as the general rule vs as a general rule

Both "as the general rule" and "as a general rule" are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "As a general rule" is the more common and idiomatic phrase, indicating a commonly accepted principle or guideline. On the other hand, "as the general rule" could be used in a specific context where there is a particular rule that is being referred to.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 706 views

as the general rule

This phrase is correct but less common than "as a general rule." It could be used in a specific context where a particular rule is being referred to.

This phrase could be used when referring to a specific rule that is well-known or established in a particular context.

Show examples from the web [+]

Chapter II is devoted to the automatic exchange of information and specifies this as the general rule when sharing current information between tax administrations.
I do not think that we should present cases of abuse as the general rule and harm the property rights of the forests' owners who have already been affected by a forest fire.
It is incorrect to present Article 12(3) TRLIS as the general rule for amortisation of financial goodwill since this Article refers to the deduction of shareholdings in non-listed entities.
To increase the efficiency of the European Voluntary Service, the rapporteur proposes setting a minimum period of two months as the general rule.
The PDB 2010 anticipates an amount of EUR 16,9 million withhold from the 2009 tobacco aid as the general rule for direct aids foresees contributions to be paid the year after their eligibility.
(b) confirmation of the rule of unanimity plus constructive abstention instead of qualified majority vote (QMV) as the general rule for CFSP (Articles I-41(4) and III-300);
The document under review proposes to maintain the place of establishment of the service provider as the general rule, in the case of services provided to non-taxable persons.

Alternatives:

as a general rule
as a rule
as a standard practice
as a customary rule
as a typical rule

as a general rule

This phrase is the more common and idiomatic way to express a commonly accepted principle or guideline.

This phrase is used to introduce a statement that is generally true or applicable in most cases.

Show examples from the web [+]

The proportionality principle applies as a general rule.
Administrative decisions shall not, as a general rule, give rise to consultations.
The Commission would recall that as a general rule tax relief confined to certain activities or certain firms could constitute state aid.
The Directorate-General shall send out the agenda to the organisations as a general rule 20 working days before the meeting, preferably by electronic means.
Outside these two stages of the procedure, as a general rule, there is no access to personal information.
Pressure equipment and assemblies should, as a general rule, bear the CE marking.
The Authority recalls that, as a general rule, the tax system of an EFTA State itself is not covered by the EEA Agreement.
Paragraph 3.2.3 of those Guidelines stated that as a general rule aid for environmental investment could be authorised up to specific levels.
Let's drink to forgiveness as a general rule.
Medicinal products subject to prescription should as a general rule bear the safety features.
Curly didn't say much as a general rule.
Administrative arrangements shall as a general rule take the form of an Exchange of Letters.
Late registrations via normal e-mail will not be accepted as a general rule.
Complementary to amendment 21 by the rapporteur which establishes the waste hierarchy as a general rule.
Animals that are presented to a slaughterhouse for slaughter must as a general rule be slaughtered there.
The following provisions apply as a general rule.
But as a general rule scruffy minds don't commit murder.
Your Rapporteur proposes as a general rule the following guidelines:
Since a manufacturer cannot as a general rule be regarded as impartial, it is more appropriate to entrust this assessment to an independent third party.
As a consequence, projects and activities will be selected, as a general rule, by means of open calls for proposals.

Alternatives:

as the general rule
as a rule
as a standard practice
as a customary rule
as a typical rule

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as the general rule vs as a general rule