noun a principle or condition that governs behavior or action
adverb typically or generally
Used to introduce a common practice or generalization
Used to set expectations or guidelines for a particular situation
Used to indicate a general rule or principle that applies in most cases
Used to state a standard procedure or protocol
In the field of writing, 'as a rule' is often used to establish common practices or guidelines that writers should follow when crafting their work. For example, a writer may say, 'As a rule, I always start my articles with a compelling hook to grab the reader's attention.'
Psychologists may use 'as a rule' when discussing general principles or trends within the field of psychology. For instance, a psychologist might say, 'As a rule, people tend to experience increased stress levels during major life transitions.'
Lawyers may use 'as a rule' to refer to legal standards or procedures that are typically followed in legal practice. For example, a lawyer might say, 'As a rule, evidence must be presented to prove a defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.'
In accounting, 'as a rule' can be used to describe standard practices or regulations that accountants must adhere to when preparing financial statements. An accountant might say, 'As a rule, all financial transactions must be accurately recorded in accordance with GAAP.'