What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
regulation
Example
The new regulation requires all employees to wear masks in the workplace. [regulation: noun]
Example
The government is regulating the use of pesticides in agriculture to protect the environment. [regulating: verb]
rule
Example
One of the rules of the game is that players cannot touch the ball with their hands. [rule: noun]
Example
The rule of law is a fundamental principle of democratic societies. [rule: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rule is more commonly used than regulation in everyday language. Rule is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while regulation is more commonly used in formal or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between regulation and rule?
Regulation is typically associated with a formal and bureaucratic tone, while rule can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
