adhere to instructions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adhere to instructions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about following instructions or directions given by someone else. For example, "It is important that you adhere to instructions if you want to complete this project successfully."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

However, they failed to adhere to instructions of utmost importance related to the protocol.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Destruction of the data will adhere to instructions provided in the Australian Government Information Security Manual [ 42].

BMC Health Services Research

29 45 Patients with low health literacy are less likely to recall and adhere to instructions for complex drug or self care regimens.

British Medical Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Out of 12 symptoms assessed, the following were suitable to describe ADHD in preschool children (ADHD-Rating Scale-IV) [ 33]: problems with prolonged maintenance of attention, a high distractibility, being on the go often, excessive running/climbing, not adhering to instructions, having trouble to sit still.

BMC Psychiatry

Intentional non-adherence is an active decision not to take medication as prescribed, whereas unintentional non-adherence is a passive process in which the patient fails to adhere to prescribing instructions due to forgetfulness, carelessness, or the complexity of a medication regimen.

BMJ Open

Unintentional non-adherence, on the other hand, is a passive process whereby patients fail to adhere to prescribing instructions through forgetfulness, carelessness, or circumstances out of their control (e.g., health literacy) [ 6, 7].

BMC Health Services Research

"Agency controllers are required to adhere to these instructions carefully," he wrote in 1995 and again the following year.

The Washington Post

Optimal colonoscopy preparation requires patients to adhere to written instructions and be activated to complete the task.

Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology

For the safety of everyone at the lab, please adhere to all instructions from SLAC security personnel.

Stanford University

Dentists generally consider whitening to be a safe treatment when patients, following a proper dental exam, choose a bleaching product from a reputable brand, adhere to package instructions and don't overdo it.

The New York Times

Before each experiment they were reminded to adhere to these instructions.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adhere to instructions", ensure that the instructions are clear and accessible to the intended audience. Ambiguous instructions can lead to non-compliance.

Common error

Avoid using "adhere to instructions" when a more flexible approach is acceptable. Sometimes, adapting to circumstances is more important than strictly following instructions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adhere to instructions" functions as a directive, indicating the necessity or importance of following specific guidelines or directions. Ludwig's examples show it is typically used in contexts where compliance is expected.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adhere to instructions" is a commonly used phrase that emphasizes the importance of following guidelines or directions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and academic settings. While synonyms like "follow directions" and "comply with guidelines" exist, "adhere to instructions" is suitable for formal communication where clear compliance is required. It is important to ensure the instructions themselves are clear and unambiguous to facilitate adherence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

follow directions

This alternative is a more direct and simpler way of saying to adhere to instructions.

comply with guidelines

This alternative emphasizes conformity to a broader set of rules or recommendations.

obey orders

This alternative implies a hierarchical relationship where instructions are commands to be followed.

abide by the rules

This alternative emphasizes adherence to a set of established regulations or principles.

conform to specifications

This alternative is suitable in technical or precise contexts where instructions are detailed and specific.

observe regulations

This alternative focuses on watching and following official rules or laws.

respect guidelines

Similar to comply with guidelines, but also contains the feeling of respect of the instructions.

act in accordance with directives

This is a formal way of saying to adhere to instructions, often used in professional settings.

execute commands

Similar to obey orders, but refers specifically to command executions.

be guided by the manual

This alternative emphasizes reliance on a manual or guide for instructions.

FAQs

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

You can use "adhere to instructions" to describe the act of following directions or guidelines. For example, "It is crucial to "follow directions" when assembling this device to avoid damage".

What is a formal alternative to "adhere to instructions"?

A more formal alternative to "adhere to instructions" is to "comply with guidelines" or "act in accordance with directives", which are often used in professional or official contexts.

Is there a difference between "adhere to instructions" and "obey orders"?

Yes, "adhere to instructions" implies following guidelines or directions, while "obey orders" suggests a more hierarchical relationship where commands are given and must be followed. "Adhere" is generally less forceful than "obey".

What happens if you don't "adhere to instructions"?

The consequences of not "adhering to instructions" depend on the context. It could lead to errors, failure, or even safety hazards if the instructions are critical for a task or procedure.