Rule off Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Visual Separation Used to visually mark the end of a section, making your text clearer to read. When you finish your essay, rule off before starting your references. Pro Tip 2/3Academic Writing Commonly found in exams or worksheets, signaling the end of an answer or thought. For neatness, rule off after completing each math problem. Pro Tip 3/3Not for Dialogue Avoid using 'rule off' for speech in writing; it's not related to dialogue. Incorrect: He ruled off his sentence. Correct: He finished his sentence.