rule for all

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rule for all" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a guideline or principle that applies universally to everyone or every situation. Example: "The new policy is a rule for all employees, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Is that a general rule for all Red Sox pitchers?" I asked.

The New York Times - Sports

The current parliamentary rule, for all practical purposes, can be translated only as: "You're not allowed to hump the landlord".

The Guardian - Opinion

He said he favored a visor rule for all incoming N.H.L. players, with veterans receiving an exemption.

The New York Times - Sports

Should there be a blanket rule for all sports that prevents youth under the age of 18 or 21 from turning pro?

The New York Times

Why shouldn't there be one objective rule for all counties, and if there isn't, why isn't it an equal protection violation?

The New York Times

He never sat down once he arrived at work, and standing shifts became the rule for all of his employ-ees.

The New Yorker

This bill would end that rule for all but the biggest new offerings — those that involved companies with sales of over $1 billion.

The New York Times

The opposition leader says he wants to build a society based on the notion of one rule for all, rather than a racially divided nation.

The Economist

He suggested a similar trial could be tried now, but the commission majority voted to enact the rule for all stocks.

The New York Times

The challenge, particularly for the DA, as it takes power in new areas as part of a coalition, will be coming good on election promises to rule for all, including the poorest black communities frustrated by inequality.

The Guardian

Morsi – who famously promised to rule for "all Egyptians" – governed the country for a year until he was undermined by huge rallies called by opponents who denounced him as incompetent and partisan.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rule for all", ensure the context clearly defines the scope of "all". Be specific about who or what the rule applies to in order to avoid ambiguity. For example, "This safety regulation is a rule for all employees working on the factory floor".

Common error

Avoid applying "rule for all" to situations where exceptions exist. The phrase implies universality, so ensure the rule genuinely applies without any exceptions. If there are exceptions, consider using a phrase like "general guideline" or "standard practice" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rule for all" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a universally applicable principle or regulation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to denote something that applies to everyone or everything within a specified scope. Many Ludwig examples from news or media, and science showcase its widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rule for all" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that signifies a universally applicable principle or regulation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's employed across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal settings. While alternatives like "universal principle" or "blanket policy" exist, "rule for all" effectively communicates the idea of a standard meant to be applied uniformly. It's crucial to ensure the scope of "all" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. While its frequency is notably high in news and media sources, the phrase is suitable for various levels of formality. Its proper use promotes fairness and consistency, making it a valuable tool in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Universal law

Conveys that the rule is fundamental and applies without exception, similar to a law of nature.

Universal principle

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the rule, suggesting it's a core tenet.

General regulation

Highlights the official and standardized aspect of the rule.

Blanket policy

Implies the rule is comprehensive and covers all cases without exception.

Across-the-board standard

Stresses the uniformity and consistent application of the rule.

One-size-fits-all approach

Suggests a single method or rule applied universally, sometimes with the implication it may not be perfectly suited for every situation.

Standard operating procedure

Focuses on the procedural aspect, implying the rule is part of established practice.

Common practice

Indicates the rule is widely adopted and followed within a specific field or group.

Prevailing norm

Highlights the rule as the accepted standard of behavior or conduct.

Established guideline

Emphasizes that the rule is not new and has been in place for some time.

FAQs

How can I use "rule for all" in a sentence?

The phrase "rule for all" is used to describe a principle or regulation that applies universally. For example, "The new safety protocol is a "rule for all" employees."

What are some alternatives to "rule for all"?

Alternatives to "rule for all" include "universal principle", "general regulation", or "blanket policy", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to implement a "rule for all"?

While a "rule for all" aims for fairness and consistency, it might not be suitable in every situation. Contexts requiring flexibility or individual consideration may benefit more from guidelines than rigid rules.

What's the difference between a "rule for all" and a "general guideline"?

A "rule for all" is typically a mandatory requirement, whereas a "general guideline" offers recommendations that allow for some flexibility. The former is stricter and more universally enforced.