contradicting the rules

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contradicting the rules" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or statements that go against established guidelines or regulations. Example: "His decision was seen as contradicting the rules set forth by the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In this network model, C-labeling rules for resolving the oxPPP flux were inherently contradicting the rules for optimally resolving the PC flux.

BMC Systems Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The bill directly contradicts the rules of the privatization auction, which stipulate that the state government's payroll would be deposited in Banespa for the next seven years.

The New York Times

The "Golden Rules of Magic" state that "Whenever a card's text directly contradicts the rules, the card takes precedence".

Wikipedia

Both elections were irregular, because they contradicted the rules established by the decree In Nomine Domini in 1059, but both sides defended the legality of the respective pontificates.

Wikipedia

The Russian Foreign Ministry said the unilateral sanctions would include measures "of an extraterritorial nature, beyond the agreed decisions of the international community and contradicting the principle of the rule of the international law, enshrined in the UN charter".

Huffington Post

It involves a discretionary usage of public resources, which contradicts the rule of law and the principle of bureaucratic impartiality.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a manoeuvre that brilliantly contradicts the rule that a revolve is generally used to make it look as if something is happening when nothing is, Hildegard Bechtler's terrific design constantly swivels as Harper's perspectives change.

The Guardian

However, since unfettered discretion contradicts the rule of law, the Attorney-General's powers are not absolute and are subject to legal limits.

Wikipedia

Soay sheep come in several colors, and researchers investigated why the larger, darker sheep were in decline; this occurrence contradicted the rule of thumb that larger members of a population tend to be more successful reproductively.

Wikipedia

The Supreme Court ruled that it contradicted the principle of equality.

The New York Times

If something in these directions contradicts the local rules, then follow the local rules.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contradicting the rules", ensure that the context clearly establishes which specific rules are being violated and the consequences of this contradiction. Specificity enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "contradicting the rules" without explicitly stating which rules are being contradicted. Ambiguity can weaken your argument and confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contradicting the rules" functions as a participial phrase, often modifying a noun or pronoun by describing an action that opposes or goes against established regulations or guidelines. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contradicting the rules" is used to describe actions that oppose established guidelines. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various writing contexts. While "contradicting" highlights an opposition, alternatives such as "violating the regulations" and "defying the guidelines" offer nuances in meaning related to breaching or resisting norms. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify which rules are being contradicted to avoid ambiguity. Given its appearance in news, scientific, and wiki sources, the phrase maintains a generally neutral register, though formality can increase depending on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

violating the regulations

Focuses specifically on the act of breaking established regulations.

defying the guidelines

Emphasizes a deliberate resistance or challenge to the guidelines.

infringing upon the principles

Highlights the violation of fundamental principles or beliefs.

running counter to the norms

Suggests a deviation from accepted social or behavioral standards.

clashing with the protocols

Implies a direct conflict or incompatibility with established protocols.

contravening the terms

Focuses on a breach of specific terms or conditions.

acting against the provisions

Highlights acting in opposition to specific provisions.

departing from the standards

Indicates a movement away from established benchmarks or criteria.

opposing the directives

Emphasizes direct opposition to established orders or instructions.

disregarding the conventions

Suggests a conscious choice to ignore established social conventions.

FAQs

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

You can use "contradicting the rules" to describe actions or statements that go against established guidelines or regulations. For example: "His decision was seen as "contradicting the rules" set forth by the organization".

What are some alternatives to saying "contradicting the rules"?

Alternatives include phrases like "violating the regulations", "defying the guidelines", or "infringing upon the principles", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "contradicting the rules" or "violating the rules"?

Both "contradicting the rules" and "violating the rules" are correct, but they emphasize different aspects. "Contradicting" suggests an inconsistency or opposition, while "violating" implies a direct breach or transgression.

What is the difference between "contradicting the rules" and "bending the rules"?

"Contradicting the rules" means directly opposing or going against established regulations. "Bending the rules", on the other hand, suggests finding loopholes or stretching the interpretation of the rules without technically breaking them.