UNIT 4 LESSON 1

RULES AND REGULATIONS

 

We are affected by laws, rules and regulations every day of our lives.

 

- One of the rules is that nobody can be in the office after 8 p.m. 

- There are so many government regulations for driving a car. 

- It's important to understand the laws of a country that you're visiting. 

Use these words and phrases to talk about laws:

 

- In my country, it's still legal to talk on the phone while driving. 

- Smoking in bars and restaurants is illegal in my city. 

- Driving over 30 miles per hour downtown is against the law. 

- He had to pay a fine for driving without his seatbelt on.

Use these words and phrases to talk about things you can and can't do:

 

- Swimming is not allowed here because of safety concerns. 

- Driving a motorcycle without a helmet is prohibited by law. 

- Use of cellphones during the flight is not permitted.

TALKING ABOUT RULES AND REGULATIONS

 

Use these expressions to bring a rule or regulation to someone's attention:

 

- It's been brought to my attention that you've been smoking on the balcony. 

- Did you not receive the new office rules? 

- There's now a regulation against smoking anywhere in the building. 

- It's a new city law. 

Use must to express strong obligation and mustn't to say that something is not allowed:

     

-You must follow the new office rules. 

- You mustn't smoke on the balcony. 

Here are some more expressions for talking about rules and regulations:

 

- There's a $50 fine for not wearing a seatbelt. 

- The rules are there to protect people. 

- You can't just smoke anywhere you want. 

- I'm sorry, but it's not allowed. 

 

POLITELY TURNING DOWN REQUESTS

If you are in a position of authority, you might have to turn down someone's request or explain rules to them.

 

A: That's crazy! Why can't I smoke here? 

B: I'm sorry, but that's the law. 

Use these other expressions to turn down requests politely:

 

- I'm afraid that's just not possible. 

- I'd really like to help you, but I don't make the rules. 

- Unfortunately, there's nothing I can do. 

CULTURE NOTE: Whether the person you are talking to is polite or not, it's always a good idea to remain polite yourself.