adhering to rules

USAGE SUMMARY

"adhering to rules" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something sticking to or following rules. For example: "Good citizenship involves adhering to rules."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The Goldman Sachs Group also required only that ownership be revealed, adhering to rules the firms helped write.

The New York Times

In the past, Democrats have hamstrung their own fundraising ability by adhering to rules that don't actually exist.

The Washington Post

The Wisconsin legislation would exempt the company from adhering to rules protecting wetlands and from requirements to develop an environmental impact analysis for the massive project.

Columbia University

Transit officials said the suspension was imposed because of concerns that the company and the general contractor on the job, CAB Associates of College Point, Queens, were not adhering to rules regarding dangerous work.

The New York Times

But instead of deciding openly to adopt the American system, Mr Blair has tried to superimpose elements of it on top of a civil-service machine that is still striving manfully to carry on in the time-honoured way, adhering to rules that embody the time-honoured values of impartiality.

The Economist

Participants tried to prioritize helping others over adhering to rules that were born in their home countries.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

One can fully appreciate the frustration of some British Library users, who respect and adhere to rules and traditions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Boxers wanting to fight in the Olympics must adhere to rules on performance-enhancing drugs set by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

The New York Times - Sports

Participating countries would adhere to rules protecting intellectual property and would adopt strict measures against industrial theft.

Britannica

People find it difficult to concentrate on their work or even to adhere to rules in playing games.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Regulators have a duty to regulate effectively, but as this research has shown, regulation can create perverse incentives to adhere to rules.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid monotony in your writing, consider using synonyms like "complying with regulations" or "following guidelines" to add variety while maintaining clarity.

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures who is "adhering to rules". Instead of writing "It is expected that rules are adhered to", specify who should be adhering to the rules: "Employees must adhere to the rules".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adhering to rules" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the action of following or complying with established regulations or guidelines. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and common in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adhering to rules" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies the action of following or complying with regulations and guidelines. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage in written English. Predominantly found in news, academic and scientific contexts, the phrase emphasizes the importance of compliance for maintaining order and standards. When writing, consider using synonyms like "complying with regulations" or "following guidelines" for stylistic variation. Ensure clarity by specifying who is adhering to the rules and avoid overusing the passive voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complying with regulations

Emphasizes compliance with formal regulations rather than general rules.

following guidelines

Focuses on adherence to recommended practices or guidelines, often less strict than rules.

obeying the rules

Highlights the act of obeying, suggesting a more direct and potentially enforced compliance.

abiding by stipulations

Implies adherence to specific conditions or agreements, adding a layer of contractual obligation.

observing protocols

Specifically relates to following established procedures or protocols, often in professional or scientific settings.

respecting the code

Suggests adhering to a set of principles or a moral code, rather than formal regulations.

upholding standards

Emphasizes maintaining certain standards or levels of quality, often through adherence to specific criteria.

keeping within bounds

Implies staying within permitted limits or boundaries, focusing on restriction.

acting by the book

Refers to following established procedures and regulations meticulously, often in a formal setting.

staying inside the lines

Suggests conforming to expectations or regulations, often used informally.

FAQs

How can I use "adhering to rules" in a sentence?

You can use "adhering to rules" to describe the act of following regulations or guidelines. For example: "The company's success depends on "adhering to rules".".

What are some alternatives to "adhering to rules"?

Some alternatives include "complying with regulations", "following guidelines", or "obeying the rules" depending on the context.

Is "adhering to rules" formal or informal?

"Adhering to rules" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is a straightforward way to express compliance with established guidelines or regulations.

What is the difference between "adhering to rules" and "adjusting to rules"?

"Adhering to rules" means following or complying with existing rules, while "adjusting to rules" implies adapting or changing behavior to fit new or modified rules.