abide by terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abide by terms" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the necessity of following or adhering to specific conditions or agreements. Example: "All participants must abide by the terms set forth in the contract to ensure a smooth collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The Gannett Company and the Tribune Company canceled the $73 million sale of two southern Connecticut daily newspapers, after an arbitrator ruled that Gannett would have to abide by terms of a labor contract at one of the publications.

The New York Times

Every day, we receive text message from the Syrian army saying things like: "The ceasefire deal didn't last, Americans and Turks didn't abide by terms of the agreement" and "If you want the reconciliation and peace then you must raise the flag of the Syrian Arab Republic".

The Guardian

Key senators to watch: New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, the No. 3 Democrat in the chamber; Menendez, who has bucked the White House by voicing skepticism that Iran can be trusted to abide by terms of any deal; and Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Los Angeles Times

It said Christians who wanted to remain in the "caliphate" that the Islamic State declared this month in parts of Iraq and Syria must agree to abide by terms of a "dhimma" contract - a historic practice under which non-Muslims were protected in Muslim lands in return for a special levy known as "jizya".

Huffington Post

As a result, third party researchers are not obliged to sign any contract or abide by "terms and conditions" that normally set in other research settings.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Mr. McCain's Tweet did not specify whether Mr. Gomez had told the senator he should abide by term limits and not seek re-election.

The New York Times

That happened in December 2002 when Mr. Moi agreed to abide by term limits, and his handpicked successor, Uhuru Kenyatta, lost the election.

The New York Times

And just as the African Union has condemned coups and illegitimate transfers of power, the AU's authority and strong voice can also help the people of Africa ensure that their leaders abide by term limits and their constitutions.

The Guardian

Mikheil Saakashvili, Georgia's young, pro-Western president who came to power in a bloodless coup in 2003, has vowed to abide by term limits and step aside, and his supporters have said the new amendments will strengthen Georgia's democratic credentials.

The New York Times

"Instead, African leaders who are unwilling to abide by term limits, or unfavorable election results, prefer to simply change the laws and constitutions that stand in their way".

Vice

Whether or not Russia's president lives in "another world", as Angela Merkel observed, he certainly inhabits the alternate reality of Russian politics, which abides by terms and assumptions that often strike Americans as incomprehensible or mad.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a general audience, consider using simpler alternatives like "follow the rules" or "stick to the agreement" to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "abide by terms" when referring to general suggestions or guidelines. This phrase is most appropriate when discussing formal contracts, agreements, or rules with clearly defined conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abide by terms" functions as a directive, instructing individuals or entities to adhere to specific conditions or stipulations. As Ludwig AI states, it's usable in written English, emphasizing adherence to agreements. Examples show its use in contexts like contracts, agreements, and regulations, ensuring compliance and order.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "abide by terms" is a directive emphasizing the necessity of following specific conditions or agreements. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, particularly within contexts like contracts, agreements, and regulations. While grammatically correct, "abide by terms" is relatively rare, commonly found in news and media sources. For general audiences, simpler alternatives like "follow the rules" may improve clarity. It's best used for formal agreements and conditions, not general suggestions. The expert rating suggests the phrase effectively conveys adherence when used correctly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comply with the terms

Uses "comply" instead of "abide", offering a more formal tone.

adhere to the terms

Substitutes "abide" with "adhere", providing a slightly more rigid connotation.

observe the terms

Replaces "abide" with "observe", suggesting a more passive form of compliance.

respect the terms

Uses "respect" instead of "abide", highlighting the importance of honoring the agreement.

uphold the terms

Replaces "abide" with "uphold", emphasizing the active maintenance of the agreement.

fulfill the terms

Changes "abide" to "fulfill", focusing on the completion of obligations outlined in the terms.

be bound by the terms

Emphasizes the legal or obligatory nature of the terms.

act in accordance with the terms

Offers a more elaborate and formal way of expressing adherence.

keep to the terms

Uses "keep" for a more informal and straightforward tone.

be true to the terms

Implies a sense of loyalty and faithfulness to the agreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "abide by terms" to indicate adherence to specific conditions. For example, "All participants must "abide by terms" set forth in the contract to ensure a smooth collaboration."

What phrases are similar to "abide by terms"?

Alternatives to "abide by terms" include "comply with the terms", "adhere to the terms", or "observe the terms".

Is it better to say "abide by terms and conditions" or just "abide by terms"?

While both are acceptable, "abide by terms" is generally sufficient if the context already implies that these terms are conditions. "Terms and conditions" is more explicit, but can be redundant.

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

"Abide by terms" is slightly more formal and implies a stronger commitment to uphold the agreement, whereas "follow the terms" is a more general instruction to adhere to them.