adhere properly

USAGE SUMMARY

'adhere properly' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to stick firmly in place. For example: Make sure the tiles adhere properly before grouting.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The foam somehow did not adhere properly to the metal structure, and in at least seven or eight places, it came completely off.

The New York Times - Science

1.5-2.0X103 cells/were were incubated in the 5% CO2 incubator for 24 h to enable them to adhere properly to the 96-well microplates (Greiner, Germany).

Chemistry Central Journal

Numerous factors affect patients' ability to adhere properly, eg, self-efficacy, treatment expectations, health beliefs, and lack of social support.

Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy

5 Patients' efforts to maintain and adhere properly to diabetes management directives often take place in social settings and can alter family and social dynamics.

Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy

Focusing on the pathogenesis of polyneuropathy affecting NF2 patients, Sperfeld and colleagues [ 56] also suggested that the nerve damaging disease could possibly occur because Schwann cells can no longer adhere properly to the axons.

Acta neuropathologica communications

Many PLHIV do not seek care and treatment services or do not adhere properly to treatment [ 6], negating the impact of ART on viral load suppression, and thus diminishing the potential impact of treatment as prevention (TasP) [ 7].

AIDS and Behavior

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

However, tests on the Discovery tank convinced shuttle officials that the foam is adhering properly to the tank and the same problem is not likely to occur.

The New York Times

"If your floor has ever been waxed, you will not be able to screen and recoat," Mr. Hammond said, adding that the wax will prevent the finish coat from adhering properly.

The New York Times

She said that one of the biggest errors people makeis buying acetone-free remover, which has lanolin or other moisturizers in it and preventscolor from adhering properly to the nail.

The New York Times

In both cases, the resulting material appears to be smooth, non-water soluble and adheres properly on the substrates (Si wafers).

Surface and Coatings Technology

After cells adhered properly, they underwent experiments.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "adhere properly" when providing technical instructions where the quality of the bond is critical for success or safety. In science, use it to describe cellular or molecular interactions.

Common error

While you can say something will "adhere properly" to a surface (physical), when using it for rules (abstract), ensure you include the preposition 'to'. For example, say 'adhere properly to the protocol' rather than just 'adhere the protocol'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adhere properly" acts as a verb phrase where the intransitive verb "adhere" is modified by the manner adverb "properly". According to Ludwig, it functions to specify the success or correctness of an attachment or compliance action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki & Instructions

45%

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Fiction

3%

Poetry

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "adhere properly" is a robust and versatile phrase used to describe both physical bonding and abstract compliance. Ludwig AI data shows it is a staple in technical manuals and scientific research, where the precision of an action is paramount. Whether you are discussing how paint bonds to a surface or how a patient follows a medical regimen, this phrase provides a clear standard of correctness. It is highly recommended for professional and instructional writing, though writers should be careful to include the preposition 'to' when a direct object follows. Overall, it is a Common and Correct expression verified by high-authority sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stick correctly

A more informal way to describe physical attachment

bond adequately

More technical language often used in chemistry or construction

attach securely

Focuses on the strength and safety of the connection

stay attached

Focuses on the duration and persistence of the bond

fix securely

Common in engineering to describe mechanical or adhesive stability

comply fully

The preferred term when referring to regulations or policies

remain bonded

A formal description of a continuing state of attachment

follow strictly

Emphasizes the rigor of following a process or set of rules

glue firmly

Specific to adhesive applications in manual crafts

hold fast

An idiomatic and slightly more literary way to say remain fixed

FAQs

What can I say instead of "adhere properly"?

You can use alternatives like "stick well", "bond adequately", or "attach firmly" depending on the context.

How do you use "adhere properly" in a medical sentence?

In medicine, it often refers to "patient compliance", such as: "Many patients do not adhere properly to their treatment schedules".

Is it "adhere properly" or "properly adhere"?

Both are correct. "adhere properly" is standard, while "properly adhere" is often used to place more emphasis on the adverb.

Does "adhere properly" only refer to glue?

No, it is frequently used for biological cells, medical treatments, building codes, and legal regulations. You might say a company must "comply fully" or "adhere properly" to new laws.