adhere to

USAGE SUMMARY

"adhere to" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it to express that someone is following a particular rule or agreement. For example, "We must adhere to the rules of the road."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We'll adhere to that.

The New York Times - Sports

Adhere to policy.

Harvard Business Review

We adhere to it.

Cornell University

I adhere to them.

Cornell University

Structurally the pieces adhere to Baroque norms.

The New York Times - Arts

Words adhere to each other acoustically.

The Economist

Why do political actors adhere to institutions?

Encyclopedia Britannica

Five percent sometimes adhere to the rule.

The New York Times

About 45 companies adhere to the trademark.

The New York Times

Many jurisdictions adhere to it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Other ironies adhere to it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adhere to", ensure that the object you are adhering to is clearly defined, such as "rules", "guidelines", or "principles". This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "adhere to" with abstract or intangible concepts that cannot be followed in a literal sense. For instance, instead of saying "adhere to success", use "strive for success" or "pursue success".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "adhere to" is a phrasal verb, acting as a transitive verb that requires an object (e.g., rules, guidelines, principles). Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adhere to" is a frequently used phrasal verb that signifies compliance or commitment to a rule, guideline, or principle. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to formal business settings, indicating a neutral to professional register. When employing "adhere to", ensure clarity by specifying the object of adherence and avoid using it with abstract concepts. Consider synonyms like ""comply with"" or ""abide by"" based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comply with

This alternative emphasizes obedience and conformity to a set standard.

abide by

This phrase suggests acceptance of and willingness to follow rules or decisions.

follow

This is a more general term for behaving according to a rule or guideline.

stick to

This implies a commitment to a plan or principle, often in the face of difficulty.

uphold

This suggests actively maintaining or defending a principle or law.

observe

This refers to watching and acting according to laws and regulations.

respect

This highlights showing consideration and deference to rules or customs.

fulfill

This emphasizes completing or satisfying a requirement or obligation.

be faithful to

This indicates loyalty and commitment in following guidelines or agreements.

be true to

This suggests staying consistent with one's values or principles.

FAQs

How can I use "adhere to" in a sentence?

You can use "adhere to" to indicate following a rule, standard, or agreement. For example, "All participants must "comply with" the safety regulations".

What is a synonym for "adhere to"?

Synonyms for "adhere to" include "comply with", "abide by", and "stick to". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "adhere to" something?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "adhere to" something. This phrase means to follow or conform to a particular rule, agreement, or belief.

What's the difference between "adhere to" and "stick to"?

While both phrases imply following something, "adhere to" often suggests a more formal or obligatory compliance, whereas ""stick to"" implies a personal commitment or preference.