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rule off

C1 neutral separable transitive

to draw a line to divide part of a page or section

In plain English

to draw a line to separate one part from another

What does "rule off" mean?

One main meaning — here's how to use it.

1 C1 neutral

to draw a straight line across a page or area in order to separate it from another part

"Please rule off the last section before you start the next exercise."

separable
Usage tip

Mostly used in writing, bookkeeping, and classroom contexts. Rather formal or old-fashioned in everyday speech.

Words that pair with "rule off"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

page section column exercise account margin

How to conjugate "rule off"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
rule off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rules off
he/she/it
Past simple
ruled off
yesterday
Past participle
ruled off
have + pp
-ing form
ruling off
continuous

Hear "rule off" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "rule off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "rule off"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

divide draw a line under line off mark off separate with a line

Keep exploring

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