the rules in which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the rules in which" is not correct in standard English usage.
It is typically used incorrectly; the correct phrase would be "the rules by which" or "the rules in which" can be used in very specific contexts, but it is generally awkward. Example: "The rules by which we operate are clearly outlined in the handbook."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Berlusconi made Italian life seem like an adolescent party, an endless rope-a-dope with the rules, in which what you achieved mattered less than what you could get away with, the spoils going to the slipperiest.

The New York Times

For the quote above is followed by a review of the rules in which the necessity of each is questioned (in some cases earnestly seeking input, it must be said), with the alternative being that the industry self-polices.

TechCrunch

WWE Studios released Bending the Rules, in which Copeland starred, in 2012.

Wikipedia

Studies indicate when a low sex-ratio is present (more marriage-aged men to marriage-aged women), infidelity in committed relationships decreases because women are in demand and set the rules in which sex and relationships occur.

Huffington Post

A solution was to extract the rules in which the antecedent represented only one medication and the consequent represented only one diagnostic.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

The sociocultural dimensions are described within the three-tier framework proposed by Rushton and Yrjo-Koskinen, 22 namely the context in which diseases circulate: the value chain and the rules in which people in the value chain operate, institutional environment and the response of the people concerned, and human behavior.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Hyperion is a spectacular exception to the rule in which tidal interactions force moons into synchronous rotation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

— Dan Jenkins (@danjenkinsgd) 15 Jun 12 A reminder: This year the United States Golf Association eliminated the rule in which players within 10 strokes of the lead make the cut.

The New York Times

It represents a pact between the rulers and the ruled in which the former deliver jobs and rising standards of living in return for the votes of the latter.

The Economist

He was cast in the 1997 made-for-television movie Borrowed Hearts, where he portrayed a selfish businessman who learns to love, and in the HBO film Exception to the Rule, in which he played a cheating husband.

Wikipedia

Perhaps he will deny the unfairness of the rule, in which case you can prompt him to explain his position.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer using "the rules by which" or "the rules that govern" for clearer and more grammatically sound sentences. Always consider if an active verb can replace the entire phrase for more concise writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in which" directly after "rules" as it often creates awkward phrasing. Instead, opt for "by which" or rephrase the sentence to use a more direct verb.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the rules in which" attempts to define or describe the context or conditions related to a set of guidelines. However, Ludwig AI indicates it's not a standard or grammatically sound construction in English. A more appropriate construction would use "by which" or "that govern".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the rules in which" is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI analysis confirms this, recommending alternatives like "the rules by which" or "the rules that govern" for improved clarity and correctness. While examples exist across various domains such as news, science, and wiki content, its usage is infrequent and often results in awkward phrasing. To ensure clarity and professionalism, writers should opt for more precise and grammatically sound alternatives. Using direct and active phrasing is generally preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the rules by which

Replaces "in which" with "by which" for better grammatical flow and clarity, indicating the rules are the means by which something is governed.

the rules that govern

Uses the verb "govern" to emphasize the controlling nature of the rules, providing a more direct and active voice.

the regulations under which

Substitutes "rules" with "regulations" for a more formal tone and "in which" with "under which" to indicate the conditions or framework.

the guidelines within which

Replaces "rules" with "guidelines" for a less strict connotation and maintains the "within which" structure to denote boundaries.

the framework in which

Uses "framework" instead of "rules" to highlight the structural aspect and maintains "in which" to describe the context.

the principles by which

Replaces "rules" with "principles" for a more foundational or ethical implication, using "by which" for grammatical correctness.

the standards according to which

Substitutes "rules" with "standards" to denote a level of quality or achievement, using "according to which" for a formal tone.

the norms that dictate

Uses "norms" instead of "rules" to suggest customary practices, and "dictate" to emphasize the authoritative nature of these norms.

the procedures through which

Replaces "rules" with "procedures" to focus on the process, using "through which" to indicate the steps involved.

the conventions under which

Substitutes "rules" with "conventions" to suggest established practices, using "under which" to denote the governing conditions.

FAQs

What is a grammatically correct alternative to "the rules in which"?

The most grammatically sound alternative is "the rules by which". Other options include "the rules that govern", "the regulations under which", or rephrasing the sentence for clarity.

How can I rephrase a sentence that uses "the rules in which" for better clarity?

Try using a more direct verb. For example, instead of "the rules in which decisions are made", say "the rules that dictate how decisions are made" or simply "the rules governing decisions".

Is "the rules in which" considered formal or informal language?

While not strictly informal, "the rules in which" is generally considered awkward and less professional. Opt for more precise and grammatically correct alternatives in formal writing.

What's the difference between "the rules in which" and "the rules by which"?

"The rules by which" is the preferred and grammatically correct way to express the idea that rules are the means or method by which something is done or governed. "The rules in which" is often considered incorrect and should be avoided.