adherence to

USAGE SUMMARY

"adherence to" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It typically refers to one's commitment to a particular set of laws, guidelines, or rules. For example, "The organization is committed to full adherence to environmental regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Adherence to a family tradition?

The New Yorker

Blind adherence to false assumptions is ideological.

The Economist

"We review countries' adherence to the convention.

The Guardian

And adherence to common values is disintegrating.

The Guardian

Just don't expect strict adherence to tradition.

The New York Times

Adherence to the protocol would be voluntary.

The New York Times

We continue to monitor closely Libya's adherence to this pledge".

The New York Times

That includes strict adherence to the chain of command".

The Guardian

But dogmatic adherence to policy issues is not realistic.

The Guardian

Adherence to such schemes become matters of belief, not evidence.

The Guardian

Germany's adherence to those rules is not absolute either.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing rules or guidelines, clearly state which specific "adherence to" is being referred to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the message.

Common error

Be mindful of subtle differences between "adherence to" and similar phrases like "compliance with" or "commitment to". "Adherence" implies a strict following, while "commitment" suggests a deeper, more proactive dedication.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "adherence to" is to act as a noun phrase functioning as a prepositional complement. It connects a noun or verb to a specific rule, principle, or standard, indicating a state of following or conforming. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is perfectly correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adherence to" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the importance of following specific rules, guidelines, or principles. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for use in written English, and it appears most frequently in news, science, and business contexts. While alternatives like "compliance with" and "commitment to" exist, "adherence to" often implies a stricter and more unwavering following. When using this phrase, clarity is key: specify what "adherence to" refers to. Be aware of potentially confusing it with similar terms. Remember to look at other examples on Ludwig to improve your understanding of how to use the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compliance with

Replaces "adherence" with "compliance", emphasizing the act of conforming to rules or regulations.

conformity to

Substitutes "adherence" with "conformity", highlighting the act of aligning with established norms or standards.

observance of

Emphasizes the act of watching and following, often in the context of traditions or rituals.

dedication to

Emphasizes a strong commitment and loyalty, rather than strict compliance.

commitment to

Highlights a pledge or promise to follow something, rather than just acting in accordance with it.

fulfilment of

Focuses on meeting the requirements of a duty or obligation.

allegiance to

Implies a sense of loyalty and devotion, stronger than simple adherence.

devotion to

Focuses on deep dedication and loyalty, often in a more emotional or personal context.

respect for

Shifts the focus to showing regard and consideration for rules or principles, rather than strictly following them.

respecting of

Highlights the act of showing consideration and regard for rules or boundaries.

FAQs

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

"Adherence to" is typically followed by a noun referring to a set of rules, principles, or guidelines. For instance, "The company's success depends on strict "adherence to quality standards"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "adherence to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "compliance with", "conformity to", or "commitment to".

Is there a difference between "adherence to" and "compliance with"?

While both terms are similar, "adherence to" often implies a more strict and unwavering following, whereas "compliance with" might suggest simply meeting the minimum requirements.

What does "adherence to protocol" mean?

"Adherence to protocol" refers to strictly following the established procedures and guidelines in a particular setting, such as a medical or scientific environment. It ensures consistency and minimizes errors.