fundamental rule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamental rule" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a basic principle or guideline that is essential to a particular system or context. Example: "The fundamental rule of our organization is to always prioritize safety above all else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

These people broke every fundamental rule of running a company".

The New York Times

For many, this broke a fundamental rule of capitalism – that reward should be commensurate with risk.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is the fundamental rule that underlies all of the rules and regulations," she went on.

The New Yorker

The Givaudan employee who attended the convention had broken a more fundamental rule.

The New Yorker

The Al Qaeda terrorists seem to have violated a fundamental rule of clandestine operations.

The New Yorker

No one else can be harmed or endangered by the action — a fundamental rule.

The New Yorker

Still, there is one fundamental rule in electoral politics: somebody has to beat you.

The New Yorker

The justices should reaffirm the fundamental rule that protects defendants from double jeopardy.

The New York Times

It is the fundamental rule of baseball: everybody gets a turn.

The New York Times - Sports

The lord chief justice said that "the most fundamental rule of the UK constitution is that parliament is sovereign".

The Guardian

The Italians would not abandon the fundamental rule of match racing and allow the American boat to wander away unescorted.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fundamental rule" to denote a core principle or guideline that is essential for understanding or operation within a specific context. Ensure the context clearly defines the scope and application of the rule.

Common error

Avoid applying a "fundamental rule" too broadly. Clearly define the system or situation to which the rule specifically applies, as what's fundamental in one context may not be in another.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental rule" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase denotes a foundational principle or guideline.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fundamental rule" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression used to denote a basic, essential principle. As per Ludwig AI, it's applicable across a broad spectrum of contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly define the scope of the rule to avoid overgeneralization. Consider alternatives such as "basic principle" or "core tenet" for nuanced expression. This phrase enjoys high usage frequency and is accepted in both neutral and formal registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic principle

Replaces 'rule' with 'principle', emphasizing a foundational concept rather than a regulation.

cardinal rule

Replaces 'fundamental' with 'cardinal', stressing the rule's supreme importance.

underlying principle

Highlights the foundational nature of the principle that supports other rules or ideas.

foundational principle

Stresses the idea that the principle is the base upon which something is built.

core tenet

Substitutes both 'fundamental' and 'rule', highlighting a central belief or doctrine.

basic tenet

Similar to 'core tenet', but emphasizes the basic, foundational nature of the belief.

cornerstone principle

Emphasizes the role of the principle as the foundation of something.

key guideline

Emphasizes the role of a guide or recommendation rather than a strict rule.

essential regulation

Focuses on the regulatory aspect, stressing that the rule is necessary.

primary law

Elevates the rule to a legal status, indicating its importance in a legal framework.

FAQs

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

You can use "fundamental rule" to refer to a basic principle that governs a system or activity. For example, "A "fundamental rule" of investing is to diversify your portfolio."

What are some alternatives to "fundamental rule"?

Some alternatives include "basic principle", "core tenet", or "key guideline". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a fundamental rule" or "the fundamental rule"?

Both are correct depending on the context. "A "fundamental rule"" implies one among many, while "the "fundamental rule"" implies a single, primary rule.

What is the difference between "fundamental rule" and "general rule"?

A "fundamental rule" is a core, essential principle. A "general rule" is a common or widespread practice, but not necessarily essential.