guideline

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'guideline' is correct and usable in written English.
A guideline is a set of principles, standards, or instructions that provide direction on how to do something. You can use the word 'guideline' in any formal or informal writing. Example: Following the company's guidelines will help ensure we are operating in a safe and efficient manner.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The less harsh sentences came from the Manchester judge who announced, possibly in solidarity, that he too was exceeding the guideline.

The Guardian - Opinion

It can, however, recommend which drugs should be used in a treatment guideline – and it is now preparing one on macular degeneration.

The Guardian

The figures also showed that the proportion of beaches reaching existing higher "guideline" standards of cleanliness fell slightly in 2014.

The Guardian

Basic guideline: in spring and summer, nearly everything you wear should be primarily cotton; in autumn and winter, it should be primarily wool.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All of it violated a raft of Defense Department and executive-branch regulations, up to and including Executive Order 12333, a foundational intelligence guideline.

The Guardian

Ted Boutrous, a lawyer representing Ford, believes the State Farm ruling requires that the award against Ford be cut to at most $5m, to match the compensatory damages awarded by the trial court.Yet, although pleasing to corporate lawyers, the Supreme Court's guideline may restrict the ability of punitive-damages courts to promote economic efficiency.

The Economist

"The idea that a rule is better than a guideline because it is an enforceable rule and not a voluntary guideline is simplistic in the extreme", Ms Stymiest told a business gathering in September.

The Economist

If such a guideline were merely advisory, the court said, it would not be unconstitutional: so the sentencing rules can stay on that basis.The result of this tangled ruling?

The Economist

Everyone, including party members and the armed forces, "must regard the constitution as the fundamental guideline of their activities", the document says.

The Economist

That minimum is now about 97% of America's poverty guideline, measured at purchasing-power parity, in a country with only about 67% of America's GDP per head.Asian values and welfareAt the same time, in much of Asia, newly assertive opposition parties showed that the distaste for welfare expressed by authoritarian leaders was not shared by the population at large.

The Economist

Last year China's prime minister, Zhu Rongji, tried to restore normality by stressing that the central government's GDP growth target was intended as a guideline rather than an obligatory goal.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "guideline", ensure it is clear whether it is a strict requirement or a suggestion. Clearly state the consequences of not following the guideline, if any.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "guideline" as a mandatory rule. Clearly differentiate between suggestions and requirements to prevent misunderstandings and ensure compliance.

Linguistic Context

The word "guideline" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a principle or set of principles that offer direction or advice on how to approach something. As seen in Ludwig AI, guidelines are often presented as recommendations rather than strict rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "guideline" is a versatile noun widely used to provide direction and recommendations across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently encountered in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. While not as strict as a "rule", a "guideline" serves to offer helpful advice and set standards. When using "guideline", clarity is key: make sure to clearly indicate whether it's a strict requirement or merely a suggestion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rule of thumb

Emphasizes a practical, non-scientific approach.

recommended practice

Focuses on actions or procedures that are advised but not mandatory.

standard operating procedure

Highlights a specific, documented method for performing a task.

best practice

Implies a superior method based on research or experience.

code of conduct

Refers to a set of rules outlining acceptable behavior.

policy

Stresses a formal, documented rule or regulation.

direction

Highlights the act of pointing out the route to follow

instruction

Focuses on the act of teaching or showing how to do something.

precept

Suggests a general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought.

criterion

Emphasizes a standard by which something is judged or decided.

FAQs

How to use "guideline" in a sentence?

The word "guideline" refers to a principle or piece of advice that indicates a way to act. For example, "These are just general guidelines, feel free to adapt them to your needs."

What can I say instead of "guideline"?

You can use alternatives like "rule of thumb", "recommendation", or "best practice" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "guideline" or "guidelines"?

"Guideline" is singular, referring to a single principle. "Guidelines" is plural, referring to a set of principles. Use the plural form when referring to multiple instructions.

What's the difference between "guideline" and "rule"?

A "guideline" offers advice or suggestions, while a "rule" is a mandatory instruction that must be followed. Guidelines are flexible, while rules are strict.