adhered to

USAGE SUMMARY

"adhered to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who strictly follows an instruction, law, or other expectation, or who remains loyal to an idea or cause. For example: "The student adhered to the school's code of conduct and was a model student."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They have adhered to that charter religiously.

The New York Times

Ordering etiquette must be adhered to.

The Economist

This is adhered to strictly".

The Guardian - Business

Decisions were made, and adhered to.

The New York Times

This was not adhered to last night.

The Guardian - Sport

But the basics must be adhered to.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fundamental principles have been adhered to.

The Guardian - Business

The company says it adhered to regulations.

The New York Times

Nobody, Mr. Karnavas, adhered to Geneva Conventions".

The New York Times

Not only sought, but adhered to.

The Guardian

Such criticism barely adhered to him.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "adhered to" when you want to emphasize a strict or faithful compliance with a rule, principle, or agreement. For example, "The company adhered to all safety regulations."

Common error

Avoid using "adhered to" interchangeably with phrases like "agreed to" or "complied with" if the context requires emphasizing strict compliance rather than simple agreement. "Agreed to" implies a mutual understanding, while "adhered to" indicates faithful observance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adhered to" primarily functions as a verb phrase, specifically the past tense of the verb "adhere", often used in the passive voice. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. The verb is typically followed by the object of adherence, such as a rule, principle, or standard.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adhered to" is a verb phrase indicating strict compliance with rules, principles, or agreements. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across a spectrum of contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. Its register varies from neutral to formal, depending on the context. Alternatives such as "complied with" or "followed" can be used, but "adhered to" emphasizes a higher degree of commitment. When writing, use "adhered to" to highlight faithful observance, and avoid confusing it with terms that imply mere agreement. Given its versatility and frequent presence in diverse sources, mastering the usage of "adhered to" enhances clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complied with

Focuses on meeting requirements or regulations.

stuck to

Emphasizes maintaining a course of action or a plan.

followed

Highlights the act of going after or behaving subsequently.

maintained

Implies keeping something in good condition or continuing a practice.

upheld

Suggests supporting or defending a principle or standard.

remained loyal to

Underscores allegiance and devotion.

held fast to

Indicates a firm and unwavering commitment.

observed

Focuses on noticing and following a custom or practice.

respected

Implies acknowledging and adhering to rules or norms.

conformed to

Highlights adapting to accepted standards or behaviors.

FAQs

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

Use "adhered to" when you want to convey that someone or something has strictly followed a rule, principle, or agreement. For example, "The team adhered to the project timeline".

What are some alternatives to "adhered to"?

Some alternatives include "complied with", "followed", or "stuck to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "sticked to" instead of "adhered to"?

While "sticked to" might sound similar, it is not grammatically correct in this context. Use "stuck to" or "adhered to" to convey the intended meaning of following a rule or plan.

What is the difference between "complied with" and "adhered to"?

"Complied with" generally means meeting a requirement or regulation, whereas "adhered to" implies a more faithful and strict observance. You might "complied with" the minimum requirements, but you "adhered to" a higher standard.