What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
statute
Example
The new statute prohibits smoking in public places. [statute: noun]
Example
The statute of limitations for this crime has expired. [statute: noun]
rule
Example
One of the rules of the game is no cheating. [rule: noun]
Example
The teacher ruled that the answer was incorrect. [ruled: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rule is more commonly used than statute in everyday language. Rule is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while statute is more specific to legal or governmental contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between statute and rule?
Statute is typically associated with a more formal and legal tone, while rule can be used in a wider range of contexts and tones, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
