subject to the rules

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subject to the rules" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is governed or constrained by specific regulations or guidelines. Example: "All participants in the competition are subject to the rules set forth by the organizing committee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In theory, the industry is subject to the rules and aims of Europe's single market project.

The Economist

Certificate programs at nonprofit institutions would also be subject to the rules.

The New York Times

After all, global investment banks are already subject to the rules of both countries.

The Economist

The point of constitutional government is to make even the victors subject to the rules.

The New Yorker

Nudity, on the other hand, is a species of confection that is subject to the rules of art and artfulness.

Independent

Only establishments that receive inspection grades from the health department, including movie theaters and stadium concession stands, will be subject to the rules.

The New York Times

Their operations are subject to the rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., a self-regulating body created in 1939.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An allied member is subject to the rules of the exchange but does not have the right to engage in transactions on the floor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ploom said that it expects further clarification about whether a stand-alone smoking device should be subject to the rules or not.

The New Yorker

If it were subject to the rules being proposed by regulators for large banks based in the United States, it would need far more capital.

The New York Times

The S.E.C. also would not be subject to the rules of evidence that in a criminal trial could make the case against Mr. Gupta more difficult.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider rephrasing with alternatives like "governed by" or "bound by" for variety and to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid assuming universal knowledge of the rules. Clearly state which set of rules are being referenced, particularly when the context might imply multiple possibilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subject to the rules" functions primarily as a predicative adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that it is governed by or must comply with a specified set of regulations. This is supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "subject to the rules" is a common phrase used to denote that someone or something must comply with a defined set of regulations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about which rules are being referenced. Alternative phrases like "governed by the rules" or "bound by the regulations" can be used to add variety. The phrase carries a generally neutral to formal tone, reflecting its prevalence in professional and authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

governed by the rules

Emphasizes the controlling aspect of the rules.

bound by the regulations

Highlights the obligatory nature of the regulations.

in compliance with the rules

Directly states adherence to the rules.

under the jurisdiction of the rules

Focuses on the legal authority of the rules.

controlled by the guidelines

Suggests a level of management through specific guidelines.

answerable to the rules

Highlights the responsibility to adhere to the rules.

liable to the conditions

Indicates a potential for being affected by certain conditions.

within the purview of the regulations

Specifies that something falls within the scope of the regulations.

regulated by the norms

Indicates that behavior is adjusted with social norms.

contingent upon the regulations

Suggests that something is dependent on the regulations.

FAQs

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

You can use "subject to the rules" to indicate that someone or something must adhere to a specific set of regulations, for example: "All participants are "subject to the rules" outlined in the competition guidelines."

What phrases are similar to "subject to the rules"?

Alternatives to "subject to the rules" include phrases like "governed by the rules", "bound by the regulations", or "in compliance with the rules", which all convey a similar meaning of being controlled or restricted by regulations.

Is it correct to say "subject to rules" without the "the"?

While grammatically understandable, "subject to rules" is less common and can sound less formal than ""subject to the rules"". The inclusion of "the" specifies a particular set of rules.

What's the difference between "subject to the rules" and "following the rules"?

"Subject to the rules" implies an obligation or requirement to adhere to regulations. "Following the rules" simply indicates that someone is adhering to those regulations. Therefore, ""subject to the rules"" describes a state or condition, while "following the rules" describes an action.