nonrule

Definitions

Something that is not a rule.

Examples

“How about nonrules? Where do they come⟳ from? We said previously that many nonrules are based on an attempt⟳ to force⟳ English grammar into the mold of Latin.”

“Right now, let’s attend⟳ to a few of what I think⟳ of as the Great Nonrules of the English Language. […] Why are they nonrules? So far as I’m concerned, because they’re largely unhelpful, pointlessly constricting, feckless, and useless.”

“Third – and here’s the clincher – you gotta distinguish between valid rules and nonrules. Now if you’re one of them prescriptivists, I’m gonna free you of five nonrules: Nonrule 1: Never split⟳ infinitives.”

CEFR level