follow this rule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "follow this rule" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to adhere to a specific guideline or principle. Example: "To ensure consistency in our work, please follow this rule when submitting your reports."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But generally it is only the corporate law firms that follow this rule.

The Guardian

But almost no chefs -- Mr. Colicchio, Mr. Valenti or Mr. Batali included -- follow this rule blindly.

The New York Times - Food

The first woman didn't follow this rule, and with lights flashing and horns blaring, saw and heard her cousin's victory.

The New York Times - Magazine

However, arguably, later wars fought by Muslims in the name of jihad did not follow this rule.

The Guardian - Opinion

The history of aging appears to follow this rule: the fewer old people there are, the more esteemed they will be.

The New Yorker

Today, there are about 1,000 employees who must follow this rule, and they turn in their tax returns each year to prove their giving.

The New York Times

To follow this rule, there must be an even number of cylinders in order that there may be pairs of cylinders whose pistons move in unison.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A cheeselike form of meat should, by this rationale, be Käsefleisch, or "cheese-meat .Then again, many food words do not acheese-meat .Thenis rule.

The Economist

Eventually, the Elizabeth City Council voted to mandate that the restaurant be closed by 10 P.M., though Rahami's family did not follow this rule and continued to keep the place open late.

The New Yorker

'Strangers in our study, lovers in bed.' Most writing couples follow this rule, working in separate rooms or separate buildings - and in the case of Drabble and Holroyd, living apart for the first 13 years of their marriage.

The Guardian - Books

There's a temptation to think that a successful continuation involves providing the book the originating author would have written if they could and the ghosts of Andrews and Ludlum clearly follow this rule.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "follow this rule", ensure the rule itself is clearly stated either before or immediately after the phrase to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "follow this rule" without specifying what the rule actually is. Readers need to understand the specific guideline being referenced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "follow this rule" functions as an imperative, directly instructing or advising someone to adhere to a specific guideline or regulation. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it is used in various contexts to emphasize the importance of compliance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

34%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "follow this rule" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves as an imperative, instructing someone to comply with a specific guideline. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general informational sources. When using this phrase, ensure the rule itself is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "adhere to this principle" or "comply with this guideline", depending on the desired nuance. Overall, mastering the use of "follow this rule" is crucial for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhere to this principle

Replaces 'rule' with 'principle', suggesting a more fundamental guideline.

abide by this regulation

Substitutes 'rule' with 'regulation', implying a more formal or legal requirement.

comply with this guideline

Uses 'guideline' instead of 'rule', suggesting a recommendation rather than a strict command.

observe this instruction

Replaces 'follow' with 'observe' and 'rule' with 'instruction', providing a slightly more formal tone.

respect this requirement

Changes 'rule' to 'requirement', indicating a necessary condition to be met.

obey this command

Substitutes 'follow' with 'obey' and 'rule' with 'command', implying a direct order.

heed this advice

Uses 'heed' instead of 'follow' and 'advice' instead of 'rule', suggesting caution and attention.

take this direction

Replaces 'follow' with 'take' and 'rule' with 'direction', offering a sense of guidance toward a specific outcome.

stick to this plan

Substitutes 'follow' with 'stick to' and 'rule' with 'plan', indicating adherence to a prearranged strategy.

adopt this procedure

Uses 'adopt' instead of 'follow' and 'procedure' instead of 'rule', suggesting a formal process to be implemented.

FAQs

How can I use "follow this rule" in a sentence?

You can use "follow this rule" when instructing someone to adhere to a specific guideline or principle. For example: "To ensure consistency in our work, please follow this rule when submitting your reports."

What are some alternatives to saying "follow this rule"?

You can use alternatives like "adhere to this principle", "comply with this guideline", or "abide by this regulation" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "follow this rule" or "obey this rule"?

The choice depends on the context. "Follow this rule" is generally neutral, while "obey this rule" implies a more authoritative command. Choose "obey this command" when there's a clear authority figure or a strict requirement.

What does it mean to "follow this rule"?

To "follow this rule" means to adhere to a specific guideline or regulation, ensuring that you act in accordance with the stated principle. It implies compliance and adherence to established standards.