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Prepositions before nouns

Rule with different prepositions

Rule commonly appears with under and by. Other combinations depend on the wider sentence.

Quick answer

Which prepositions are common with rule?

Under rule means controlled or governed. By rule means according to a rule. Rule of introduces a type or principle. To rule is usually part of the verb phrase to rule.

under rule of the military
by rule, phones must be off
the rule of law
to rule a country

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
under rule

Being controlled by a system or leader

Use under rule for government or authority.

The region remained under rule for decades
2
by rule

Following an official rule

Use by rule to mean according to regulations.

By rule, staff wear badges
3
rule of + noun

Naming a principle or type

Use rule of before an abstract noun.

the rule of thumb
4
to rule + object

Using rule as a verb

To rule is an infinitive verb, not a noun pattern.

She hoped to rule wisely

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
under rule
The country was under rule by a council.
controlled by an authority
by rule
By rule, visitors must sign in.
according to a rule
rule of
We follow the rule of law.
a named principle
to rule
The king wanted to rule alone.
verb meaning govern

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using to rule as a noun phrase

To rule is usually verbal, not a preposition plus noun pattern.

✕ the policy of to rule ✓ the policy to rule

Confusing under rule with under a rule

Under rule often refers to political control.

✓ The area was under military rule.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The island stayed ___ foreign rule.
2. ___ rule, helmets are required.
3. We support the rule ___ law.

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Frequently asked questions

Is under rule common?

Yes. It is common for political or legal control.

Can I say by rule?

Yes. It means according to a rule or policy.

Is to rule a noun construction?

Usually no. It is normally the infinitive form of the verb rule.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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