follow rules
Obey regulations
Use this phrase to describe acting correctly according to established guidelines in any social or professional setting.
En 15 segundos
- Doing what is required by law or social standards.
- Acting according to instructions or guidelines.
- Being a cooperative member of a group or organization.
Significado
It means doing exactly what you are told to do or following the specific instructions of a place or game. It is about staying within the lines and not breaking any laws or social agreements.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 7Talking about a new job
In this office, everyone must follow rules regarding data privacy.
In this office, everyone must follow rules regarding data privacy.
Playing a board game with friends
Hey, you can't do that! You have to follow rules if you want to play.
Hey, you can't do that! You have to follow rules if you want to play.
Explaining school behavior to a child
It is important to follow rules so everyone stays safe at school.
It is important to follow rules so everyone stays safe at school.
Contexto cultural
The concept of 'fair play' is deeply rooted in British and American sportsmanship. Following rules is seen as a sign of respect for one's community and peers. In modern times, it has become a common phrase in workplace safety and corporate compliance culture.
The 'The' Secret
If you are talking about specific rules, say 'follow THE rules.' If you mean rules in general, just say 'follow rules.'
Don't be a 'Rule-Breaker'
The opposite of following rules is 'breaking' them. Calling someone a 'rule-breaker' can be a compliment or an insult depending on your tone!
En 15 segundos
- Doing what is required by law or social standards.
- Acting according to instructions or guidelines.
- Being a cooperative member of a group or organization.
What It Means
To follow rules is to act according to established guidelines. It is the opposite of being a rebel. Think of it like a recipe for a cake. If you don't use the right amount of sugar, the cake fails. In life, rules keep things organized. You do what is expected. You respect the boundaries set by others. It is simple, clear, and very common.
How To Use It
You use this phrase as a verb. You can say "I follow rules" or "She follows rules." It works in almost any tense. Use it when talking about work, school, or even board games. It sounds natural and direct. You do not need fancy words here. Just pair the action with the requirement. It is a very sturdy, reliable phrase for your daily English.
When To Use It
Use it at the office when talking about safety. Use it at a restaurant when they have a dress code. It is perfect for explaining why you can't do something. "I have to follow rules," is a great polite excuse. Use it when teaching children how to behave. It is also great for sports. If you do not follow rules in soccer, you get a red card. Nobody wants that!
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if the situation is very legal. In a courtroom, lawyers say comply with regulations. That sounds much heavier. Avoid it in very romantic or artistic settings. You do not "follow rules" to fall in love. That sounds a bit robotic! Also, do not use it if there is only one rule. In that case, say follow the rule with a "the."
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, there is a mix of values. People love being individuals, but they also value "fair play." To follow rules means you are a good team player. In the UK, "queuing" (waiting in line) is a major rule. If you do not follow rules there, people will be very annoyed. In the US, it is often linked to being a "good citizen."
Common Variations
You might hear play by the rules. This sounds more like a game or a business deal. Another one is stick to the rules. This means you are being very strict. If someone is being too serious, you might say they are a rule-follower. That can be a little bit of a joke. It means they never take risks. Don't be a boring rule-follower all the time!
Notas de uso
This is a neutral, everyday collocation. It is safe to use in almost any context, though 'comply with' is better for legal documents.
The 'The' Secret
If you are talking about specific rules, say 'follow THE rules.' If you mean rules in general, just say 'follow rules.'
Don't be a 'Rule-Breaker'
The opposite of following rules is 'breaking' them. Calling someone a 'rule-breaker' can be a compliment or an insult depending on your tone!
Unwritten Rules
In English culture, 'unwritten rules' are social habits (like not talking loudly on a bus) that people expect you to follow even if they aren't written down.
Ejemplos
7In this office, everyone must follow rules regarding data privacy.
In this office, everyone must follow rules regarding data privacy.
Used here to show professional requirements.
Hey, you can't do that! You have to follow rules if you want to play.
Hey, you can't do that! You have to follow rules if you want to play.
A friendly reminder to stay fair during a game.
It is important to follow rules so everyone stays safe at school.
It is important to follow rules so everyone stays safe at school.
Used to teach social responsibility.
Ugh, Dave is such a nerd; he even follows rules for eating pizza!
Ugh, Dave is such a nerd; he even follows rules for eating pizza!
Using the phrase to tease someone for being too strict.
We failed because we didn't follow rules during the inspection.
We failed because we didn't follow rules during the inspection.
Discussing a serious failure in a formal way.
This gym is so intense, you have to follow rules just to use a towel.
This gym is so intense, you have to follow rules just to use a towel.
Casual observation about a strict environment.
I'm sorry I hurt you; I promise to follow rules from now on.
I'm sorry I hurt you; I promise to follow rules from now on.
Expressing a commitment to do better in a relationship.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
If you want to win the game fairly, you must ___ rules.
To 'follow rules' means to play correctly and fairly.
Complete the workplace safety sentence.
The manager said we will get a bonus if we ___ all safety rules this month.
Following safety rules results in a positive outcome like a bonus.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Follow Rules'
Used with friends during games.
Just follow the rules, man!
Standard everyday use.
Please follow rules when entering the pool.
Used in official documents.
Employees must follow rules of conduct.
Where to Follow Rules
Library
Keep quiet and follow rules.
Traffic
Follow rules of the road.
Sports
Follow rules to avoid fouls.
Airport
Follow rules for security.
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasIt means to obey the instructions or laws of a specific place or activity. For example, follow rules at school means listening to the teacher.
They are very similar, but obey is often used for people (obey your parents), while follow rules is used for systems or lists.
Yes, it is very common at work. You might hear, "You must follow rules regarding safety."
Absolutely. It is a neutral phrase, so it works in a text like, "Make sure you follow rules so you don't get kicked out!"
It is neutral. It is not too slangy for a boss, and not too stiff for a friend.
Use follow the rules when you are talking about a specific set of rules, like for a game you are currently playing.
A rule-follower is a person who always does what they are told. Sometimes it is used to describe someone who is a bit boring.
The most common opposite is to break rules. If you do this a lot, people might call you a rebel.
The phrase is used the same way in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. It is a universal English expression.
Yes, many people say 'do rules,' but that is incorrect. You must always use the verb follow or obey.
Yes, but follow the law is specifically for legal matters, while follow rules can be for anything from a game to a kitchen.
You can say, "Could you please follow the rules?" or "It's important that we follow rules here."
Frases relacionadas
Play by the rules
To deal fairly and honestly with others.
Stick to the script
To follow a specific plan without changing anything.
Toe the line
To accept the authority or policies of a group.
Go by the book
To do something exactly as the rules say.
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