guidelines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "guidelines" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a set of recommended practices or principles that provide direction or advice on how to do something. Example: "The guidelines for submitting your application can be found on our website."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Beyond anecdote, we know very little about what kind and quantity of information is being delisted from search results, what sources are being delisted and on what scale, what kinds of requests fail and in what proportion, and what are Google's guidelines in striking the balance between individual privacy and freedom of expression interests.

The Guardian - Tech

If you would like to write a blogpost for Views from the NHS frontline, then please read our guidelines and get in touch by emailing [email protected].

The Guardian

Organisers said on Monday that the protest would not end until Beijing changes its electoral guidelines and Leung Chun-Ying, the city's pro-Beijing chief executive, steps down.

The Guardian

A cornerstone of the good practice guidelines is that MBCT teachers have an established personal mindfulness practice and appreciate the common nature of human suffering, rather than teaching from a purely intellectual stance".

The Guardian

The UK Network for Mindfulness-Based Teachers has produced good practice guidelines that all MBCT teachers should abide by.

The Guardian

Recently, UNDP introduced legal aid for justice, an initiative designed to provide comprehensive support to legal aid systems across different regions, using the UN principles and guidelines on access to legal aid in criminal justice systems as its foundation.

The Guardian

These are positive first steps towards making equal access to justice a reality, but it is crucial that we now act on these guidelines to address the specific needs of those who are most in need of judicial services.

The Guardian

Guidelines released today by the government body hope to clarify what exactly is expected from teachers to ease the pain of scrutiny.

The Guardian

The former cabinet secretary, who said he would take to the airwaves as soon as the polls closed on Thursday night to remind politicians of the guidelines laid down in the cabinet manual, told the Today programme that the key qualification to enter No 10 was the ability to command the confidence of the House of Commons.

The Guardian

It is also proposing that the government can add $2bn to its coffers by closing loopholes on multinational tax avoidance, such as changing guidelines on what can be classified as company assets, and allowing the Tax Office to have greater oversight over big international firms.

The Guardian

Targets, guidelines, and checklists allow organisations to abdicate responsibility for ensuring that they are doing the right things by simply allowing them to report they are doing things right, ticking boxes rather than delivering care.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When drafting "guidelines", ensure they are clear, concise, and easily accessible to the intended audience. Use simple language and avoid jargon.

Common error

Avoid creating "guidelines" that are too broad or open to interpretation. Ensure they provide specific and actionable advice to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "guidelines" is as a noun, specifically the plural form of "guideline". It typically functions as the object of a verb or preposition, referring to a set of recommendations or rules. As Ludwig AI suggests, the word "guidelines" is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "guidelines" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun that serves to provide direction or advice. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is widespread and generally accepted. The term is commonly found in news, business, and scientific contexts, highlighting its versatility. When using "guidelines", ensure they are clear, concise, and specific to avoid ambiguity. Consider using synonyms such as "recommendations" or "best practices" to add variety to your writing. It's important to note that guidelines differ from regulations; guidelines are advisory, while regulations are mandatory.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set of recommendations

Emphasizes the advisory nature of the guidelines.

established procedures

Highlights the formal and systematic aspect of the guidelines.

standard practices

Focuses on the commonly accepted methods or approaches.

official regulations

Stresses the authoritative and mandatory nature of the guidelines.

recommended methods

Highlights the suggestion of applying certain methods.

best practices

Focuses on the most effective and efficient ways of doing something.

rules of thumb

Suggests informal and practical approaches.

code of conduct

Refers to a set of ethical principles and behavioral expectations.

protocols

Highlights a formal set of procedures that must be adhered to.

framework

Refers to the structure of rules, ideas, or beliefs used to plan something.

FAQs

How are "guidelines" typically used in professional settings?

"Guidelines" are frequently employed to standardize processes, ensure compliance, and promote best practices across various industries.

What are some alternatives to the word "guidelines"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "recommendations", "procedures", or "best practices".

How do "guidelines" differ from regulations?

"Guidelines" are generally advisory and offer suggested approaches, while regulations are mandatory rules enforced by an authority.

What makes "guidelines" effective?

Effective "guidelines" are clear, relevant, and adaptable to different situations. They also need to be regularly updated to reflect changes in the field.