bylaws

USAGE SUMMARY

'bylaws' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a set of rules that a group of people, such as a company or a club, have established in order to regulate their activities and govern their organization. For example: "The bylaws of our company state that all board meetings must be recorded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, she declined to comment on whether punitive action will be taken against potential violators of the bylaws.

The Guardian

Bylaws will be made in council chambers, not Westminster and Whitehall.

The Guardian - Opinion

If it feels like you're waking up to a slightly different world on Wednesday, then it's because you will be. 1 January is habitually a watershed for new rules, appointments and bylaws; 2014 is no exception.

The Guardian

Xerox's bylaws indemnify its executives for all such charges, so the company will be paying Mr Allaire's $7.6m, as well as the $11.8m that the SEC has demanded from five other Xerox executives.

The Economist

With directors and officers buying insurance directly, there would be no need for company bylaws to indemnify their mistakes and let them keep the proceeds even of egregious fraud.

The Economist

Ed Ray, the NCAA's executive committee chair, said they were justified under the NCAA's bylaws regarding integrity and ethical conduct, because of "the conspiracy of silence that was maintained at the highest levels of the university".

The Economist

Mr Monks, on the other hand, sees the case as a test of whether American authorities can prevent the issuance of securities based on false information.The SEC is also at the heart of another battle over the procedures for changing companies' bylaws on elections to their boards.

The Economist

The first is a shareholder vote at the general meeting on March 20th to remove provisions in Endesa's bylaws capping any investor's vote at 10%.

The Economist

Buzzfeed.com, October 12thPhoto op "We're a faith-based organisation; we are apolitical…It's strictly in our bylaws not to do it".

The Economist

The result may be that outside candidates will seek election only if they are almost certain to win in other words, that little will change.But those who hope it is the start of a positive trend can point to a recent change in corporate law in the state of Delaware, which took effect on August 1st, to make it easier to introduce such reimbursement bylaws.

The Economist

An attempt in 2003 by William Donaldson, then SEC chairman, to allow shareholders to nominate directors on the company proxy was shelved when bosses objected.Shareholder activists then hit upon a strategy that, it seemed, bosses could not block: voting to change company bylaws to allow contested elections on the official proxy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to specific rules within an organization, ensure you accurately reflect the official terminology as defined in their "bylaws".

Common error

Don't assume that all organizational rules are enshrined in "bylaws"; many operational procedures are documented separately in internal policy manuals.

Linguistic Context

The term "bylaws" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the rules established by an organization to govern its internal affairs. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from corporate governance to local regulations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "bylaws" refers to a set of rules adopted by an organization to govern its operations. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and formal business contexts. The phrase functions as a noun and serves to define the operational framework of an organization. Related terms include "rules and regulations" and "governing regulations". When writing about organizational rules, it’s important to specify that the official terminology aligns with definitions in the “bylaws”, as other less-official internal policy manuals may exist. Ludwig's analysis confirms the importance of using the term accurately and understanding its scope within the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rules and regulations

This alternative uses a broader term that encompasses both specific rules and general regulations, offering a slightly more comprehensive scope.

governing regulations

This alternative focuses on the regulatory aspect of the bylaws, emphasizing their role in governing an organization.

internal regulations

This alternative highlights that the regulations are specific to the internal operations of an organization.

organizational rules

This alternative is a more general term, focusing on the set of rules within an organization.

company policies

This alternative is specific to corporate settings, referring to established guidelines and procedures.

corporate charter

This alternative refers to the legal document establishing a corporation and defining its purpose and structure.

statutes

This alternative relates to formal written laws enacted by a legislative body, often used in a broader legal context.

procedural rules

This alternative emphasizes the specific procedures and processes governed by the bylaws.

code of conduct

This alternative specifies the ethical and behavioral standards expected within an organization.

articles of association

This alternative refers to the document that defines the purpose and structure of a company, particularly in the UK.

FAQs

What are examples of topics covered in company "bylaws"?

"Bylaws" often detail topics such as board member selection, meeting procedures, amendment processes, and shareholder rights.

How do "bylaws" differ from a company's articles of incorporation?

"Bylaws" are internal rules for governance, while articles of incorporation establish the company's legal existence and fundamental purpose.

What happens if the "bylaws" conflict with state or federal laws?

In case of a conflict, state and federal laws always supersede the "bylaws". It is important to ensure compliance to avoid legal repercussions.

Can "bylaws" be changed or amended?

Yes, "bylaws" can be amended, typically through a process outlined within the "rules and regulations" themselves, often involving a vote by the organization's members or board of directors.