rules out

USAGE SUMMARY

"rules out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express something which is excluded from a set of options or possibilities. For example: "The doctor said that there is only a slim chance of recovery, so surgery rules out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He never rules out winning.

The New York Times - Sports

He rules out ever joining the euro.

The Guardian

For one, it rules out tax increases.

The Washington Post

This rules out several proposed types of dark matter particles.

Independent

Mr. Romney generally rules out any opening for illegal immigrants.

The New York Times

Throw the rules out?

Forbes

Genuine knowledge never rules out the truth.

SEP

This effectively rules out working abroad.

BBC

Negative PET study reliably rules out disease relapse.

Insights into Imaging

FT headline - "Miliband rules out early EU poll".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Perception rules out various physical theories.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rules out" when you want to clearly indicate that something is not a possibility or is no longer under consideration. Ensure the context provides enough information to understand why it is being excluded.

Common error

While "rules out" is versatile, overuse in casual conversation can sound overly formal. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "excludes" or "counts out" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rules out" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It indicates the act of excluding, eliminating, or preventing something from being a possibility or consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

39%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rules out" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that indicates the exclusion or elimination of a possibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While generally neutral in register, avoid overusing it in very informal conversations. Consider synonyms like "excludes" or "eliminates" for varied expression. Remember to conjugate the verb correctly based on the subject. Ludwig's examples demonstrate the phrase's effectiveness in conveying certainty and narrowing down options in diverse scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excludes

Direct synonym, implying a removal from consideration.

eliminates

Indicates a complete removal of a possibility.

precludes

More formal synonym, suggesting prevention or obstruction.

disallows

Suggests a formal rejection or prohibition.

removes the possibility

More verbose, directly stating the removal of a chance.

makes impossible

Expresses the idea of rendering something unachievable.

renders invalid

Implies that something is no longer applicable or correct.

counts out

Informal synonym, indicating exclusion from a group or consideration.

takes off the table

Idiomatic expression for removing something from consideration.

negates

Suggests a cancellation or denial of an idea or option.

FAQs

How to use "rules out" in a sentence?

Use "rules out" to indicate that something is not possible or is no longer being considered. For example, "The evidence rules out the suspect's alibi".

What can I say instead of "rules out"?

You can use alternatives like "excludes", "eliminates", or "precludes" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "rules out" or "rule out"?

"Rules out" is used when the subject is singular and in the third person (e.g., "He rules out"). "Rule out" is used for plural subjects or in the infinitive form (e.g., "They rule out", "to rule out").

What's the difference between "rules out" and "excludes"?

While both "rules out" and "excludes" suggest that something is not included, "rules out" often implies a more definitive or conclusive exclusion, based on evidence or reason.