adhere to something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'adhere to something' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are writing about sticking to a set of rules or regulations or about being devoted to a particular cause or ideal. For example, "We must all adhere to the safety guidelines to ensure we have a safe work environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

'The extremists adhere to something that is not Islam.

The Guardian

"What Madrid did yesterday is adhere to something that has already been judged [by the referees]," Barcelona vice-president Carles Villarubi told radio station RAC1.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Rigidly adhering to something that is not working would not be very helpful".

The New York Times - Health

And the recommendation is presented as a kind of best practices that all governments should adhere to, not something that would apply solely to the US.

The Guardian - Opinion

You squeeze it to activate, drop it in a handbag or adhere it to something valuable, like, say, a stroller, and when the accelerometer detects movement, it sends an alert to a connected iOS or Android device or smartphone and triggers an alarm through the on-board speaker.

TechCrunch

Its chief executive, William F. Browder, sued Surgut in Russian court in 2004 and 2005 to compel the company to adhere to Russian securities law, something that could have led to a disbursement of the cash reserves, which were smaller at the time but still significant, as dividends.

The New York Times

So it certainly stands to reason that these people and their Congressional mouthpieces would try to rid society of a network that at least tries to adhere to presenting all sides, something the aforementioned disciples of hatred would know nothing about.

Huffington Post

How does the program maintain that? A. That's something we adhere to.

The New York Times

When a crew rumbles around your house with a 200-pound sander, that tool is abrading the wood surface to give polyurethane something to adhere to.

The New York Times

The logic is that a healthy lifestyle is not just something we adhere to on our once-, twice- or (in my case) zero-weekly trips to the gym – it's a way of life.

The Guardian - Arts

They are looking for standards and protocols and something to adhere to because they want to know that they are safe in creating products.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "adhere to something" when you want to emphasize a commitment to a specific principle, rule, or guideline. It conveys a sense of deliberate and consistent following of that principle.

Common error

Avoid using "adhere to something" interchangeably with phrases like "agree with something" or "believe in something". "Adhere to" implies active compliance, whereas the others denote concurrence or conviction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adhere to something" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of conforming or complying with a specified rule, principle, or guideline. As seen in Ludwig, this can refer to rules, standards, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adhere to something" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies compliance or commitment. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is appropriate for expressing adherence to rules, guidelines, or principles. Its frequency is uncommon, and it is mainly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. For more informal settings, consider alternatives like "stick to something". Remember to use "adhere to something" when active compliance is emphasized.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stick to something

Implies maintaining loyalty or commitment to a plan, idea, or course of action.

abide by something

Indicates compliance with a rule, law, or decision.

cling to something

Suggests holding onto an idea, belief, or possession, often in a desperate or unwavering manner.

be faithful to something

Highlights loyalty and dedication to a principle, commitment, or relationship.

hold fast to something

Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a firm grip on an idea or belief, especially in difficult circumstances.

be attached to something

Expresses an emotional connection or dependence on an idea, person, or object.

be committed to something

Implies dedication and a willingness to invest time and effort in a particular cause or goal.

follow something closely

Suggests paying strict attention to guidelines, instructions, or a set of rules.

be true to something

Implies unwavering allegiance and authenticity in upholding a principle or value.

comply with something

Focuses on adherence to regulations, standards, or legal requirements.

FAQs

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

You can use "adhere to something" to indicate following rules, guidelines, or principles. For example, "The company must "adhere to strict environmental regulations"".

What are some alternatives to "adhere to something"?

Alternatives include "stick to something", "abide by something", or "comply with something". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "adhere to something" or "stick to something"?

"Adhere to something" is generally more formal than "stick to something". Use "adhere to" in professional or academic contexts for a more serious tone.

What's the difference between "adhere to something" and "believe in something"?

"Adhere to something" implies action and compliance with a specific rule or guideline. "Believe in something", on the other hand, suggests a conviction or faith in an idea or principle. While you can "believe in something", you actively "adhere to something".