abide by the rules

USAGE SUMMARY

"abide by the rules" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to follow or obey the rules and regulations set in place. It can be used in formal or informal contexts, such as in a business setting, a school, or in everyday situations. Example: In order to maintain a safe and productive work environment, all employees are expected to abide by the rules and regulations outlined in the employee handbook. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I see no reason why I should abide by the rules set down by the corrupt and deceitful ruling class".

The Guardian

Despite unambiguous rulings like these, NOM still refuses to abide by the rules that apply to everybody else.

Huffington Post

He'd have to abide by the rules".

The New York Times

"He never bothered to abide by the rules.

The New York Times

For 13 summers, she would not abide by the rules.

The New York Times

I have to abide by the rules they set up.

The New York Times - Magazine

At the least, it is argued, America should abide by the rules.

The Economist

A mechanism to ensure that all member states abide by the rules is essential.

The New York Times

Journalists were told to abide by the rules and warned not to report on protests.

The New York Times

"You abide by the rules, and then they try to change the rules.

The New York Times

Most of us abide by the rules and clean up the beach as we walk".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or official contexts, consider using synonyms like "comply with regulations" for a more precise and formal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "abide by the rules" without specifying whose rules or which rules are being followed, as it can lead to confusion. Instead, specify the governing body or document outlining the rules. For example, instead of saying "Everyone must abide by the rules", say "All students must abide by the school's code of conduct".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abide by the rules" functions as a verb phrase indicating the necessity or obligation to comply with established regulations or guidelines. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is a common expression used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abide by the rules" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to express the act of following or obeying established regulations. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread applicability in various contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's crucial to specify which rules are being referenced for clarity. Authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ the phrase, highlighting its relevance in news and media. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "comply with the regulations" to achieve a more professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

follow the rules

This alternative directly replaces "abide by" with "follow", making it a more straightforward synonym.

comply with the regulations

"Comply" is a more formal term than "abide by", suggesting a stricter adherence to specific regulations.

adhere to the guidelines

"Adhere" is similar to "abide by", but "guidelines" suggests a less strict set of rules than "rules".

obey the laws

"Obey" implies a more direct form of compliance, particularly in the context of legal requirements.

conform to the standards

"Conform" suggests aligning with established standards or norms, rather than specific rules.

respect the regulations

This alternative focuses more on the act of respecting the established regulations.

behave according to the norms

This alternative highlights conforming to social expectations

act in accordance with the law

This alternative emphasizes acting within the boundaries of the law.

stick to the guidelines

Uses the term 'stick to', creating a more casual and informal tone. The guidelines have a less strict adherence than rules.

be compliant with the policies

This phrase places emphasis on being compliant, and the policies are formal requirements.

FAQs

What does "abide by the rules" mean?

The phrase "abide by the rules" means to follow or obey the established regulations, laws, or guidelines in a particular context or situation.

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

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

Is "abide by the rules" formal or informal?

"Abide by the rules" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "comply with the regulations" may be preferred in strictly professional settings.

How do I use "abide by the rules" in a sentence?

You can use "abide by the rules" in a sentence like this: "All participants in the competition must "abide by the rules" outlined in the official guidelines."