rule out

USAGE SUMMARY

"rule out" is an appropriate phrase in written English.
It usually means to exclude something from consideration or to deny something as a possibility. For example, you can use it in a sentence such as, "We must rule out any possibility of a data breach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Don't rule out the possibility.

The New York Times - Arts

"We never rule out anything".

The New York Times

I wouldn't rule out demonstrations.

The New York Times

You can't rule out anything".

The New York Times

Do not rule out further progress here.

Independent

Why should reductionists rule out this possibility?

Encyclopedia Britannica

Trump wouldn't rule out the idea.

The New Yorker

He did not rule out seeking I.M.F.

The New York Times

He did not rule out a statue.

The New York Times - Arts

He would not rule out a lawsuit.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

("SNOUT": SeNsitivity-rule OUT).

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rule out", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being excluded and why. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "rule out" when you simply want to express uncertainty; instead, use it when you have specific reasons to exclude something as a possibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "rule out" functions primarily as a verb of exclusion. It signifies the act of eliminating something from a set of possibilities or considerations. Ludwig AI confirms its use in rejecting options.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "rule out" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the exclusion of a possibility. Ludwig AI validates this, offering numerous examples across various domains. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, science, and general reference contexts. When writing, ensure the context clearly defines what you are excluding. Remember that synonyms like "exclude" and "eliminate" can also effectively convey similar meanings, each with subtle differences in nuance. The key is clear and deliberate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exclude

Focuses on removing something from consideration.

eliminate

Suggests a more definitive removal of something.

dismiss

Implies a quick rejection of an idea or option.

reject

Directly expresses the refusal to accept something.

remove from consideration

A more formal way of saying to not consider something as an option.

preclude

Indicates something makes another thing impossible.

discount

Suggests reducing the importance or likelihood of something.

disregard

Implies ignoring something, often because it's irrelevant.

set aside

Means to ignore or postpone something, often temporarily.

write off

Suggests considering something as a failure or loss.

FAQs

How can I use "rule out" in a sentence?

The phrase "rule out" is used to eliminate a possibility. For example, you might say, "The doctor had to run tests to rule out any serious conditions".

What's an alternative to using "rule out"?

You can use alternatives like "exclude", "eliminate", or "dismiss" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "rule out" instead of "ignore"?

"Rule out" implies a reasoned rejection after consideration, while "ignore" suggests a lack of attention or deliberate overlooking. Use "rule out" when something has been considered but deemed impossible or irrelevant. For example, if a suspect has a solid alibi, the police can "rule out" that person; you do not ignore the person.

Is it incorrect to use "rule in" as an antonym of "rule out"?

While "rule in" is sometimes used as an antonym, it's less common. More precise antonyms might include "consider" or "allow". For example, instead of saying "We can't rule out that possibility, so we must rule it in", a better option is to say "We can't rule out that possibility, so we must consider it".