Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
adherence to protocol
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "adherence to protocol" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing compliance with established rules or procedures in various contexts, such as business, healthcare, or research. Example: "The success of the project depended on strict adherence to protocol to ensure safety and accuracy."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
He managed to combine strict adherence to protocol with a light touch.
News & Media
There was unruliness in his delivery, but also a strict adherence to protocol.
News & Media
"It's really the Helen Mirren show, with her chorus line of prime ministers in black and gray setting off her brilliance," said Jesse Green of Vulture, who felt the play was "mostly a story of limitations, of compulsory adherence to protocol, and thus completely undramatic".
News & Media
Better adherence to protocol might improve the diagnostic yield further.
Science
Further efforts are needed to spread the knowledge of the ABCDE bundle and improve adherence to protocol.
Poor adherence to protocol was also shown by a high amount of unnecessary D-dimer values with a high Wells-score (35 of 58; 58.6 %).
Science
Adherence to protocol proves to be subject for improvement, especially since the Wells score and D-dimer levels appeared to be requested and interpreted independently.
Science
When PSA was introduced, it was done with a strict and careful adherence to protocol including good monitoring of the patients and record keeping [4].
Cortisol, a stress-related hormone, has been measured in many psychoimmunological studies via collection of saliva; however, patterns of participant adherence to protocol procedures are rarely described in the literature.
Science
Thanks to diligent adherence to protocol, Andrade hasn't had any bites (although nearby hospitals are aware that the lab exists, and have access to the antivenom).
News & Media
Some of their early unpopularity came about because of their stiffness and adherence to protocol in public, though in private the couple were more easy-going.
Wiki
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When writing about procedures, use "adherence to protocol" to emphasize the importance of following established guidelines for consistency and reliability.
Common error
Avoid using "adherence to protocol" loosely. Ensure that when you mention it, there are clear indicators or measures in place to verify that the protocol is indeed being followed.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "adherence to protocol" functions as a noun phrase, indicating the act of conforming to established rules and procedures. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.
Frequent in
Science
54%
News & Media
27%
Formal & Business
19%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "adherence to protocol" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that highlights the importance of following established procedures. As shown by Ludwig, it's particularly common in scientific, medical, and formal contexts. While alternatives like "compliance with protocol" exist, "adherence to protocol" emphasizes a dedicated and consistent approach. When using this phrase, ensure that there are clear measures in place to verify the actual implementation of the protocol.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
compliance with protocol
Replaces "adherence" with "compliance", emphasizing the act of conforming to the protocol.
following protocol
Uses a verb-based structure to describe the action of adhering to the protocol.
protocol compliance
Inverts the phrase structure for a slightly different emphasis.
observance of protocol
Replaces "adherence" with "observance", highlighting the act of noticing and following the protocol.
upholding protocol
Emphasizes the act of maintaining and supporting the protocol.
respect for protocol
Indicates a sense of deference and commitment to the protocol.
conforming to protocol
Highlights the alignment with the established guidelines of the protocol.
sticking to protocol
Uses a more informal expression to indicate maintaining adherence.
maintaining protocol
Focuses on the continuous aspect of following the protocol.
protocol abidance
A less common variation using "abidance" to denote adherence.
FAQs
How can I use "adherence to protocol" in a sentence?
You can use "adherence to protocol" to emphasize the importance of following specific guidelines. For example, "The study's success hinged on strict "adherence to protocol" by all participants."
What is a good alternative for "adherence to protocol"?
Alternatives include phrases like "compliance with protocol", "following protocol", or "observance of protocol", which all convey a similar meaning.
Is it better to say "adherence to protocol" or "compliance to protocol"?
"Adherence to protocol" and "compliance with protocol" are both acceptable, but "adherence to" often implies a more consistent and dedicated approach to following the guidelines.
What does strict "adherence to protocol" mean?
Strict "adherence to protocol" means following the specified guidelines and procedures exactly, without deviation. This is particularly important in fields like medicine and scientific research to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested