abide by

USAGE SUMMARY

"abide by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone following an agreement, rule, or request. For example: "The company is required to abide by the terms of their contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"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

If China fails to abide by W.T.O.

The New York Times

"I abide by their decision.

The New York Times - Sports

The United States will abide by international law.

Independent

They must also abide by them.

The New York Times - Sports

"We have to abide by certain rules.

The New York Times - Sports

Must he abide by this agreement?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "abide by" when you want to emphasize the importance of following rules, laws, agreements, or principles. For example: "All participants must abide by the safety regulations."

Common error

Instead of saying "The rules must be abided by", use the active voice: "Participants must abide by the rules". This makes the sentence more direct and easier to understand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abide by" functions as a verb phrase indicating compliance or adherence to a rule, law, agreement, or principle. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abide by" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies adherence to rules, laws, or agreements. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a versatile expression found in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. For alternatives, consider using "comply with", "adhere to", or "conform to" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Ensure clarity by using active voice and emphasizing the importance of the rules being followed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comply with

Replaces "abide by" with a slightly more formal term, emphasizing adherence to rules or regulations.

adhere to

Similar to "abide by", but often used in the context of sticking to principles or beliefs.

conform to

Focuses on aligning with established standards or norms, similar to "abide by" in a regulatory context.

obey

A simpler and more direct alternative, implying a command or instruction is followed.

follow

A general term indicating adherence to a set of rules or guidelines.

respect

Implies honoring or valuing a decision or law, suggesting a degree of willing compliance.

uphold

Suggests actively supporting and maintaining a law or principle, showing a stronger commitment.

fulfill

Focuses on meeting the requirements of an agreement or obligation.

stand by

Highlights the act of supporting or remaining faithful to an agreement or person.

acquiesce to

Indicates accepting something reluctantly but without protest, a passive form of compliance.

FAQs

How to use "abide by" in a sentence?

"Abide by" means to accept and follow a rule, law, or decision. For example, "All students must "abide by" the university's code of conduct."

What can I say instead of "abide by"?

You can use alternatives like "comply with", "adhere to", or "conform to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "abide by" or "abide to"?

"Abide by" is the correct phrase. "Abide to" is grammatically incorrect. You should always use "abide by" when you mean to follow or comply with something.

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

"Abide by" implies a formal acceptance and adherence to rules or laws, whereas "follow" can simply mean to go after or act according to something, not necessarily with the same level of commitment or formality.