abide by the instructions

USAGE SUMMARY

"abide by the instructions" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to follow or adhere to the given instructions. You can use it in any situation where you are emphasizing the importance of following instructions or rules. Example: "As an employee of this company, it is essential that you abide by the instructions given by your superiors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Brincau urged all bathers to abide by the instructions given by lifeguards, who advise people that swimming under double-red flag conditions was a risk to their lives.

The Guardian

As his designated health care proxy, I had agreed long before he became ill to abide by the instructions in his living will.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

If counsel would abide by the instruction of the Court given this morning, we could move along much more directly and much more quickly.

Yale University

In the House, lawmakers don't necessarily need to abide by the reconciliation instruction that only allows them to add $1.5 trillion in extra debt.

Huffington Post

In the referendum campaign she may have been a reluctant remainer, but the message - with Brexiters taking the three top foreign policy jobs in cabinet - is that she will now abide by the people's instructions.

The Guardian

Not all people all over the world can abide by instructions made on the basis of secularism and liberalism.

BMC Health Services Research

It would allow the armed forces to detain civilians, though imposing upon them an obligation to advise a judge of any arrests and to abide by his instructions.

The Economist

It is not often I would happily abide by such instructions, but this was an exception.

Huffington Post

Those of us arrested on Monday refused to abide by police instructions to move, in order to demand far-reaching reform of our broken political system.

Huffington Post

You may have to abide by their instructions.

WikiHow

Your Executor or Administrator, hopefully a caring family member or close friend, will abide by your instructions.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "abide by the instructions", ensure the instructions are clear and accessible to the intended audience. Providing context or background information can enhance understanding and compliance.

Common error

Avoid assuming a prior understanding of the instructions. Always verify that all parties involved have a common interpretation to prevent errors and ensure successful execution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abide by the instructions" functions as a directive, urging adherence to specific guidelines. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and emphasizes the importance of compliance. The phrase is primarily used to ensure proper execution and prevent deviations from a prescribed method.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "abide by the instructions" is a grammatically correct and commonly used directive that urges adherence to a specific set of guidelines. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, though leaning slightly towards formal settings. While synonyms like "follow the guidelines" and "comply with the instructions" exist, "abide by the instructions" holds a distinct emphasis on commitment and obedience. Understanding its appropriate usage and potential misinterpretations, as well as ensuring clear communication, are key to effective and consistent application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhere to the directions

Replaces "abide by" with "adhere to", emphasizing strict compliance.

comply with the instructions

Uses "comply with" instead of "abide by", focusing on obedience to the instructions.

obey the instructions

Emphasizes the aspect of obedience and authority.

follow the guidelines

Substitutes "instructions" with "guidelines", suggesting a more general set of directions.

act in accordance with the instructions

A more formal way of saying follow the instructions.

be compliant with the instructions

Highlights the state of being in accordance with the instructions.

respect the instructions

Highlights the importance of showing deference to the instructions.

execute the instructions

Focuses on the active implementation of the instructions.

fulfill the instructions

Highlights the completion aspect of following instructions.

be guided by the instructions

Suggests that the instructions serve as a point of reference.

FAQs

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

You can use "abide by the instructions" to emphasize the importance of following specific guidelines or rules. For example, "All participants must "abide by the instructions" provided by the exam proctor."

What does "abide by the instructions" mean?

"Abide by the instructions" means to follow and adhere to the provided directions or guidelines. It emphasizes the necessity of compliance to achieve a desired outcome.

What can I say instead of "abide by the instructions"?

You can use alternatives like "adhere to the directions", "comply with the instructions", or "follow the guidelines" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "abide by the instructions" or "follow the instructions"?

"Abide by the instructions" generally carries a slightly more formal tone than "follow the instructions". While both are acceptable, "abide by" suggests a stronger sense of commitment and adherence to a set of rules or guidelines.