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vallillo1983 · Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Posts: 194

How would you explain the difference to a group of students between

Over-rules and

rules-over?

Thanks

georginachina · Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 193

globalnomad2 · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 562

Yes, it does not have a hyphen.

Then we have "The lion rules over his domain like a king?" Nope. Most likely we'd delete the "over."

vallillo1983 · Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Posts: 194

can you give an example using over rules?

globalnomad2 · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 562

The Supreme Court overruled a previous decision by the Federal Appeals Court.

saint57 · Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 11:01 am Post subject:

My opinion overrules yours and that's really all that matters.

Saint57 rules over all he surveys.

vallillo1983 · Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Posts: 194

so rules over is to rule over sumting - to have the upper hand!

While over rules means to stand in the way, to prevent?

elliot_spencer · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 495

could you write -

my heart overrules my mind?

saint57 · Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 11:22 am Post subject:

Please add my name to the list of semi-literate teachers.

elliot_spencer · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 495

is it?

DNK · Joined: 22 Jan 2007 Posts: 236 Location: the South

"rules over" is a phrasal verb that denotes regular dominance over the direct object by the subject, both usually being people or personified things. The "over" implies that the power and use thereof is greater than simply using "rule".

Overrule is a verb that denotes a singular direct action of dominance, typically through a set hierarchical system (generally legally based), which alters the decision of another who is less dominant in the system. Usually it is "overrule" "the decision", not "the person", at least at the level of meaning (you could say, "I overruled you", but it would imply that you overruled my decision).

"rules over" also denotes more of an authoritarian presence. We usually wouldn't say the chief justice rules over the supreme court, since he does not have ultimate say on much (I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that's the case), and his power is heavily mitigated by the others on the court.

Now you could say a boss rules over his workplace to imply a rather heavy-handed approach that would have (usually) negative implications, of course, as to his management style.

Basically, the difference is what is being ruled, person or decision.

Take that and simplify it to the level, of course, and it's my best guess.

DNK · Joined: 22 Jan 2007 Posts: 236 Location: the South