noun

guidelines

GYDE-lynz

Guidelines (noun) means a set of recommendations that tell people how something should be done, offering direction without the force of law. Example: “The guidelines suggest two hours of moderate exercise a week.”

noun

A set of recommendations that tell people how something should be done, offering direction without the force of law.

"The guidelines suggest two hours of moderate exercise a week."

"Submissions that ignore the style guidelines are returned unread."

The published rules that govern behaviour on a platform, in an organisation or within a profession, which members are expected to follow.

"The post was removed for breaching community guidelines."

"Clinical guidelines were updated after the trial results."

How to Use Guidelines

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAdvice on the right way to do something.

When to use it

Neutral; equally at home in medical, legal and everyday writing.

Memory tip

Guidance is uncountable advice in general; guidelines are the individual points it breaks down into.

Easily confused with

guidance → regulations rules →

Common pairings

community guidelines follow the guidelines clinical guidelines in line with guidelines style guidelines

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ suggest two hours of moderate exercise a week.

Synonyms

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recommendations principles standards advice framework rules code of conduct protocol policy

Related Words

system police policy Rules rule structure advice politics

Rhymes for guidelines

nines Hines Lines Haines Raines Baines Gaines Marines Staines confines sardines aborigines

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between guidelines and rules?

Rules are binding and breaking them carries a penalty. Guidelines are advisory: they describe best practice and expect judgement in applying them. In practice, platforms often call their rules guidelines even though enforcement is strict.

Is guideline ever used in the singular?

Yes, but it is far less common. A single recommendation is a guideline; the plural is used most of the time because guidance normally arrives as a set.

What is the difference between guidelines and a policy?

A policy states an organisation's position and what is required. Guidelines explain how to meet it in practice. A policy might say data must be stored securely; the guidelines tell you which encryption to use.

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