under the rule of

USAGE SUMMARY

"under the rule of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is subject to the authority, jurisdiction, or dominion of a particular person or group. For example, "The kingdom flourished under the rule of the wise queen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Soldiers operate under the rule of law.

The Guardian

I'd examined it under the rule of ethics and law.

The New Yorker

Serbs suffered terribly under the rule of Mr. Milosevic.

The New York Times

"China is a country under the rule of law".

The New York Times

Man fell under the rule of England in 1341.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Is it under the rule of law, or is it arbitrary?

The New York Times

The deal was negotiated under the rule of authoritarian president Lansana Conte.

The Guardian

The Iraqi people are no longer being oppressed under the rule of an insane dictator.

The New York Times

He believes that only under the rule of law can people be safe from official bullies.

The New York Times

Trust must be restored, and our intelligence agencies must be brought under the rule of law.

The Guardian

"We can be strong and operate under the rule of law".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under the rule of", ensure that you clearly specify who or what is exercising the rule to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The country prospered under the rule of law" is clearer than "The country prospered under the rule."

Common error

Avoid using "under the rule of" when describing simple influence or recommendation. This phrase implies formal authority or governance, not just general impact. Use a more precise phrase to indicate general influence instead of formal control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the rule of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to indicate the entity exercising control or governance. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase's validity. For instance, "The city remained under the rule of Mughals until 1760" demonstrates this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under the rule of" is a prevalent prepositional phrase employed to denote governance or control by a specific entity, be it a person, system, or set of laws. It is grammatically correct and used in a neutral to formal register. While its origins trace back centuries, Ludwig AI highlights its continuing relevance across different fields today. To ensure clarity and precision, always specify who or what is exercising the rule. The alternative phrases mentioned such as "governed by" or "controlled by" can be used to add variety or nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to the authority of

Replaces 'rule' with 'authority', emphasizing the power dynamic.

governed by

A more concise way to express being controlled by a governing body.

controlled by

Focuses on the act of control rather than the system of rules.

under the administration of

Emphasizes the process and structure of governance.

within the jurisdiction of

Highlights the legal aspect of being under someone's control.

under the dominion of

Implies a more absolute and encompassing control.

in the reign of

Specifically refers to a period of rule by a monarch.

subjected to the laws of

Highlights the legal obligations within a governing system.

within the power of

Stresses the capability and influence held by the governing entity.

under the command of

Focuses on direct orders and hierarchical control.

FAQs

How can I use "under the rule of" in a sentence?

Use "under the rule of" to describe a situation where someone or something is governed or controlled by a person, principle, or system. For example, "The nation flourished under the rule of a benevolent king."

What are some alternatives to saying "under the rule of"?

You can use alternatives like "governed by", "controlled by", or "subject to the authority of" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "under rule of" instead of "under the rule of"?

While understandable, "under rule of" is less common and can sound awkward. "Under the rule of" is the more standard and grammatically preferred phrasing.

What's the difference between "under the rule of law" and "under the rule of a person"?

"Under the rule of law" means that everyone, including those in power, is subject to and accountable to the legal system. "Under the rule of a person" implies governance by an individual's decisions and authority, which might not always align with established laws.