ignore the rules

USAGE SUMMARY

"ignore the rules" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to not follow or disregard established guidelines or regulations. Example: Despite our teacher's warnings, the rebellious student chose to ignore the rules and continue talking during class.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Officials take bribes and ignore the rules.

The New York Times

And raids on restaurants that ignore the rules are common.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr. Putin then burst out, using sharp language, that Russian officials should ignore the rules.

The New York Times

Supervisory committees have stood ready to penalise candidates who ignore the rules.

The Economist

"People will just ignore the rules when they want to when they want war".

The Economist

"Ignore the Rules and Qualify More Borrowers with Our Credit Score Override Program!" boasted another.

The New York Times

But many drivers ignore the rules and pick up pedestrians who hail them.

The New York Times

Rogue companies ignore the rules or trick consumers into giving consent.

The Guardian - Money

"We can't ignore the rules which everyone else played by," Ms. Pelosi said.

The New York Times

Taiwan companies regularly ignore the rules by investing through offshore companies in any case.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

International arbitration clauses, commercial contracts and bilateral investment treaties are increasingly limiting the ability of Russian oligarchs and the Russian state to ignore the rule of law.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ignore the rules", ensure the sentence clearly communicates the consequences or motivations behind the action. This adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "ignore the rules" when referring to legal statutes or regulations. While rules can be bent or disregarded, laws typically carry more severe consequences for non-compliance. Opt for stronger terms like "violate the law" or "break the law" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ignore the rules" functions primarily as a verb phrase, typically used as the predicate of a sentence. It expresses the action of consciously choosing not to adhere to established guidelines or regulations. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a grammatically correct phrase, as seen in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ignore the rules" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the action of consciously not following established guidelines. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various domains. It's versatile, carrying connotations of both innovation and defiance depending on the context. While generally neutral in register, its impact is significantly influenced by the source and surrounding narrative. When employing this phrase, writers should be aware of the potential implications and ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disregard the rules

Emphasizes a conscious choice to not pay attention to the rules.

disobey the rules

Highlights the act of not following instructions or commands.

violate the rules

Directly states that the rules are being broken.

overlook the rules

Suggests a more passive form of not enforcing or noticing the rules.

breach the rules

Indicates a break or violation of the rules.

skirt the rules

Implies avoiding direct violation of the rules while still not fully complying.

defy the rules

Indicates a bold and often intentional act of going against the rules.

flout the rules

Implies openly and disrespectfully disregarding the rules.

bend the rules

Suggests twisting the interpretation of the rules to allow for a desired outcome.

transgress the rules

Suggests crossing a boundary established by the rules.

FAQs

How can I use "ignore the rules" in a sentence?

You can use "ignore the rules" to describe situations where someone chooses not to follow established guidelines. For example, "The entrepreneur decided to ignore the rules and create a disruptive business model."

What does it mean to "ignore the rules"?

To "ignore the rules" means to consciously choose not to follow established guidelines or regulations. It can imply either a positive act of innovation or a negative act of defiance, depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "ignore the rules"?

You can use alternatives like "disregard the rules", "overlook the rules", or "defy the rules" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always wrong to "ignore the rules"?

Not necessarily. Sometimes, "ignore the rules" can lead to innovation and positive change. However, it's important to consider the potential consequences and ethical implications before deciding to "ignore the rules".