explicitly rule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explicitly rule" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a clear and direct regulation or guideline that leaves no room for ambiguity. Example: "The new policy explicitly rules out any form of discrimination in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Maybe – but Salmond did seem to explicitly rule that out half an hour ago (see 11.05pm).

The Guardian

Mr. McConnell did not explicitly rule out Republican cooperation in passing a bill.

The New York Times

The SNP's real aim is a looser deal, which Miliband did not explicitly rule out.

The Guardian - Opinion

In his statement, Mr Jarvis did not explicitly rule out standing for the number two role.

Independent

Either the terms and conditions will explicitly rule out sharing downloads, or will use language which implicitly rules against it.

The Guardian - Money

Many of these treaties explicitly rule out immunity for any official, including a former head of state.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Mr Sarkozy has explicitly ruled this out.

The Economist

In fact it was explicitly ruled out.

The Guardian

The last of those was explicitly ruled out on Monday.

The Guardian - Business

Hunt explicitly ruled out regulating Google-owned video-sharing website YouTube, however.

The Guardian

The law counsels a number of preventive steps and explicitly rules out verbal and physical vigilantism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explicitly rule", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being excluded or prohibited to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The contract explicitly rules out any verbal agreements."

Common error

Avoid using "explicitly rule" when an implicit exclusion is already present. For instance, instead of saying "The policy explicitly rules out what is already understood as inappropriate behavior", refine it to directly state the prohibited behavior, making the exclusion more targeted and less redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explicitly rule" functions as a verb phrase indicating a clear and direct exclusion or prohibition. Ludwig highlights its frequent use in contexts where precise boundaries or conditions are being established.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explicitly rule" is a verb phrase commonly used to indicate a clear and direct exclusion or prohibition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and formal contexts. When using "explicitly rule", clarity is key, so ensure the context clearly defines what is being excluded. Alternatives like "expressly prohibit" or "specifically exclude" can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning. It's crucial to avoid redundancy by not using "explicitly rule" when an exclusion is already implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expressly prohibit

Focuses on the act of forbidding something through a clear statement.

expressly forbid

Similar to expressly prohibit, but with a stronger connotation of authority.

specifically exclude

Highlights the act of removing something from a particular category or consideration.

categorically deny

Emphasizes a firm and unambiguous rejection of something.

unequivocally reject

Stresses the lack of any doubt or hesitation in refusing something.

definitively preclude

Indicates that something is made impossible or prevented from happening.

formally disallow

Highlights the official nature of the prohibition.

flatly refuse

Emphasizes a direct and blunt refusal.

absolutely dismiss

Indicates a complete rejection of an idea or possibility, without any consideration.

outright ban

Focuses on a complete and immediate prohibition.

FAQs

How can I use "explicitly rule" in a sentence?

You can use "explicitly rule" to indicate a clear prohibition or exclusion. For example, "The terms of the agreement "explicitly rule out" any modifications without prior written consent."

What is a good alternative to "explicitly rule"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "expressly prohibit", "specifically exclude", or "categorically deny".

Is it better to "explicitly rule out" or "implicitly exclude" something?

"Explicitly ruling out" something leaves no room for ambiguity, while "implicitly excluding" relies on suggestion, which can lead to misunderstandings. Explicit statements are generally clearer and more enforceable.

When should I use "explicitly rule" versus "clearly state"?

Use "explicitly rule" when something is being excluded or prohibited. Use "clearly state" when you want to emphasize a fact or requirement. For example, "The document clearly states the requirements for submission."