stick to the rules

USAGE SUMMARY

'stick to the rules' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to express the idea of adhering to the rules in a given situation. Example: We must all stick to the rules if we want to ensure success.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"But I stick to the rules".

The New York Times

I try to stick to the rules.

The New Yorker

"We are going to stick to the rules.

The Guardian - Books

This is why it's important to stick to the rules.

The Guardian

If you stick to the rules you are fine.

The New York Times

First, they need an enforcement mechanism so that members stick to the rules.

The Economist

Even if the grid-operators were to try to stick to the rules, they would struggle.

The Economist

As the threat from complainants rises, dodgy firms decide to stick to the rules.

The Economist

And yet governments just can't seem to stick to the rules they set for themselves.

The New York Times

Several had doubts that some people, generous grandparents in particular, would stick to the rules.

The New York Times

You stay the right side of the line and stick to the rules always".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone, clarify what specific "rules" you are referring to for clear understanding. Ensure the other party knows what is expected of them.

Common error

Avoid using "stick to the rules" when "guidelines" are more appropriate. "Rules" imply strict enforcement, while "guidelines" suggest flexibility. Using the wrong term can create unnecessary rigidity or confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stick to the rules" functions as a directive or recommendation. It advises or instructs someone to adhere to established regulations, guidelines, or laws. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stick to the rules" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that advises adherence to established guidelines or regulations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in various contexts, especially in news and media. While it's generally recommended to follow this advice to ensure compliance and order, it's essential to differentiate between "rules" and "guidelines" to avoid unnecessary rigidity. Alternatives like "adhere to the guidelines" or "comply with the requirements" may be more appropriate depending on the specific situation. Always consider the specific context and desired level of formality when using or interpreting this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhere to the guidelines

Replaces "rules" with "guidelines", suggesting a less strict or formal set of principles.

abide by the regulations

Uses "regulations" instead of "rules", implying a more formal and often legally binding framework.

comply with the requirements

Focuses on meeting specific "requirements", emphasizing obligation and necessity.

observe the protocols

Emphasizes following established "protocols", often in a professional or technical context.

uphold the standards

Suggests maintaining "standards", implying a commitment to quality and excellence.

follow the procedure

Focuses on adhering to a specific "procedure", emphasizing a step-by-step process.

respect the boundaries

Highlights the importance of respecting "boundaries", implying limits and constraints.

honor the agreement

Stresses the importance of fulfilling an "agreement", emphasizing commitment and trustworthiness.

maintain discipline

Highlights the need to "maintain discipline", emphasizing self-control and adherence to conduct.

toe the line

An idiom suggesting strict obedience and conformity to expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "stick to the rules" in a sentence?

You can use "stick to the rules" to advise adherence to established regulations or guidelines, such as: "If we want to avoid penalties, we must "stick to the rules"."

What does "stick to the rules" mean?

"Stick to the rules" means to follow established guidelines, regulations, or laws. It implies adhering to a defined set of standards or procedures.

What can I say instead of "stick to the rules"?

You can use alternatives like "adhere to the guidelines", "comply with the requirements", or "observe the protocols" depending on the context.

Is it better to "stick to the rules" or bend them?

Whether to ""stick to the rules"" or bend them depends on the situation. Generally, it's best to adhere to rules unless there's a compelling ethical or practical reason to deviate, and the consequences are carefully considered.