rules

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   statements that say what you must or must not do in a situation.

   Grammar: Always plural in this sense; use the rules of or the rules for.

   Patterns

   • the rules of something
   • the rules for something
   • follow the rules
   • break the rules

   The rules of the game are simple: don't touch the ball with your hands.

   All students must follow the school rules.

   He broke the rules and was given a warning.

2. 2nounplural

   the normal way things are done in a particular activity or group.

   Grammar: Used in phrases like the rules of the road or the rules of the house.

   Patterns

   • the rules of the road
   • the rules of the house
   • play by the rules

   You must learn the rules of the road before you drive.

   The rules of the house are: no shoes inside and no loud music after 10 p.m.

   In this company, we play by the rules.

3. 3verbtransitive or intransitive

   third-person singular of rule: controls a country or makes an official decision.

   Grammar: As a verb, it can take an object (rules the country) or be used without one (she rules wisely).

   Patterns

   • rules something
   • rules that ...
   • rules on something

   The king rules the country with an iron fist.

   The court rules on cases like this every year.

   She rules her department firmly but fairly.

Common combinations

follow the rules

You must follow the rules if you want to stay on the team.

break the rules

He broke the rules and got a penalty.

the rules of the game

She explained the rules of the game to the new players.

play by the rules

In business, it's important to play by the rules.

bend the rules

The manager sometimes bends the rules for good customers.

Synonyms and how they differ

regulations

More formal and often official; rules can be informal or official.

guidelines

Suggestions rather than strict rules; guidelines are not usually enforced.

Word family

rule noun

A single statement of what you must do; the singular form.

ruler noun

A person who rules, or a measuring tool.

ruling noun

An official decision, especially by a judge.

Commonly confused: rules or rule?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “rules”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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