is against the rules

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is against the rules" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a certain action or behavior violates established guidelines or regulations. Example: "Using your phone during the exam is against the rules, and it may result in disqualification."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This, too, is against the rules.

The New York Times

None of this is against the rules.

The Guardian

"That is against the rules," he said.

The New York Times

Giving them the recommended books is against the rules.

The New York Times

Sex is against the rules by the way, but Marines find ways (and places).

The New York Times

It is against the rules for pitchers to put any substances on the ball.

The New York Times - Sports

Damaging or disassembling the door, walls, or switches is against the rules.

The Economist

Johnson had grounded his 4-iron in a sand trap, which is against the rules.

The New York Times - Sports

But their bills were increased anyway – which is against the rules.

Independent

But it takes courage to actually articulate that which you know is against the rules.

The New York Times - Magazine

Excessively slow play, with the intention of unsettling an opponent, is against the rules.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is against the rules", ensure the context clearly defines which rules are being violated. Specify the rule set for clarity, especially when the rules might not be universally understood.

Common error

Avoid using "is against the rules" without specifying which rules are being referenced. Ambiguity can lead to confusion; always provide context to clarify what specific regulations are being violated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is against the rules" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, indicating that a particular action, behavior, or situation violates established guidelines, regulations, or norms. As Ludwig AI points out, its grammatical correctness and wide usage are confirmed by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

31%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is against the rules" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a violation of established guidelines or regulations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. While its formality is generally neutral, it's crucial to specify the rule set being referenced to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "is prohibited" or "is not allowed" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. Remember to provide clear context when using this phrase to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is prohibited

Directly states that something is not allowed; slightly more formal.

is not allowed

Simple and direct alternative, suitable for various contexts.

is forbidden

Emphasizes a strong prohibition; more formal than "is not allowed".

is impermissible

Very formal and emphasizes lack of permission.

violates the regulations

Specifically refers to breaking formal regulations.

is in violation of the rules

Similar to 'violates the regulations' but slightly more verbose.

is not permitted

Similar to 'is not allowed' but a bit more formal.

contravenes the code

Applies when referring to a specific code of conduct or set of principles.

breaks the rules

More informal alternative, suitable for less formal settings.

is out of order

Informal and often used when describing behavior or actions that are inappropriate or not following protocol.

FAQs

How can I use "is against the rules" in a sentence?

You can use "is against the rules" to indicate that an action or behavior violates a specific set of established guidelines. For example, "Using a calculator during the exam "is against the rules"".

What can I say instead of "is against the rules"?

You can use alternatives like "is prohibited", "is not allowed", or "violates the regulations" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is against the rules" or "is against the rule"?

"Is against the rules" is generally correct when referring to a system or set of regulations. "Is against the rule" might be appropriate when referring to a specific, singular rule.

What's the difference between "is against the rules" and "breaks the rules"?

"Is against the rules" is slightly more formal and objective, simply stating a violation. "Breaks the rules" can imply a more active and intentional violation.