B1 Collocation Neutro 2 min de leitura

basic rule

قاعدة أساسية

Use 'basic rule' to highlight the most important, non-negotiable part of any activity or situation.

Em 15 segundos

  • A fundamental guideline that serves as a starting point.
  • Used to simplify instructions or set clear expectations.
  • Essential for safety, success, or social harmony.

Significado

A 'basic rule' is a fundamental guideline or principle that everyone should follow. It is the most important starting point for doing something correctly or staying safe.

Exemplos-chave

3 de 6
1

Teaching a friend to drive

The basic rule is to always check your mirrors before turning.

القاعدة الأساسية هي التحقق دائماً من مراياك قبل الانعطاف.

🤝
2

A manager starting a meeting

Our basic rule for these meetings is to stay on topic.

قاعدتنا الأساسية لهذه الاجتماعات هي البقاء في صلب الموضوع.

💼
3

Talking about a diet

My basic rule is no sugar after 6 PM.

قاعدتي الأساسية هي عدم تناول السكر بعد الساعة السادسة مساءً.

😊
🌍

Contexto cultural

The phrase reflects the Western value of 'KISS' (Keep It Simple, Stupid). It gained popularity in management and self-help circles to help people focus on what truly matters. In sports and business, establishing a 'basic rule' is seen as a sign of strong leadership.

💡

Simplify your speech

When you are overwhelmed explaining something, stop and say 'The basic rule is...' to reset the conversation.

⚠️

Don't over-use it

If you have 20 'basic rules,' they aren't basic anymore! Keep it to one or two per topic.

Em 15 segundos

  • A fundamental guideline that serves as a starting point.
  • Used to simplify instructions or set clear expectations.
  • Essential for safety, success, or social harmony.

What It Means

Think of a basic rule as the foundation of a house. Without it, everything else falls apart. It is the simplest, most essential piece of advice or instruction. When you hear this, pay attention. It is usually the 'golden rule' for that specific situation.

How To Use It

You can use it to set expectations early. It often comes at the start of a conversation. Use it to simplify complex topics. For example, 'The basic rule of cooking is don't burn the garlic.' It sounds authoritative but helpful. You are giving someone the 'secret sauce' for success.

When To Use It

Use it when teaching someone a new skill. It is perfect for workplace orientations or sports coaching. Use it when explaining a game to friends. It works well when you want to sound organized. It helps clear up confusion before it even starts. Use it to keep things simple and direct.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid it in highly academic or legal papers. There, use 'fundamental principle' or 'statutory requirement' instead. Don't use it for very complex, nuanced laws. It might sound too 'dumbed down' for experts. If something is a suggestion, don't call it a basic rule. Rules imply consequences if they are broken. Don't be a 'rule-nazi' with it either!

Cultural Background

Western culture loves efficiency and 'life hacks.' The basic rule is the ultimate life hack. It reflects a desire for clarity and directness. In the US and UK, people value knowing the 'ground rules' immediately. It shows you respect their time. It’s about getting to the point without the fluff.

Common Variations

You might hear rule of thumb for something less formal. Some people say golden rule for moral or social tips. Ground rule is common for meetings or shared living spaces. First rule is used for the most important priority. All of these help people navigate social and professional life smoothly.

Notas de uso

This phrase is safe for almost any situation. It is neutral enough for the office but simple enough for a chat with a neighbor.

💡

Simplify your speech

When you are overwhelmed explaining something, stop and say 'The basic rule is...' to reset the conversation.

⚠️

Don't over-use it

If you have 20 'basic rules,' they aren't basic anymore! Keep it to one or two per topic.

💬

The 'Rule of Thumb'

In English, a 'rule of thumb' is a basic rule based on experience rather than exact science. It's a very common cultural cousin!

Exemplos

6
#1 Teaching a friend to drive
🤝

The basic rule is to always check your mirrors before turning.

القاعدة الأساسية هي التحقق دائماً من مراياك قبل الانعطاف.

Sets a safety priority immediately.

#2 A manager starting a meeting
💼

Our basic rule for these meetings is to stay on topic.

قاعدتنا الأساسية لهذه الاجتماعات هي البقاء في صلب الموضوع.

Establishes professional boundaries.

#3 Talking about a diet
😊

My basic rule is no sugar after 6 PM.

قاعدتي الأساسية هي عدم تناول السكر بعد الساعة السادسة مساءً.

Explains a personal discipline.

#4 Humorous advice about dating
😄

The basic rule of dating: don't talk about your ex for three hours.

القاعدة الأساسية للمواعدة: لا تتحدث عن شريكك السابق لمدة ثلاث ساعات.

Uses the phrase to deliver a funny truth.

#5 Texting a roommate about chores
😊

Basic rule: if you use a dish, wash it right away!

قاعدة أساسية: إذا استخدمت طبقاً، اغسله فوراً!

Direct communication for shared living.

#6 Giving emotional advice
💭

The basic rule of a good friendship is honesty.

القاعدة الأساسية للصداقة الجيدة هي الصدق.

Defines a core value in a relationship.

Teste-se

Choose the best word to complete the sentence about kitchen safety.

The ___ rule of cooking is to never leave the stove unattended.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: basic

We use 'basic' to describe a fundamental, essential rule.

Complete the sentence regarding office etiquette.

A ___ rule here is to respect everyone's quiet time.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: basic

'Basic rule' is the standard collocation for a foundational guideline.

🎉 Pontuação: /2

Recursos visuais

Formality Spectrum of 'Basic Rule'

Informal

Used with friends for life advice.

Basic rule: don't be late!

Neutral

Standard use in classrooms or offices.

The basic rule of this lab is safety first.

Formal

Used in manuals or introductions.

The basic rule of the contract is mutual consent.

Where to use 'Basic Rule'

Basic Rule

Sports Coaching

Keep your eye on the ball.

🍳

Cooking Class

Wash your hands first.

💻

Office Policy

Mute your mic when not speaking.

🎁

Social Etiquette

Don't arrive empty-handed.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Not exactly. A law is a legal requirement, while a basic rule is often a practical guideline or a social expectation, like the basic rule of politeness.

Yes, simple rule works, but basic rule sounds more like a foundation or a 'must-know' starting point.

Absolutely. You could say, 'My basic rule for work is to always stay organized.' It shows you have a clear philosophy.

Usually no, but if you say it aggressively, it can sound like you are talking down to someone. Keep your tone helpful!

The plural is basic rules. For example: 'There are three basic rules for using this software.'

Yes, teachers often say things like, 'The basic rule of gravity is that what goes up must come down.'

It is equally common in both! It is a standard phrase across the English-speaking world.

A common synonym is fundamental principle or ground rule depending on how formal you want to be.

Yes! You can say, 'I have a basic rule never to check emails on Sundays.'

Yes, the words basic and rule are very frequently used together in English to describe a core instruction.

Frases relacionadas

Rule of thumb

A broadly accurate guide based on practice rather than theory.

Ground rules

Basic rules for a particular situation or activity.

Golden rule

The most important rule, often regarding behavior or ethics.

First principles

The fundamental concepts or assumptions on which a theory is based.

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