adhere to the rules

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "adhere to the rules" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used as a way to remind someone to follow certain regulations or protocols. For example, "We must all adhere to the rules set by our company if we want to succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They adhere to the rules against illegal or lascivious behavior.

The New York Times

"There's no guarantee if someone doesn't adhere to the rules of the road".

The New York Times

Enforcement is vigorous when appropriate, but most schools do their best to adhere to the rules.

The New York Times

"He's a member of our service, and members are expected to adhere to the rules and regulations of the department".

The New York Times

"But Microsoft has to adhere to the rules of open-source software, which includes opening up its documentation".

The New York Times

If you decide you no longer want to adhere to the rules, you hand your membership in".

The Guardian

Why, sometimes we even fail to adhere to the rules laid down in our own style guide.

The Guardian - Opinion

If so, they would have to sign a contract with the school promising to adhere to the rules.

The New York Times

Some adhere to the rules of real-time eyewitness objectivity, while others make use of re-enactments and performances.

The New York Times

But regardless of the atmosphere, you have to adhere to the rules of the agency you represent.

The Guardian

They believe, and they strictly adhere to the rules their church sets down for them to follow.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formal documents, such as legal agreements or policy statements, use "adhere to the rules" to emphasize the importance of compliance and the consequences of non-compliance.

Common error

Avoid using "adhere to the rules" in informal settings where simpler terms like "follow the rules" would be more appropriate. Overly formal language can sound stilted or unnatural in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adhere to the rules" functions as a directive, indicating the necessity or expectation of following established guidelines. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples show its use in diverse contexts, from legal requirements to organizational policies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adhere to the rules" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI, that directs compliance with established guidelines. It functions to emphasize the importance of following regulations, laws, or standards across various contexts including news, science, and business. While versatile, its use should align with the formality of the setting, avoiding overly formal language in casual conversations. Alternatives such as "comply with the regulations" or "follow the guidelines" can offer nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comply with the regulations

Focuses on regulations specifically, implying a more formal or legal context.

follow the guidelines

Emphasizes the act of following specific instructions or recommendations.

abide by the regulations

This alternative, uses a different verb to indicate adherence to rules.

observe the regulations

This phrase suggests a more watchful adherence to regulations.

respect the rules

This alternative highlights the importance of respecting the rules.

be compliant with the guidelines

This option uses a passive voice to convey the same meaning.

act in accordance with the rules

More formal, suggesting behavior that aligns with established rules.

conform to the standards

Highlights meeting certain benchmarks or quality levels.

uphold the principles

Implies maintaining or defending certain core values or beliefs.

obey the precepts

Refers to obeying established doctrines or principles, adding a moral dimension.

FAQs

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

You can use "adhere to the rules" to emphasize the importance of following regulations or guidelines in various contexts. For example: "All participants must "adhere to the rules" of the competition" or "Employees are expected to "adhere to the rules" outlined in the company handbook".

What are some alternatives to "adhere to the rules"?

Alternatives include "comply with the regulations", "follow the guidelines", or "abide by the regulations". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "adhere to the rules" or "follow the rules"?

"Adhere to the rules" is more formal than "follow the rules". Use "adhere to the rules" in formal or professional settings, and "follow the rules" in more casual or informal contexts.

Which is correct, "adhere to the rules" or "adhere with the rules"?

"Adhere to the rules" is the correct and idiomatic usage. "Adhere" requires the preposition "to" to indicate compliance or attachment. "Adhere with the rules" is grammatically incorrect.