Meaning
Indicating a common practice.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'por regla general' is often used to discuss the 'horarios' (schedules). For example, shops closing for siesta or late dinner times. It helps manage expectations for tourists. Mexicans might use this phrase to soften a 'no'. Instead of saying 'We don't do that', they might say 'Por regla general, no lo hacemos', which sounds more polite and less confrontational. In Argentina, this phrase is common in legal and academic settings. Argentines value formal education highly, and using structured phrases like this shows a high level of 'cultura'. In Colombia, where speech is often very formal and polite, 'por regla general' is used frequently in customer service to explain policies without sounding rude.
Sentence Starter
Use it to start your sentences when you're not sure how to begin. It gives you time to think about the rest of the sentence!
No 'Un'
Never say 'por una regla general'. It's a fixed block. Keep it simple.
Meaning
Indicating a common practice.
Sentence Starter
Use it to start your sentences when you're not sure how to begin. It gives you time to think about the rest of the sentence!
No 'Un'
Never say 'por una regla general'. It's a fixed block. Keep it simple.
The 'Pero' Combo
Master the 'Por regla general... pero...' structure. It makes you sound very fluent and balanced.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition.
____ regla general, no bebo alcohol durante la semana.
The fixed expression is 'Por regla general'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the best option:
No article is needed, and 'general' must be an adjective.
Match the situation to the most likely use of 'por regla general'.
Situation: A waiter explaining the daily menu.
It describes a standard practice or habit of the restaurant.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Vienes a la fiesta? B: No lo sé, ____ no salgo los jueves.
This is the standard way to express a habit that might prevent an action.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use 'Por Regla General'
Work
- • Schedules
- • Deadlines
- • Meetings
Daily Life
- • Meals
- • Sleep
- • Exercise
Nature
- • Weather
- • Seasons
- • Animals
Practice Bank
4 exercises____ regla general, no bebo alcohol durante la semana.
The fixed expression is 'Por regla general'.
Select the best option:
No article is needed, and 'general' must be an adjective.
Situation: A waiter explaining the daily menu.
It describes a standard practice or habit of the restaurant.
A: ¿Vienes a la fiesta? B: No lo sé, ____ no salgo los jueves.
This is the standard way to express a habit that might prevent an action.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it sounds slightly more structured and 'educated', but it's still very common in daily life.
No, that is a common mistake. Always use 'por'.
No, the phrase is fixed. 'Regla' is always feminine, regardless of who is speaking.
Yes! 'No como carne, por regla general' is perfectly natural.
They are almost identical. 'Por lo general' is slightly more common in casual conversation, while 'por regla general' is slightly more emphatic.
Yes, it is universally understood from Spain to Argentina.
Absolutely. 'Por regla general, de niño jugaba en la calle.'
Yes, it's perfect for explaining company policies or general timelines.
No, it is followed by the indicative (normal) mood.
Yes, 'como regla general' is also correct and means the same thing.
Related Phrases
Por lo general
synonymGenerally / Usually
En general
similarIn general
Como norma
specialized formAs a norm
Salvo excepción
contrastExcept for exceptions
