How to Use general rule in a Sentence

general rule

noun
  • The general rule is the hole should be three times the height of the bulb.
    Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 14 Sep. 2023
  • As a general rule, the bigger the area, the more BTUs are needed to heat it.
    Nor'adila Hepburn, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2024
  • As a general rule, your grow lights should be on for 15 to 20 hours each day.
    Michelle Ullman, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 2024
  • As a general rule, make sure to wipe away any excess crumbs or bits of bread in the back and in the corners.
    Laura Denby, Peoplemag, 2 May 2023
  • As a general rule, a saw with higher TPI achieves a smoother cut.
    Alex Rennie, Popular Mechanics, 21 Apr. 2023
  • As a general rule, though, Spain can be extremely hot in the summer and cooler the rest of the year.
    Chadner Navarro, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2024
  • As a general rule of thumb: The higher the thread count, the thicker, fluffier, and warmer your towel will be.
    Samantha Crompton, Glamour, 10 Oct. 2023
  • As a general rule of thumb, the more often the device reports, the shorter the lifespan.
    Katherine Keeler, Car and Driver, 14 Mar. 2023
  • According to Le Creuset, the general rule of thumb is to plan for 1 quart per person, and then round up.
    Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 19 July 2023
  • The general rule is to choose a fit that is not too baggy or too tight, and that follows the natural shape of your legs.
    Maverick Li, Men's Health, 22 Aug. 2023
  • As a general rule, long guns fire large-caliber rounds from long barrels and are meant to be fired from the shoulder.
    Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 15 Apr. 2023
  • But, as a general rule, here are the top nutrients for kids at every age.
    Rachel Meltzer Warren, M.s., Parents, 13 Dec. 2023
  • The general rule of thumb to properly cook your rice is to use a ratio of 2 parts water to 1 part rice, but that’s just the basics.
    Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 23 June 2023
  • Bon Bon Bon As a general rule of thumb, pet-owners should keep chocolate treats far away from their pups.
    Lyndsay C. Green, Detroit Free Press, 12 Aug. 2023
  • As a general rule, in the right conditions (cool and dry), a deer can hang hide-on for several weeks.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 7 Sep. 2023
  • But as a general rule, the more people who are speaking for the president, the more muddled the message.
    Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 10 Mar. 2023
  • As a general rule of thumb, hoodies should be washed after every four to five wears.
    Joseph Cheatham, Travel + Leisure, 21 Nov. 2023
  • As a general rule, higher wattage also tends to increase the lifespan of your juicer.
    Caroline Thomason, Health, 5 July 2023
  • As a general rule, the more power the generator can provide, the bigger the price tag.
    Jim Cobb, Field & Stream, 4 Jan. 2024
  • Therefore, as a general rule, try to place only your larger items in the bins overhead.
    Bobby Laurie, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 July 2023
  • As a general rule, the state aims to keep those payments below 4% of total spending.
    Jessie Opoien, Journal Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2024
  • The elderly, as a general rule, vote more than younger people do.
    WSJ, 7 Mar. 2023
  • As a general rule, your baby's development starts at the top—from the head—and works downward.
    Parents Editors, Parents, 3 July 2023
  • As a general rule, the more expensive the basket, the more snacks, treats, and other items will be included.
    Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 21 Nov. 2023
  • The general rule is that any BLM trail open for motorized usage is also open to e-bikes.
    Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News (san Jose, Anchorage Daily News, 3 Mar. 2023
  • As a general rule, the price goes up when it’s packed with more features such as apps, smart functions, water reservoirs, and LED lights.
    Nor'adila Hepburn, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2024
  • With age comes wisdom, and with wisdom comes a general rule that older people can do and say things young’uns wouldn't dare.
    Haley Strack, National Review, 12 Nov. 2023
  • The general rule, though, is that anything under 200 miles is acceptable for a new car.
    Elizabeth Rivelli, Car and Driver, 21 Feb. 2023
  • The document still has a more general rule against quick resales but without the lawsuit threat.
    Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica, 13 Nov. 2023
  • Of course, each type of strip (or acne dot!) may have varying instructions, but as a general rule, once a week is a good schedule to go by.
    Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 21 July 2023

Some of these examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'general rule.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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