rule number one

USAGE SUMMARY

"rule number one" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce a specific rule or set of rules that you want someone to follow. For example, "Rule number one: always be respectful in the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As he struggled to avoid invading his own privacy or saying either "yes" or "no" to the simple question - rule number one for politicians on the radio – every half remembered thought triggered by the word "GM" came tumbling out.

The Guardian

By this point, you see, I'd learned the three basic rules for the novice: Rule number one You are on a horse, not a Chopper, so do not lean back when going uphill, hoping for a wheelie – you will look stupid.

The Guardian - Travel

"Because of my mother and the way I grew up without a father to look after me, you learned early on that rule number one was look out for yourself.

The Guardian - Books

Turnbull said rule number one was "keep the lights on".

The Guardian

If you really must break rule number one – say the protest is on a Friday night and you want to get the weekend started and keep the night going – make sure you know exactly where there are and have a Shawshank Redemption style plan to dispose of them.

Vice

Rule number one, as a defender, is stay on your feet and run with people and it is something we have to learn from.

The Guardian - Sport

Rule number one to bring your wedding in on budget is to actually have a budget!

Huffington Post

"Rule number one: never assume that older person doting on a toddler is a grandparent.

Huffington Post

Rule number one of being a tyrannical game company fallen on hard times enforcing an outdated form of content copyright protection: make sure your servers can handle the load.

TechCrunch

Rule Number One, the Ground Rule: Remember That Your Boss Is on Your Side.

Science Magazine

With organizational intrigues eclipsing anything you'd see on a soap opera, watching your back is rule number one for street-smart employees and managers.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a set of rules or guidelines, use "rule number one" to clearly signal the most crucial or foundational principle.

Common error

Avoid using "rule number one" for a guideline that is merely chronological or sequential but not fundamentally more important than others. Ensure it truly represents the highest priority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rule number one" functions as a discourse marker, specifically used to introduce the most important guideline or principle within a set of rules. Ludwig examples demonstrate its frequent use in setting priorities or emphasizing key instructions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rule number one" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to highlight the most important principle or guideline in a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used across various sources, particularly in News & Media. When using "rule number one", ensure it genuinely represents the top priority. Alternatives like "the cardinal rule" or "the most important rule" can provide slight variations in emphasis. Avoid using it for rules that are merely sequential or of equal importance. This clear and direct phrase effectively communicates priority and focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the most important rule

Directly states the rule's significance among others.

the main principle

Focuses on the core principle being highlighted.

the cardinal rule

Emphasizes the importance of the rule as a fundamental principle.

the golden rule

Highlights the ethical or moral importance of the rule.

the fundamental principle

Replaces "rule" with the more formal term "principle".

the key guideline

Substitutes "rule" with "guideline", suggesting a less strict instruction.

first and foremost

Indicates priority, similar to "rule number one".

the primary directive

Replaces "rule" with "directive", implying a more authoritative instruction.

the basic tenet

Highlights a core belief or principle.

the overriding concern

Highlights the most important consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "rule number one" in a sentence?

You can use "rule number one" to introduce the most important guideline or principle in a particular context. For instance, "Rule number one: always double-check your work".

What are some alternatives to saying "rule number one"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the cardinal rule", "the most important rule", or "the fundamental principle", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "rule number one" in formal writing?

While "rule number one" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "the primary directive" or "the fundamental principle" might be more suitable for academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "rule number one" and "the golden rule"?

"Rule number one" simply indicates the most important rule in a given context. "The golden rule", on the other hand, specifically refers to the ethical principle of treating others as you would like to be treated.