adherence

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "adherence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean the quality of adhering; the act of adhering; the quality of being loyal or devoted; the act of complying with rules, laws, or traditions; or the sticking to something firmly. Example sentence: His adherence to the law was unwavering.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In Spain's case, our adherence to what was then the European Community was the culmination of a yearning by successive generations cut off from the possibility of joining the broader current of peace, democracy and progress that was flowing north of the Pyrenean border.

The Guardian

In the short-term we will also improve the implementation of the existing migration policy, including tightening controls at the ports of entry and borders and also ensuring adherence to the laws of the country, while protecting migrants and the local population from criminal elements who are taking advantage of the tensions caused by socio-economic challenges.

The Guardian

But the UNHCR, traditionally responsible for ensuring adherence to international law, is compromised by conflict between its humanitarian mandate and political dynamics on the ground.

The Guardian

Before long, smartphones will be able to deduce our emotional state from our social interactions and tone of voice, while wearable sensors will measure adherence to "smart" medicines and gather important data on a range of factors relevant to mental health, including sleep quality, cardiovascular status, galvanic skin response and even gait.

The Guardian

The union and the Pew Charitable Trusts agreed that Woodford's contract would contain a clause of independence and also require adherence to MEAA's Code of Ethics (http://www.alliance.org.au/code-of-ethics.html).html

The Guardian

Their paper, "Suicide reporting within British newspapers' arts coverage: content analysis of adherence to media guidelines", can be found here in pdf format.

The Guardian

Also at hand was Specialisterne (Danish for the Specialists), a company which strives to match up people with autism to jobs where characteristics such as attention to detail and a an adherence to structure act as a competitive advantage.

The Guardian - Business

William Hague insists that we should "have confidence in the work of our intelligence agencies, and in their adherence to the law and democratic values".

The Guardian - Opinion

Our commission engaged in a wide-ranging consultation, which made crystal-clear the overwhelming public support across the UK for continued adherence to the convention and the aims of the 1998 act.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a country that claims adherence to the rule of law, why did we have a "quick assessment", into the burned hands allegations conducted and supported by officers of the same organisation under investigation?

The Guardian - Opinion

A far more disciplined adherence to copy delivery times, and improved forward planning 7.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adherence", ensure the context clearly specifies what is being adhered to, whether it's a rule, plan, or principle, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "adherence" when you mean "adhesion", which refers to the physical sticking together of two substances. "Adherence" describes loyalty or compliance.

Linguistic Context

The noun "adherence" functions primarily to denote the act or quality of adhering, whether physically or metaphorically. Ludwig shows its use in contexts ranging from physical union to faithful support or compliance with rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adherence" is a versatile noun that signifies the act of sticking to something, be it physically, morally, or legally. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across diverse domains like news, business, and science. While synonyms like "compliance" and "devotion" exist, "adherence" offers a specific nuance of consistent and faithful following. Remember to use the preposition "to" and differentiate it from "adhesion" to maintain accuracy and clarity in your writing. Proper usage ensures that you convey the intended message of commitment and reliability effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sticking to

Implies a deliberate and persistent effort to maintain a course of action or belief.

compliance

Focuses specifically on following rules or regulations, often in a more formal context than "adherence".

commitment to

Highlights a pledge or dedication to a particular cause or principle, suggesting active involvement.

devotion

Implies a strong emotional commitment or loyalty, differing from the more neutral sense of "adherence".

dedication to

Implies a strong sense of purpose and effort towards achieving a goal or upholding a value.

observance

Relates more to following customs, rituals, or laws, adding a cultural or traditional dimension.

fidelity

Emphasizes loyalty and faithfulness, particularly in relationships or commitments, more personal than general "adherence".

allegiance

Highlights loyalty and support for a leader, country, or cause, suggesting a political or patriotic connection.

conformity

Stresses aligning with established norms or standards, sometimes implying a loss of individuality.

observing

Focuses on watching and following rules or guidelines.

FAQs

How do you use "adherence" in a sentence?

You can use "adherence" to describe someone's commitment to a plan, rule, or belief. For example, "The company's success depends on strict "adherence" to safety regulations."

What's the difference between "adherence" and "compliance"?

"Adherence" generally suggests a voluntary and faithful following, while "compliance" often implies a more formal or mandatory obligation. Compliance can be forced, adherence is instead voluntary.

What are some synonyms for "adherence"?

Some synonyms for "adherence" include "compliance", "devotion", "fidelity", and "observance". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "adherence on" or "adherence to"?

The correct preposition to use with "adherence" is "to". Therefore, you should say "adherence to" something, not "adherence on" something.