abide by rules

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'abide by rules' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to express someone following or adhering to a set of rules or regulations. For example: All employees of the company must abide by rules the management has set in place.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

"I don't abide by rules.

The New York Times

Another lesson: Having fancy literary taste does not predispose one to abide by rules.

The New York Times

Nations also would have to abide by rules on environmental and social sustainability.

The New York Times

These authorities grant journalists access to games, provided the journalists abide by rules that are constantly evolving.

The New York Times - Tech

At the end of The Utopia of Rules, Graeber distinguishes between play and games – the former involving free‑form creativity, the latter requiring participants to abide by rules.

The Guardian - Books

They required the players to abide by rules and regulations without even giving them copies of the rules and regulations they were to abide by.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Dyssocials are characterized by an inability to abide by normal rules.

WikiHow

The underlying question is whether we trust that Facebook and these other big tech companies actually abided by rules to oversee and not to overuse data.

TechCrunch

"We have to abide by certain rules.

The New York Times - Sports

You have to abide by my rules.

The New York Times - Sports

The residents abide by stringent rules.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "abide by rules", ensure the context clearly defines which rules are being referenced. For example, specify "abide by company rules" or "abide by traffic rules" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "abide by rules" without specifying the relevant set of rules. Ambiguity can arise if the rules are not clearly defined or understood by all parties involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abide by rules" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of complying with or adhering to a set of established regulations or guidelines. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "abide by rules" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey the act of complying with or adhering to a set of regulations or guidelines. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. It's frequently found in news, formal business, and scientific contexts, with a neutral to formal tone. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying which rules are being referenced to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "comply with regulations" or "follow the rules", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Follow the rules

A simpler, more direct way of expressing obedience to rules.

Comply with regulations

Focuses on formal regulations, implying a legal or official requirement.

Adhere to guidelines

Emphasizes sticking to specific guidelines, often in a professional or procedural context.

Act in accordance with the rules

A more formal and elaborate way of saying "follow the rules".

Respect the regulations

Highlights the importance of respecting established regulations.

Conform to standards

Focuses on meeting specific quality or performance standards.

Observe the regulations

Suggests carefully watching and following the regulations.

Uphold the laws

Implies actively supporting and maintaining laws.

Be governed by the rules

Highlights the power of rules in controlling behavior.

Be subject to the rules

Emphasizes being under the authority or control of the rules.

FAQs

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

You can use "abide by rules" to indicate that someone is following a set of regulations or guidelines. For example, "All participants must "abide by rules" to ensure fair play."

What is a good alternative to "abide by rules"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "comply with regulations", "adhere to guidelines", or simply "follow the rules".

Is it more appropriate to use "abide by rules" or "follow the rules"?

"Abide by rules" is generally more formal than "follow the rules". Use ""abide by rules"" in professional or official contexts, and "follow the rules" in more casual settings.

What's the difference between "abide by rules" and "obey rules"?

"Abide by rules" suggests a voluntary acceptance and adherence to the rules, while "obey rules" implies a more direct compliance under authority. "Abide by rules" can also mean that the rules are more open to interpretation.