light ruling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "light ruling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a decision or guideline is not strict or is lenient in nature. Example: "The committee decided to implement a light ruling on the dress code to allow for more personal expression among the staff."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In Britain, the rather romantically named "Ancient Lights" ruling – from 1832 - stipulates that a window that has had access to sunlight for 20 years is entitled to go on receiving it – or at least some of it.

The Guardian - Arts

A state appeals court decertified a class-action lawsuit against Philip Morris USA concerning "light" cigarettes, ruling that the potential plaintiffs did not have enough in common to proceed.

The New York Times

Part of the difficulty was Billy himself, who had always run the organization with a light hand, ruling by consensus, and he did not want to appear to be steering the enterprise toward his son.

The New Yorker

Neither is this bad-light ruling the only one.

BBC

Despite that, they came within a laughable bad-light ruling of losing four in five.

BBC

The faculty of representation perceives particulars, while the ruling light, the Isfahbad-light principle guaranteeing the unity of the soul, perceives universals and immaterial entities.

SEP

Already rocked by the arrest, trial and death sentence (subsequently commuted) of TMG director and leading light of the ruling National Democratic party, Hisham Talaat Moustafa,following the murder of his ex-girlfriend, the company's lawyer argued that El-Fakharany's legal challenges would frighten off investors and "open the gates of hell".

The Guardian

Across the political divide, many people are still sceptical of the two-decade-old reform programme that underpins the boom, including leading lights of the ruling Congress party.

The Economist

The acquisition, in the light of the Competition Commission ruling over GMG Radio, would really rankle with Global.

The Guardian

Judge Thokozile Masipa said a judge must strive for a sentence "neither too light nor too severe", ruling that a non-custodial sentence would send out the wrong message.

The Guardian

In December, the Supreme Court revived the lawsuit and asked a federal appeals court to revisit its earlier action in dismissing the suit in light of the justices' ruling that Guantánamo prisoners could challenge their detentions in federal court.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "light ruling", ensure the context clearly indicates the area where leniency is applied. For example, specify if it relates to a legal matter, workplace policy, or a game rule.

Common error

Avoid implying a "light ruling" equates to a complete absence of consequences. Even lenient rulings typically involve some level of accountability or adjusted expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "light ruling" functions as a noun phrase, where "light" modifies the noun "ruling". The function indicates the nature of the "ruling" as not being severe or strict. Ludwig confirms the phrase is usable in English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "light ruling" describes a lenient or non-severe decision or guideline. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable. While it is not particularly common, and no exact example has been found in the current search, it conveys a sense of reduced strictness and can be used in various contexts, particularly news and media, as well as business or formal settings. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly conveys the domain where leniency is applied and be mindful of not implying a complete absence of consequences. Using alternative phrases such as "lenient decision" or "moderate judgment" may be appropriate in certain scenarios to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lenient decision

Emphasizes the forgiving or non-strict nature of the ruling.

moderate judgment

Highlights the balanced and tempered aspect of the legal determination.

flexible interpretation

Focuses on the adaptable and non-rigid understanding of rules or laws.

relaxed regulation

Indicates a less stringent or enforced set of rules.

mild decree

Suggests a gentle or subdued official order.

non-restrictive rule

Highlights the absence of limitations or constraints in the regulation.

permissive guideline

Emphasizes the allowing or tolerant nature of the direction given.

unchallenging verdict

Suggests an easy-to-accept or uncontroversial decision.

easygoing enforcement

Highlights a relaxed or informal application of the rule.

non-severe penalty

Focuses on the mildness or lack of harshness in the punishment.

FAQs

How can I use "light ruling" in a sentence?

You can use "light ruling" to describe a lenient decision or guideline. For example, "The disciplinary committee issued a "light ruling", opting for community service instead of suspension."

What's the difference between "light ruling" and "lenient ruling"?

"Light ruling" and "lenient ruling" are very similar. "Lenient ruling" is more common, but "light ruling" offers a slightly different nuance, suggesting the ruling is not overly burdensome.

What can I say instead of "light ruling"?

Alternatives to "light ruling" include "lenient decision", "moderate judgment", or "flexible interpretation" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "light ruling" in formal writing?

While "light ruling" is grammatically correct, it may be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "lenient decision" or "moderate judgment" for a more professional tone.