general rule: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Neutral
Quick answer
What does “general rule” mean?
A principle that applies to most situations or cases, rather than being specific.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A principle that applies to most situations or cases, rather than being specific.
A widely applicable guideline or standard practice from which specific exceptions may exist.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
None. Usage is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both, implying authority or common sense.
Frequency
Equally common in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “general rule” in a Sentence
As a general rule, [clause].The general rule is that [clause].It is a general rule to [infinitive].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “general rule” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - phrase is a noun.
American English
- N/A - phrase is a noun.
adverb
British English
- N/A - phrase is a noun.
American English
- N/A - phrase is a noun.
adjective
British English
- N/A - phrase is a noun.
American English
- N/A - phrase is a noun.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe standard operating procedures or common market principles.
Academic
Used to state overarching principles in theories, methodologies, or analyses.
Everyday
Used for common-sense advice or typical life experiences.
Technical
Used for heuristic principles or broadly applicable guidelines in fields like engineering or medicine.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “general rule”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “general rule”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “general rule”
- Using 'general rule' to mean an absolute law with no exceptions. (Incorrect: 'This is a general rule without exception.')
- Incorrect pluralisation: 'general rules' is grammatically correct but changes the meaning from a single overarching principle to multiple broad rules.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A 'general rule' allows for exceptions and is a guideline, while a 'strict rule' is mandatory and allows little or no deviation.
Yes, it is a very common and natural way to introduce a broad principle at the beginning of a sentence.
They are often interchangeable. 'Rule of thumb' can sound slightly more informal and is often based on practical experience rather than formal authority.
It is neutral to formal. It is perfectly acceptable in academic and professional writing, as well as in everyday speech.
A principle that applies to most situations or cases, rather than being specific.
General rule: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdʒenrəl ˈruːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdʒen(ə)rəl ˈruːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Rule of thumb (close synonym)”
- “Hard and fast rule (more rigid)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'general' in the army giving orders to most troops – a 'general rule' applies to most situations.
Conceptual Metaphor
GUIDANCE IS A RULE / NORMATIVITY IS A PATH (a rule guides behaviour like a path guides movement).
Practice
Quiz
What does the phrase 'general rule' typically imply?