referring to suggestions or informal guidelines. This phrase implies mandatory adherence to established regulations, not optional advice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by rules" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying verbs or nouns to indicate the manner or condition under which an action is performed or a state exists. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that something is done according to established guidelines or regulations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by rules" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate adherence to established regulations or guidelines. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and business publications, reflecting its versatility. While generally neutral in tone, it often carries a formal or professional connotation. To enhance clarity, consider using "according to the rules" in formal settings. Be mindful not to use it for suggestions, reserving it for situations involving strict compliance. Ludwig's examples show that various sources use "by rules" when there is a degree of established regulation involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to the rules

Replaces the preposition "by" with "according to" emphasizing compliance.

in accordance with regulations

Uses a more formal tone, specifying "regulations" instead of general "rules".

pursuant to the guidelines

Offers a formal and legalistic alternative, using "guidelines" for a more specific context.

subject to the provisions

Specifies that actions or decisions are "subject to" certain conditions laid out in "provisions".

within the framework of the law

Indicates operations are constrained or enabled "within" a "framework" of legal boundaries.

under the constraints of protocol

Implies actions are influenced "under" a set of established procedures, "protocol".

governed by policies

Indicates actions are "governed" or regulated "by policies" emphasizing organizational control.

dictated by procedures

Highlights how set workflows "dictate" the sequence and nature of steps being taken.

as per the stipulations

Specifies actions are performed "as per" formal terms detailed in a set of "stipulations".

consistent with the standards

Indicates compliance and uniformity in matching a set of well-defined "standards".

FAQs

How can I use "by rules" in a sentence?

You can use "by rules" to indicate that something is done according to established guidelines or regulations. For example: "The competition is governed "by rules" ensuring fair play."

What can I say instead of "by rules"?

You can use alternatives like "according to the rules", "in accordance with regulations", or "pursuant to the guidelines" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "by rules" or "according to rules"?

Both "by rules" and "according to rules" are grammatically correct, but "according to the rules" is often preferred for its clarity and formality.

What's the difference between "by rules" and "under rules"?

"By rules" implies adherence to a set of established regulations, while "under rules" suggests being subject to or governed by them. The distinction is subtle but important for precise communication.