set the rules

USAGE SUMMARY

'set the rules' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are referring to establishing rules or guidelines. For example: The teachers set the rules for the classroom to ensure a safe learning environment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He set the rules.

The Guardian - Opinion

Should they set the rules?

The Washington Post

"We didn't set the rules here.

The Guardian

They set the rules of the game.

The Guardian

He long ago set the rules.

The New York Times - Sports

Second, politicians – not companies – set the rules.

The Guardian - Opinion

Those who set the rules set the rules, and the strong are the strong.

Independent

Governments set the rules, and companies influence the rules.

Stanford University

"He said baseball doesn't set the rules, he does".

The New York Times

They set the rules under which the quango operates.

Independent

You have to set the rules of engagement".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set the rules", ensure the context clearly indicates who is establishing the rules and for what purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "set the rules" when the situation calls for enforcing existing rules rather than creating new ones.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set the rules" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of establishing or defining regulations, guidelines, or standards. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across various contexts, indicating its role in describing the process of creating order or structure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set the rules" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of establishing guidelines or regulations. Ludwig AI confirms this, with many examples found across news, media, wiki, and business contexts. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various situations where clear establishment of guidelines is needed. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines who is establishing the rules and for what purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish the regulations

Focuses more on the formal creation of regulatory frameworks.

define the terms

Highlights the act of clarifying specific conditions or agreements.

determine the guidelines

Emphasizes the process of figuring out and establishing the recommended practices.

lay down the law

More informal and forceful, suggesting a strict enforcement of rules.

dictate the terms

Suggests one party has significant power in determining the conditions.

formulate the standards

Implies a systematic and documented process of creating benchmarks.

stipulate the conditions

Highlights specific conditions or requirements that must be met.

legislate the guidelines

Related to create legal rules or laws.

fix the parameters

More specific to setting boundaries or limits within which something operates.

designate the regulations

Suggests a more formal and official establishment of rules.

FAQs

How can I use "set the rules" in a sentence?

You can use "set the rules" to describe the act of establishing guidelines or regulations in various contexts. For example, "The teacher will "set the rules" for classroom behavior on the first day of school".

What are some alternatives to "set the rules"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "establish the regulations", "define the terms", or "determine the guidelines".

Is it better to "set the rules" or "enforce the rules"?

The choice depends on the situation. "Set the rules" refers to creating new rules, while "enforce the rules" refers to ensuring existing rules are followed.

Who typically gets to "set the rules"?

The authority to "set the rules" varies depending on the context. It could be governments, organizations, or individuals with the power to establish guidelines within a specific domain.