Abide by

USAGE SUMMARY

"abide by" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to following rules, laws, or agreements. Example: "All employees must abide by the company's code of conduct." Alternative expressions include "comply with," "adhere to," and "follow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Abide by the law".

Forbes

Abide by our policies.

WikiHow

Abide by the TOS.

WikiHow

Abide by the speed limits.

WikiHow

Abide by your work schedule.

WikiHow

Abide by your studio's dress code.

WikiHow

"I don't abide by rules.

The New York Times

"You abide by that".

The New York Times

They abide by their international obligations.

The Economist

"We abide by the international laws".

The Guardian

"They know our laws, abide by them".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "abide by" when you want to emphasize a formal commitment or obligation to follow rules, laws, or agreements. This phrase adds a tone of respect and responsibility.

Common error

Don't use "abide by" casually. It's best suited for situations involving rules, laws, or agreements, not just general preferences or suggestions. For casual suggestions use the verb "follow".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "abide by" functions primarily as a verb indicating adherence, compliance, or conformity to a rule, law, agreement, or decision. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it signals a commitment to follow established guidelines or regulations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

15%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abide by" is a versatile phrasal verb that expresses compliance and adherence to rules, laws, agreements, or decisions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts. It is most commonly found in news and media, followed by wiki and science related content. While synonyms like "comply with" or "adhere to" exist, "abide by" carries a distinct tone of formal commitment. When writing, use "abide by" to emphasize a dedication to following established guidelines, but remember it is more suitable in formal situations. Don't use it for general preferences or suggestion. Use alternative options such as "comply with" and "adhere to" when aiming for the same meaning with a slight shift in context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Comply with

Emphasizes adherence to specific rules or regulations.

Adhere to

Highlights a commitment to stick to guidelines or principles.

Conform to

Implies alignment with established standards or norms.

Uphold

Suggests supporting or defending a law or principle.

Respect

Focuses on showing due regard for rules or agreements.

Honor

Indicates a moral obligation to follow a commitment.

Follow

A general term for adhering to instructions or guidelines.

Obey

Implies submission to authority and compliance with commands.

Accept

Highlights the act of agreeing to and following a decision or outcome.

Be bound by

Emphasizes a legal or contractual obligation to adhere.

FAQs

How can I use "abide by" in a sentence?

Use "abide by" to indicate compliance with rules, laws, or agreements. For example: "All participants must abide by the rules of the competition." or "Companies must "comply with" environmental regulations".

What is a synonym for "abide by"?

Synonyms for "abide by" include "comply with", "adhere to", or "conform to". The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "abide to" instead of "abide by"?

No, the correct phrasing is "abide by". The preposition "by" is essential for the phrase to maintain its meaning of compliance or adherence. "Abide to" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "abide by" and "follow"?

"Abide by" implies a formal commitment to rules or laws, while "follow" is a more general term for adhering to instructions or guidelines. You "abide by" the law but "follow" a recipe.