1 B2 idiomatic neutral
to decide that something must be considered as a possible explanation or result
"At this stage, doctors cannot rule in an infection."
separable
rule in
B2 neutral separable transitive
to decide that something is possible, relevant, or included
In plain English
to say yes, this can be part of it or this may be true
What does "rule in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic formal
to officially include someone or something within a process, decision, or category
"The judge ruled in the new evidence after hearing both sides."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to make a rule that something is inside
Actually means
to say yes, this can be part of it or this may be true
Usage tip
Common in medicine, investigation, planning, and law. Often paired with 'rule out'.
Words that pair with "rule in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
possibility diagnosis option candidate cause scenario
How to conjugate "rule in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
rule in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rules in
he/she/it
Past simple
ruled in
yesterday
Past participle
ruled in
have + pp
-ing form
ruling in
continuous
Hear "rule in" in the wild
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Other ways to say "rule in"
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