strict rule

USAGE SUMMARY

"strict rule" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to laws, rules, regulations, or guidelines that are enforced strictly and without leniency. For example: "The school has a strict rule about absenteeism; students are required to attend all classes with no exceptions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is another strict rule.

The New York Times

Only academics have escaped the strict rule.

The New York Times

The morning show, she said, had a strict rule: She could not wear pants on air.

The New York Times

Bavaria's strong police presence and the strict rule of law have a reputation of their own.

The Guardian - Opinion

Did Prince's "strict rule" about not hiring Muslims also apply to them?

The New Yorker

Then, as now, the company had a strict rule against making illegal payments to obtain business.

The New York Times

Mark had a strict rule never to look at his phone while on the bike.

The New Yorker

There would have to be a strict rule to leave it as you find it.

The Guardian - Arts

"There was only one strict rule: Don't leave any hairy soap in the shower".

The New York Times

In the company that I work for, there is a strict rule about courtesy.

The New York Times

But there is an exception to this strict rule: campaign contributions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "strict rule", clearly define the consequences of violating it to emphasize its importance. Vague rules are rarely followed.

Common error

Avoid using "strict rule" for guidelines that are often bent or ignored. Doing so undermines your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strict rule" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "strict" modifies the noun "rule". It describes a specific type of rule that is enforced with rigor and without exceptions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strict rule" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that describes a regulation enforced with rigor. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. Its primary function is to emphasize the importance and inflexibility of a given rule. While alternatives like "firm guideline" or "rigid regulation" exist, "strict rule" effectively conveys the notion of unwavering adherence. To maximize its impact, clearly define the consequences of violating the "strict rule". Overall, this phrase is appropriate in formal and professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard and fast rule

Indicates a rule that is definite and inflexible, much like a "strict rule".

absolute requirement

Highlights the compulsory aspect of the requirement, like a "strict rule" that must be followed.

rigid regulation

Highlights the inflexibility of the regulation, closely mirroring the meaning of "strict rule".

stringent policy

Focuses on the demanding nature of the policy, akin to the severity implied by "strict rule".

firm guideline

Emphasizes a guideline that is strongly enforced, similar to a "strict rule" but potentially less absolute.

mandatory provision

Focuses on the obligatory nature of the provision, similar to the binding effect of a "strict rule".

non-negotiable term

Emphasizes the fixed nature of the term, implying a "strict rule" that cannot be altered.

unbreakable law

Conveys a sense of law that cannot be violated, similar to a "strict rule" with no exceptions.

ironclad principle

Stresses the unwavering nature of the principle, comparable to the enforcement of a "strict rule".

fixed procedure

Implies a set procedure that must be adhered to, similar to the adherence to a "strict rule".

FAQs

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

You can use "strict rule" to describe regulations or guidelines that are firmly enforced. For example, "The company has a "strict rule" against using company resources for personal projects".

What are some alternatives to "strict rule"?

Some alternatives include "firm guideline", "rigid regulation", or "stringent policy". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between a "strict rule" and a "general guideline"?

Yes, a "strict rule" implies mandatory compliance with consequences for violations, while a "general guideline" is more of a suggestion or recommendation.

When is it appropriate to implement a "strict rule"?

A "strict rule" is appropriate when consistency and adherence are critical, such as in safety protocols, legal compliance, or financial regulations.