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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
adhering to
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"adhering to" is a correct and usable term in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that someone is following a particular rule or guidelines. For example: "We are adhering to the company policy of having a dress code."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(20)
complying with
respect to
and in accordance with
respecting
adhesion to
sticking to
demonstrating in accordance with
fulfilment to
actors in accordance with
upholding to
doing things in accordance with
out in accordance with
heeding to
upholding
acts in accordance with
acting in accordance with
acting in compliance with
obeying to
action is taken in accordance with
operating in accordance with
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
54 human-written examples
See letter "Adhering to the facts".
News & Media
It is about adhering to common standards.
News & Media
"Nobody is adhering to any rules.
News & Media
Now they need to start adhering to them.
News & Media
"It's a question of adhering to the constitution.
News & Media
Adhering to the London Plan is an expensive business already.
News & Media
Some companies, adhering to tradition, are cutting jobs abroad first.
News & Media
He can insist on adhering to the current development agreement.
News & Media
Not exactly, I admit, adhering to the spirit.
News & Media
Mr. Stanton said U.C. was adhering to its policy.
News & Media
That can't be done by adhering to rigid formulas.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "adhering to", ensure that the subject clearly understands and intends to follow the specified rules, guidelines, or principles.
Common error
Avoid using "adhering to" when the subject is merely aware of the rules but not actively following them. Use a different phrase, such as "aware of" or "acknowledging", if the intent to comply is absent.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "adhering to" functions as a verb phrase acting as a present participle modifier. It describes the action of following or sticking to a set of rules, guidelines, or principles. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
39%
Science
27%
Formal & Business
11%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
3%
Wiki
3%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "adhering to" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to denote compliance or commitment to rules, guidelines, or principles. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is correct and usable in written English. With a "very common" frequency, it's prevalent across various domains, including news, science, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "complying with" or "following" exist, understanding the specific context is crucial for accurate and impactful writing. Remember to avoid using it when there isn't a clear intention to follow guidelines. "Adhering to" is best suited when describing intentional and active compliance.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
complying with
Focuses specifically on following rules or regulations.
following
A more general term for acting according to a set of guidelines or instructions.
abiding by
Emphasizes acceptance and obedience to rules or laws.
sticking to
Highlights maintaining a commitment or plan.
conforming to
Stresses adapting to established standards or norms.
obeying
Implies direct obedience to commands or regulations.
observing
Focuses on watching and acting in accordance with rules or customs.
upholding
Emphasizes maintaining or defending principles or standards.
respecting
Highlights showing consideration for and acting in accordance with established norms.
maintaining
Suggests keeping something in a consistent state, such as a standard or policy.
FAQs
How can I use "adhering to" in a sentence?
You can use "adhering to" to describe following rules, guidelines, or principles, as in "The company is strictly "adhering to" safety regulations".
What are some alternatives to "adhering to"?
Alternatives include "complying with", "following", or "abiding by", depending on the specific context.
Is it correct to say "adhering with" instead of "adhering to"?
No, the correct preposition to use with "adhering" is "to". "Adhering with" is grammatically incorrect.
What's the difference between "adhering to" and "complying with"?
"Adhering to" generally implies a voluntary commitment to principles or guidelines, while ""complying with"" often refers to mandatory rules or regulations.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested