according to procedure

USAGE SUMMARY

"according to procedure" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that should be done according to a specific set of instructions or regulations. For example, "We must submit all necessary paperwork according to procedure."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

They were sending him unclaimed bodies according to procedure".

The New York Times

On the recording dated 17 February the pilots respond according to procedure, but chuckle and joke.

The Guardian

Brett L. Tolman, the United States attorney for Utah, expressed sympathy for Dr. Redd and Mr. Shrader but said the arrests "went according to procedure".

The New York Times

According to procedure, the assembly speaker then has to formally invite the Crown Prince to become monarch before proclaiming the new king to the public.

The Guardian

Edward Sirait told reporters the plane was cleared to fly "according to procedure" but did not specify what the "technical issue" was.

The Guardian

Lion Air Group's chief executive, Edward Sirait, said Monday that a prior technical problem was resolved "according to procedure" and that engineers had cleared the aircraft to fly.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Laboratory diagnostics are performed according to procedures outlined in the National Mastitis Council Laboratory Handbook on Bovine Mastitis.

Cornell University

Whole mount and section in situ hybridization were performed according to procedures described in47.

Nature

They provided informed consent according to procedures approved by the UCL Research Ethics Committee (Project ID: 1260/003).

Nature

Polymorphic tetranucleotide arrays in the PCR products were typed according to procedures reported previously.

Legal Medicine

Samples were analyzed by wet chemistry for neutral detergent fiber (NDF), according to procedures by Van Soest et al. (1991).

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "according to procedure", ensure the specific procedure you are referring to is clearly defined or easily understood by your audience. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "according to procedure" without specifying which procedure is being followed. Saying "it was done according to procedure" without context leaves the reader wondering about the specifics and reduces the statement's credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "according to procedure" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating the manner in which an action is performed. It specifies that something is done in compliance with established rules or guidelines, as Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "according to procedure" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, indicating that an action or process is performed following established rules or guidelines. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate in various contexts, particularly in science, news, and academic settings. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to specify the procedure being referenced. Alternatives such as "in compliance with protocol" or "following established guidelines" can be used to adjust the formality or emphasis. Remember, avoid generalizations and always strive for clarity when using "according to procedure".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in compliance with protocol

Replaces 'procedure' with 'protocol', emphasizing a formal set of rules.

in accordance with protocol

Uses 'in accordance with' instead of 'according to', offering a more formal tone.

adhering to the process

Focuses on the 'process' itself as the guiding factor.

following established guidelines

Focuses on 'guidelines' instead of a strict 'procedure', suggesting a more flexible approach.

as per regulations

Highlights adherence to 'regulations', implying a legal or official requirement.

as dictated by protocol

Stresses that protocol is guiding.

pursuant to the rules

Emphasizes a legalistic perspective by using 'pursuant to'.

following due process

Highlights fairness and legal rights within the 'process'.

consistent with policy

Highlights the alignment with an organizational 'policy'.

observing standard practice

Refers to generally accepted and followed practices rather than formalized procedure.

FAQs

How can I use "according to procedure" in a sentence?

Use "according to procedure" to indicate that an action or process was carried out following a specific set of rules or guidelines. For example, "The data was analyzed "according to procedure" outlined in the study's protocol."

What's a more formal alternative to "according to procedure"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "in compliance with protocol" or "in accordance with protocol". These alternatives add a layer of formality suitable for official documents or professional communication.

Is it always necessary to specify the procedure when using "according to procedure"?

While not always mandatory, specifying the procedure strengthens your statement. If the procedure is well-known or easily inferred from context, it may be omitted. Otherwise, clarify to avoid ambiguity. Example: "Samples are processed "according to procedure" described in section 3.2".

What's the difference between "according to procedure" and "following due process"?

"According to procedure" generally refers to adhering to a specific set of instructions or established method. "Following due process" emphasizes fairness and legal rights, ensuring all legal and procedural rights are respected, especially in legal or administrative contexts.