under the rules

USAGE SUMMARY

"under the rules" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to any established guidelines or regulations. For example, "We must abide by the company's rules, which are outlined under the rules section of the employee handbook."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Under the rules, that's permitted".

The New York Times

Greece, too, is struggling under the rules.

The New York Times

Under the rules, he's earned it.

The New York Times

The five are ineligible under the rules.

The New York Times

And under the rules of the W.T.O.

The New York Times

And that advice is permissible under the rules.

The New York Times

It said this was unavoidable under the rules.

The Guardian

Under the rules, a 40-minute break is permitted.

The Guardian - Sport

Under the rules of golf I can play.

The Guardian - Sport

Under the rules of golf, I was able to play.

The Guardian - Sport

The bills cannot be combined under the rules of reconciliation.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under the rules", ensure the context clearly defines which rules are being referenced to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "under the rules" without specifying the relevant rule set. For example, instead of saying "This is permitted under the rules", specify "This is permitted under the company's code of conduct".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the rules" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It modifies a verb or noun, indicating that an action, situation, or condition is governed or permitted by a specific set of regulations, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under the rules" is a very common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is governed or permitted by a specific set of regulations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, including news, academia, and general discussions. When using this phrase, it's essential to specify which rules are being referenced to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "according to the regulations" and "in compliance with the rules". The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, with neutral to formal register depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to the regulations

This alternative specifies a formal set of regulations, making it suitable for contexts where adherence to specific guidelines is emphasized.

in compliance with the rules

This phrase highlights the act of complying or adhering to the rules, suggesting a focus on obedience or conformity.

pursuant to the rules

This alternative is more formal and legalistic, indicating that an action is taken in accordance with a specific rule or set of rules.

as per the rules

This phrase is a concise way of stating that something is done according to the specified rules, often used in instructions or directives.

in accordance with the guidelines

Replacing "rules" with "guidelines" softens the tone, suggesting a more flexible or advisory set of principles.

subject to the regulations

This alternative indicates that something is conditional upon or governed by the specified regulations.

within the framework of the rules

This phrase emphasizes that something falls within the established structure or system of rules.

governed by the rules

This alternative highlights the controlling or directing influence of the rules on a particular situation or action.

consistent with the rules

This emphasizes that something is in agreement or harmony with the rules.

by the book

This idiom implies strict adherence to established rules or procedures, often suggesting a rigid or inflexible approach.

FAQs

How can I use "under the rules" in a sentence?

You can use "under the rules" to indicate that an action or situation is permitted or governed by a specific set of rules. For instance, "Under the rules, a 40-minute break is permitted".

What are some alternatives to "under the rules"?

Some alternatives include "according to the regulations", "in compliance with the rules", or "as per the rules".

Is it better to say "under the rules" or "according to the rules"?

Both "under the rules" and "according to the rules" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on the specific context and desired tone. "According to the rules" might sound slightly more formal.

When should I specify which rules I'm referring to when using "under the rules"?

Always specify the rules if there's any ambiguity. Instead of just saying "under the rules", clarify with "under the company's code of conduct" or "under the competition's regulations".