rigid rules

USAGE SUMMARY

"rigid rules" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a set of rules that are very strictly followed and are not easily changed. For example, "Our company follows a set of rigid rules about attendance and lateness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Rigid rules can backfire, Mr. Jameson said.

The New York Times

Orthorexics commonly have rigid rules around eating.

The Guardian

Latecomers to the school may balk at the rigid rules.

The New York Times

The rigid rules are intended to protect workers.

The Economist

Rigid rules for filling vacancies can harm principals' efforts to meld teachers into effective teams.

The New York Times

The sport has remarkably rigid rules and arcane gear -- all aimed to keep owners honest.

The New York Times

You can't force it into rigid rules that were created when theater was different.

The New York Times

Girls who go to school or have jobs face rigid rules and harsh punishment at home.

The New York Times

No wonder EL writes so passionately about obeying orders and living by rigid rules.

The Guardian

Can schools be trusted to serve the disabled if rigid rules are relaxed?

The New York Times

"There are no rigid rules, except to know what is possible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rigid rules", consider the context and whether the inflexibility is beneficial or detrimental. In some cases, rigidity ensures consistency and fairness; in others, it can stifle creativity and adaptability.

Common error

Be mindful that "rigid rules" often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of flexibility and potential for unfairness. Use this phrase cautiously when aiming for a neutral or positive tone. A more neutral alternative is "established guidelines".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rigid rules" functions as a noun phrase, where "rigid" is an adjective modifying the noun "rules". It describes the characteristics of the rules being discussed, emphasizing their inflexible nature, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rigid rules" effectively describes inflexible and unyielding guidelines, often implying a negative connotation due to the lack of adaptability. Ludwig's analysis, consistent with the wide range of examples, shows that this phrase is grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" contexts. When using "rigid rules", consider the potential for negative interpretations and explore alternative phrases like "strict guidelines" or "firm policies" depending on the desired tone and context. While the phrase is generally neutral, its impact can vary based on the situation, emphasizing the importance of choosing words carefully to convey the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strict guidelines

Emphasizes the prescriptive nature of the rules, highlighting adherence to specific instructions.

inflexible regulations

Focuses on the unyielding nature of the rules, suggesting a difficulty in adapting to changing circumstances.

unyielding principles

Highlights the firm and uncompromising nature of the foundational beliefs or doctrines.

hard and fast rules

Emphasizes the definitive and unchangeable nature of the rules.

set stipulations

Highlights established conditions or requirements that must be met.

firm policies

Highlights the strong and unwavering nature of organizational rules.

fixed procedures

Focuses on the standardized and unchanging process of established protocols.

dogmatic tenets

Emphasizes principles that are proclaimed as incontrovertibly true, often in a religious or ideological context.

ironclad laws

Highlights the binding and unbreakable nature of legal mandates.

prescribed norms

Focuses on the mandated and standardized behaviors or expectations within a social group.

FAQs

How can I use "rigid rules" in a sentence?

You can use "rigid rules" to describe situations where rules are strictly enforced and inflexible. For example: "The school's rigid rules regarding dress code are often criticized by students."

What are some synonyms for "rigid rules"?

Some synonyms for "rigid rules" include "strict guidelines", "inflexible regulations", and "unyielding principles".

Is it better to have "rigid rules" or flexible guidelines?

Whether "rigid rules" or flexible guidelines are better depends on the situation. "Rigid rules" ensure consistency and can be necessary for safety or compliance, while flexible guidelines allow for adaptation and innovation. It depends on the need for "adaptable processes" vs the need for consistency.

What's the difference between "rigid rules" and "strict rules"?

While both phrases convey a sense of strictness, "rigid rules" implies a higher degree of inflexibility and resistance to change compared to "strict rules". "Strict" emphasizes adherence, while "rigid" emphasizes the inability to bend.