What is rule? Pronunciation and usage in English

rule means . Learn how to pronounce and use rule through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of rule

rulenoun/verb

/ruːl/
Definition & pronunciation of rule

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "rule" in English. There are a couple of common pronunciations, and it depends slightly on where you are in the US or UK. Here's a breakdown:

1. The Most Common American Pronunciation:

  • Sounds like: /ˈruːl/ (pronounced roughly as "rool")
  • Breakdown:
    • “ru”: Pronounced like the “roo” in “roof.”
    • “–l”: A short, quick "l" sound.

2. The British Pronunciation:

  • Sounds like: /ruːl/ (pronounced roughly as "rool") – Very similar to the American pronunciation.
  • Breakdown: Identical to the American pronunciation.

Tips for both pronunciations:

  • Emphasis: The emphasis is on the first syllable ("roo").
  • Don’t overemphasize the 'l': The "l" is a very light sound.

Resources to hear the pronunciation:

  • Google Translate: Type "rule" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
  • YouGlish: https://youglish.com/ - This website shows you how native speakers pronounce words in real-life videos. Search for "rule" and you'll hear it in context.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/ - A website with pronunciations recorded by native speakers from different regions.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you located (approximately)? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia)

Usage and examples with the word rule in English

Let's break down how to use the word "rule" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and usages. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. As a Law or Regulation (Most Common)

  • Definition: A rule is a law, regulation, or guideline that dictates how something should be done. It’s something you must follow.
  • Examples:
    • "The school has a strict rule about cell phone use." (a regulation)
    • “Driving is governed by rules of the road.” (laws)
    • "There's a rule that you can't wear jeans on Fridays." (a guideline)
    • "The company has a rule against discrimination." (a policy)

2. As a Principle or Standard

  • Definition: A rule can also be a general principle or standard of behavior. It’s less specific than a law but still guides action.
  • Examples:
    • "Honesty is a good rule to live by." (a moral principle)
    • “The rule is to be polite to everyone.” (a standard of behavior)
    • "He lives by the rules of good sportsmanship." (principles)

3. As a Game Rule

  • Definition: In games, a rule is a specific instruction on how the game is played.
  • Examples:
    • “Let’s review the rules before we start.”
    • "The rule is you can only move one piece at a time."
    • “I forgot one of the rules!”

4. As a Command or Order (“Rule!”)

  • Definition: “Rule!” is an exclamation used to get someone's attention or to demand obedience – often in a playful or authoritative way. It’s a bit old-fashioned but still used.
  • Examples:
    • Rule! Pay attention!” (command)
    • Rule! Come here!” (demanding)

5. As a Verb (to rule)

  • Definition: 'To rule' as a verb means to be in control or to govern.
  • Examples:
    • "The king ruled the country for 50 years." (to govern)
    • "She rules the household with an iron fist." (to control)
    • "He rules out the possibility of a deal." (to exclude)

6. Figurative Uses

  • Definition: "Rule" can be used figuratively to mean something that's outstanding or exceptional.
  • Examples:
    • "She's the rule when it comes to baking!" (meaning she's exceptionally good at it)
    • "That restaurant is the rule of the town." (meaning it’s the best)

Here's a table summarizing the different uses:

Form of "Rule" Meaning Example
Rule (noun) Law, regulation The traffic rule is speed limit.
Rule (noun) Principle, standard Kindness is a good rule.
Rule (noun) Game rule Read the rules of the game.
Rule! (exclamation) Command, attention "Rule! Be quiet!"
Rule (verb) To govern, control He rules the company.
Rule (figurative) Excellent, outstanding She is a rule at her job.

Tips for Using "Rule":

  • Context is key: The meaning of "rule" will be clear from the context of the sentence.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like law, regulation, guideline, directive, principle depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Can you give me a specific sentence where you'd like to use the word "rule," and I can help you choose the best form and explain it in more detail? Or, would you like me to focus on a particular aspect of its usage (e.g., "to rule" as a verb)?

Idioms of the word rule

as a (general) rule
usually but not always
  • I go to bed early as a rule.
  • As a general rule, vegetable oils are better for you than animal fats.
bend/stretch the rules
to change the rules to suit a particular person or situation
  • Couldn't they just bend the rules and let us in without a ticket?
the exception that proves the rule
(saying)people say that something is the exception that proves the rule when they are stating something that seems to be different from the normal situation, but they mean that the normal situation remains true in general
  • Most electronics companies have not done well this year, but ours is the exception that proves the rule.
play by somebody’s (own) rules
if somebody plays by their own rules or makes other people play by their rules, they set the conditions for doing business or having a relationship
  • If he wanted a loan he would have to play by the bank's rules.
play by the rules
to deal fairly and honestly with people
    the rule of law
    the condition in which all members of society, including its political leaders, accept the authority of the law
    • Democracy and the rule of law are yet to be firmly established in the country.
    a rule of thumb
    a practical method of doing or measuring something, usually based on past experience rather than on exact measurement
    • As a rule of thumb, you should cook a chicken for 20 minutes for each pound of weight.
    the rules of the game
    the standards of behaviour that most people accept or that actually operate in a particular area of life or business
      work to rule
      to follow the rules of your job in a very strict way in order to cause delay, as a form of protest against your employer or your working conditions

        Practice with vocabulary rule

        Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

        1. All staff members are expected to follow the strict safety _____ implemented after the incident.
        2. The court will _____ on the legality of the new zoning ordinance tomorrow.
        3. Compliance with government _____ is mandatory for all businesses operating in this sector.
        4. The new onboarding _____ provide a step-by-step process for integrating new employees into the team.

        Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

        1. Which of these words can denote an established regulation or a general principle guiding conduct? a) precept b) rule c) standard d) exception

        2. Which verbs describe the act of exercising supreme power or control over a state or organization? a) govern b) influence c) rule d) dominate

        3. In a legal or formal context, which terms refer to an official statement or command that must be obeyed? a) guideline b) ordinance c) edict d) rule

        4. Which of the following describes a recommended course of action or a piece of advice? a) injunction b) suggestion c) recommendation d) directive

        5. Which words refer to the systematic process of overseeing and coordinating an activity or project? a) administration b) management c) allowance d) control

        Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

        1. The legal system in this country is overseen by parliamentary statutes and judicial precedents. Rewrite the sentence using "rule" or a related word form.

        2. Every new project manager must be aware of the stringent protocols for budget allocation. Rewrite the sentence using "rule" or a related word form.

        3. It is highly recommended that all sensitive documents be encrypted before transmission. Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word, but do not use "rule" or its related forms.


        Answer:

        Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

        1. rule
        2. rule
        3. regulations
        4. guidelines

        Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

        1. a) precept, b) rule, c) standard
        2. a) govern, c) rule, d) dominate
        3. b) ordinance, c) edict, d) rule
        4. b) suggestion, c) recommendation
        5. a) administration, b) management, d) control

        Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

        1. Parliamentary statutes and judicial precedents rule the legal system in this country.
        2. Strict rules for budget allocation apply to every new project manager.
        3. Encrypting all sensitive documents before transmission is a strict policy.

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