following rules

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "following rules" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing adherence to guidelines, regulations, or standards in various contexts, such as education, workplace, or personal conduct. Example: "In our organization, we emphasize the importance of following rules to ensure a safe and productive environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Follow the following rules to have it renamed.

WikiHow

The driver, following rules to avoid confrontations, said nothing.

The New York Times

I'm just not very good at following rules.

The Guardian - Film

It's exactly not following rules, that's what makes it happen.

The New York Times

Saudi officials blamed pilgrims for not following rules.

The Guardian

Consider the following rules for birth and maturation of rabbits.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Instead of following rules that say we should not praise our children so much or following rules that say we should praise our children more, perhaps we should just stop following rules altogether.

The New York Times

Keeping records and following rules may be painful, but the alternative is chaos.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Seven habits?" Earlier, he had said, "I don't like following rules.

The New Yorker

I felt like I was never going to quite fit in terms of following rules.

The Guardian - Books

We're a young country and we're not used to following rules".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about procedures or processes, clearly define the rules and explain the consequences of not "following rules".

Common error

Avoid vague references. Instead of generally stating the importance of "following rules", specify which rules are applicable in a particular context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "following rules" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as the subject or part of the predicate in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates its acceptability in written English, and its use across various source types highlights its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "following rules" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe adherence to guidelines or regulations. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability and acceptability. It appears frequently in diverse contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. While alternatives like "adhering to guidelines" or "complying with regulations" offer similar meanings, "following rules" maintains a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying which rules are being referenced to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhering to guidelines

Emphasizes sticking closely to a set of guiding principles.

complying with regulations

Focuses on meeting the requirements of formal regulatory standards.

obeying regulations

Stresses the act of submitting to authority and adhering to regulations.

abiding by guidelines

Implies a commitment to respect and act in accordance with certain principles.

observing protocols

Highlights the adherence to standardized procedures, often in a technical or professional setting.

conforming to standards

Highlights alignment with recognized benchmarks or levels of quality.

respecting boundaries

Focuses on recognizing and honoring limitations or established parameters.

staying within the lines

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate remaining within acceptable limits or guidelines.

keeping within bounds

Implies maintaining actions or behavior within specified constraints or limits.

playing by the book

Suggests strict adherence to established procedures and conventional methods.

FAQs

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

You can use "following rules" to describe actions that adhere to guidelines, regulations, or established procedures. For example: "The company emphasizes the importance of "following rules" to maintain a safe work environment."

What is a good alternative to "following rules"?

Alternatives to "following rules" include "adhering to guidelines", "complying with regulations", or "abiding by guidelines", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "following rules" and "obeying orders"?

"Following rules" generally refers to adhering to established guidelines or regulations, while "obeying orders" implies compliance with specific instructions given by an authority figure. One refers to a system of governance, while the other refers to a hierarchy.

Is "following rules" formal or informal?

The phrase "following rules" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific tone may depend on the surrounding language and the context in which it is used.