adherence to the rules

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adherence to the rules" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing compliance or following established guidelines or regulations. Example: "The success of the project depended on the team's strict adherence to the rules set forth by the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Golf depends upon personal adherence to the rules.

The New York Times - Sports

He was against rationalism, against adherence to the rules, against functionalism.

The Guardian - Books

Joan, the woman most damaged by her adherence to the rules, gets there first.

The Guardian - Opinion

A 2015 Pentagon manual on adherence to the rules of war explicitly requires such notification.

The Guardian

The vital elements are vigilance and strict adherence to the rules.

The Guardian

The only factor that seemed to matter was adherence to the rules.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Mosley said: "Adherence to the rule of law is essential to any society.

The Guardian

"It is indeed adherence to the rule of law that is the basis of our democracy".

The New Yorker

But we would expect the same adherence to the rule of law and democratic process from their campaign in return.

The New York Times

This country's adherence to the rule of law is one of the cornerstones of our society.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is something discouraging about the relief one feels at a rudimentary adherence to the rule of law.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the importance of following guidelines, use "adherence to the rules" to convey a sense of order and precision. This phrase is particularly effective in formal contexts where clarity and compliance are crucial.

Common error

While "adherence to the rules" is appropriate in formal settings, it can sound overly stiff or bureaucratic in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "following the rules" or "sticking to the rules" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adherence to the rules" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It serves as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting the act of complying with established regulations, as evidenced by numerous examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

21%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adherence to the rules" is a noun phrase that signifies the act of complying with established regulations or guidelines. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, including news and media, academia, and science. While appropriate for formal settings, consider simpler alternatives like "following the rules" in informal conversations to avoid sounding overly bureaucratic. This phrase’s versatility and prevalence make it a valuable addition to any writer’s lexicon, ensuring clarity and precision when emphasizing the importance of compliance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compliance with regulations

This alternative emphasizes formal regulations over general rules.

observance of guidelines

This option suggests a focus on following specific guidelines.

respect for protocols

This emphasizes the idea of respecting established procedures.

conformity to standards

This implies aligning with set standards rather than just rules.

following the prescribed procedure

This highlights the act of adhering to a set, detailed procedure.

abiding by the terms

This emphasizes adherence to agreed-upon terms and conditions.

upholding the law

This focuses on respecting and maintaining the legal framework.

commitment to principles

This alternative emphasizes a dedication to core beliefs that are not rules but rather guidelines for conduct.

strict application of policies

This implies a very exact and unwavering application of policies.

faithful execution of instructions

This alternative places importance on the accurate completion of given instructions.

FAQs

What does "adherence to the rules" mean?

The phrase "adherence to the rules" means following the established guidelines, regulations, or laws. It implies a commitment to comply with specific instructions and maintain order.

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

You can use "adherence to the rules" in sentences like, "The company's success depends on strict "compliance with regulations"" or "The project requires complete "observance of guidelines"".

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

Alternatives to "adherence to the rules" include "compliance with regulations", "following the rules", "respect for protocols", and "observance of guidelines".

Is "adherence to the rules" formal or informal?

"Adherence to the rules" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "following the rules" or "sticking to the rules" may be more appropriate.