ability to comply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to comply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity or capability to follow rules, regulations, or requests. Example: "The organization must assess the ability to comply with the new safety standards before implementation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"[The injunction] does not give us any fair ability to comply and still operate," he said.

The Guardian - Tech

That has slowed the banks' ability to comply with regulators' demands to build capital reserves.

The New York Times

The injunction "does not give us any fair ability to comply and still operate," Mr. Boies said.

The New York Times

"We take this very seriously because it affects our ability to comply with our obligations," he said.

The New York Times

"There is also a risk that such uncertainty may impinge on the exchange's future ability to comply with the recognition requirements".

The Guardian - Business

The law further directs the courts to determine whether moving a trust out of Texas would interfere with the trustee's ability to comply with the donor's intentions.

The New York Times

because businesses need to "make and implement numerous critical decisions now to ensure their ability to comply as requirements come into effect in the coming years".

The New York Times

"And each and every time," he continued, "they find it within their ability to comply with the regulations and continue to operate profitably".

The New York Times

Martin explains that another key aspect is "working with SMEs and social enterprises to help them develop their ability to comply with our sustainability expectations of suppliers with regards to labour, environment, ethics and H&S standards.

The Guardian

Council leaders said the distinction was important because it would allow those groups that refused to recognize domestic partners on religious grounds the ability to comply with the new law.

The New York Times

Some of those signals, regulators say, included Mr. Madoff's ability to comply with a request from Mr. Chais that none of the Chais accounts should ever report a single losing trade.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing an organization's preparedness for new regulations, clearly define which specific regulations impact their "ability to comply".

Common error

Avoid assuming an entity's "ability to comply" without thorough assessment. Consider potential resource limitations, knowledge gaps, and external constraints that might hinder compliance efforts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to comply" functions as a noun phrase indicating the capacity or capability to meet specific requirements or standards. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, and is commonly used when discussing someone's capacity or capability to follow rules, regulations, or requests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ability to comply" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that signifies the capacity to meet specific requirements. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various formal and informal contexts, particularly in science, news, and business. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context, audience, and potential for misinterpretation. Related phrases like "capacity to adhere" and "potential for compliance" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas. By carefully considering these factors, you can effectively communicate an entity's preparedness and commitment to meeting established standards.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to adhere

Replaces "ability" with "capacity" and "comply" with "adhere", emphasizing adherence to a standard or rule.

capability to conform

Substitutes "ability" with "capability" and "comply" with "conform", highlighting conformity to specifications.

potential for compliance

Focuses on the potential or possibility of achieving compliance, rather than the current ability.

aptitude for adherence

Replaces "ability" with "aptitude" to indicate a natural or learned inclination to adhere.

readiness to obey

Emphasizes willingness and preparedness to follow instructions or laws.

competence in observing

Highlights the competence or skill in observing rules and regulations.

means of fulfilling

Shifts the focus to the resources or methods available to fulfill obligations.

resources for conformance

Emphasizes the availability of resources necessary for achieving conformance.

power to abide by

Highlights the power or authority to abide by regulations or agreements.

facility in adhering

Replaces "ability" with "facility" highlighting the ease and efficiency in adherence.

FAQs

How can I assess an organization's "ability to comply" with new regulations?

Evaluate their resources, knowledge, infrastructure, and commitment. Look for documented processes, training programs, and a culture of compliance. Regular audits and risk assessments can also help identify potential gaps.

What factors can affect a company's "capacity to adhere" to industry standards?

Financial constraints, lack of skilled personnel, outdated technology, and inadequate communication can all impact a company's "capacity to adhere" to industry standards.

Is "ability to comply" the same as "willingness to comply"?

No. "Ability to comply" refers to the capacity or resources needed to meet requirements, while "willingness to comply" reflects the motivation or intention to do so. Both are necessary for successful compliance.

What strategies can improve a team's "potential for compliance" with project guidelines?

Provide clear and concise guidelines, offer adequate training and support, establish regular monitoring and feedback mechanisms, and foster a collaborative environment where team members feel empowered to raise concerns.