abiding by the rules

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abiding by the rules" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person's attitude of obedience to requirements or regulations. For example, "We expect all of our employees to abide by the rules of the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Abiding by the rules has not been the modus operandi in the foreclosure arena.

The New York Times

But it has governed ably and shown every sign of abiding by the rules of democracy.

The Economist

Countenancing this lawlessness would be grossly unfair to those abiding by the rules.

The Washington Post

Doctors might have an easier time abiding by the rules if they were the same everywhere.

The New York Times

She soon realized that having a relationship with Simon meant abiding by the rules of a highly regimented household.

The New Yorker

While most cyclists need to do a better job of abiding by the rules, too, drivers have the greatest responsibility.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Rather than abiding by the normal rules of the English language and saying, "I saw the Batman movie the other day," Maritimers will say, "I seen the Batman movie this day," with all the intended meaning of the former.

Vice

Most were abiding by the rule of the farm: leave no trace.

The Guardian - Music

An hour earlier, he had been standing at the side of President Barack Obama, who was giving a speech at the National Archives, in which he argued that America could "fight terrorism while abiding by the rule of law".

The New Yorker

Democratic officials said that they were insisting on abiding by the rule that all ballots bear postmarks, and that the ballots most likely to lack postmarks were military ballots.

The New York Times

"Few thing are more likely to undermine our legitimacy than the perception that we are not abiding by the rule of law or are indifferent to civilian casualties," she added.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "following the rules" or "complying with the rules" for variety in your writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone understands the specific rules you're referencing when using "abiding by the rules". Always provide context or clarify which rules are being followed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abiding by the rules" functions as a participial phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the action of adhering to regulations or guidelines. As Ludwig AI points out, it is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "abiding by the rules" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies compliance with regulations, laws, or established norms. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and widely applicable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Scientific contexts, its purpose is to assure or emphasize adherence to defined guidelines. When using this phrase, clarity is key, ensuring the specific rules are clearly defined. Alternatives such as "following the rules" or "complying with the rules" can provide variety in writing. Given its frequency and versatility, "abiding by the rules" remains a valuable asset in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following the rules

This alternative is a more straightforward and common way to express adherence to rules.

complying with the rules

This alternative emphasizes a more formal and legalistic approach to adherence.

adhering to the rules

This alternative suggests a strong and committed form of obedience to the rules.

obeying the rules

This alternative highlights the act of following commands or regulations.

respecting the rules

This alternative implies a sense of deference and acknowledgment of the rules' importance.

observing the rules

This alternative suggests a careful and meticulous approach to following the rules.

in compliance with regulations

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes adherence to official regulations.

acting in accordance with the rules

This alternative stresses that actions are aligned and consistent with the rules.

staying within the bounds of the rules

This alternative focuses on remaining within the limits or constraints set by the rules.

keeping within the guidelines

This alternative shifts the focus to guidelines, which are less strict than rules but still require adherence.

FAQs

How to use "abiding by the rules" in a sentence?

You can use "abiding by the rules" to describe someone's behavior, such as "The company expects all employees to be "abiding by the rules" of conduct".

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

You can use alternatives like "following the rules", "complying with the rules", or "adhering to the rules" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "abiding by the rules" or "abiding the rules"?

"Abiding by the rules" is correct. The preposition "by" is necessary to properly convey the meaning of following or adhering to a set of regulations. "Abiding the rules" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "abiding by the rules" and "following the rules"?

While both phrases are similar, "abiding by the rules" often implies a more formal or official context, whereas "following the rules" can be used in more casual situations.