As a rule Meaning in English
expression
ˈæz/, /ˈɛz/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈɹuɫ
AZ-uh-ROOL
ˈæs/ /æɪ/ /ɹˈuːl
AZ-uh-ROOL
Definition
Used to state what usually happens, or what is generally true in most situations, with some exceptions. Similar to 'in general' or 'normally'.
Usage & Nuances
'As a rule' is formal or neutral. It commonly introduces general statements or tendencies: 'As a rule, cats dislike water.' It usually appears at the beginning of a sentence. Can be replaced by 'generally' or 'in general' in most contexts.
Spanish: por lo general - como regla generalPortuguese (BR): em geral - como regraPortuguese (PT): em geral - como regraChinese (Simplified): 通常 - 一般来说Chinese (Traditional): 通常 - 一般來說Hindi: आम तौर परArabic: كقاعدة عامةBengali: সাধারণত - নিয়ম대로Russian: как правилоJapanese: たいてい - 一般的にVietnamese: thường thì - nói chungKorean: 대체로 - 일반적으로Turkish: genellikle - çoğunluklaUrdu: عموماً - عمومی طور پرIndonesian: sebagai aturan - pada umumnya
Example Sentences
As a rule, I go to bed early.
basic
Children, as a rule, love sweets.
basic
As a rule, it rains a lot in April.
basic
As a rule, I don’t drink coffee after 6 p.m.
natural
People here, as a rule, are very friendly to visitors.
natural
As a rule, I don’t go out on weeknights unless it's something special.
natural