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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
adhesion to
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"adhesion to" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to express a strong and usually permanent attachment to something. For example: "The tribe members have shown a great adhesion to their traditional culture."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
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
60 human-written examples
"Blind adhesion to the 2050 targets will not reduce emissions and will fail to keep the lights on.
News & Media
To restore adhesion to the surface, the OPD's experts used a glue made from sturgeons brought to Florence by Russian experts after the flood.
News & Media
These winds are whipped up, though, not by any want of retrenchment but by an unbending adhesion to the austerity dogma.
News & Media
But at the same time, a zombie's skin loses its adhesion to the muscle, so you see a little bit of bone".
News & Media
For the instantaneous facial hair she attached double-sided transparent toupee tape to the moustache gauze for instant adhesion to my top lip.
News & Media
microbial adhesion to solvents.
Science
Bacterial adhesion to hydrocarbon.
However, it is suspected that adhesion to recommendations remains low.
Science
The film shows good adhesion to the substrate.
Science
However, adhesion to this image is not widespread.
These properties include flexibility, strength and adhesion to the substrate.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When discussing scientific or technical contexts, use "adhesion to" to describe how well a coating sticks to a surface or how well cells attach to a matrix. For example, "The coating demonstrated excellent "adhesion to" the metal substrate."
Common error
Avoid using "adhesion to" when you mean compliance or conformity. "Adhesion" implies physical or abstract attachment, while "adherence" specifically denotes following rules or guidelines. Instead of saying "adhesion to the rules", use "adherence to the rules".
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Linguistic Context
The phrase "adhesion to" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It describes the state of being attached or connected to something, whether physically or abstractly. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.
Frequent in
Science
70%
News & Media
15%
Formal & Business
5%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
3%
Wiki
2%
Social Media
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "adhesion to" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase widely used to describe a state of attachment or connection. Ludwig AI highlights its validity and frequent occurrence across diverse contexts, particularly in science and news media. While semantically related to phrases like "attachment to" and "adherence to", it is important to distinguish its specific usage, especially concerning physical attachment versus compliance with rules. To ensure clear and effective communication, understanding these nuances can significantly enhance the precision of your writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Attachment to
A more general term for connection, applicable in various contexts including emotional and physical.
Adherence to
Stresses compliance with rules, guidelines, or principles.
Commitment to
Emphasizes a firm decision to pursue a particular course of action or belief.
Bond to
Suggests a chemical or emotional connection, often stronger and more permanent.
Grip to
Implies a physical holding or firm grasp, rather than a more abstract attachment.
Dedication to
Highlights a strong commitment and focused effort towards a specific goal or cause.
Loyalty to
Specifically refers to faithfulness and dedication to a person, group, or cause.
Compliance to
Highlights the state of obeying or adhering to rules and regulations.
Agreement to
Focuses on the act of consenting or complying with a proposal or idea.
Affiliation to
Indicates a formal association or membership with a group or organization.
FAQs
How is "adhesion to" used in scientific contexts?
In science, "adhesion to" often refers to the ability of cells to stick to a surface or other cells. It can also describe how well a coating or film attaches to a substrate. For instance, in biology, you might study cell "adhesion to" a culture dish. In materials science, you could measure the "adhesion to" the substrate of a protective coating.
What's the difference between "adhesion to" and "adherence to"?
"Adhesion to" typically refers to physical or abstract attachment or sticking, while "adherence to" implies compliance or following a rule, standard, or guideline. For example, one might discuss the "adhesion to" a surface or the "adherence to" safety protocols.
Can "adhesion to" be used in non-scientific contexts?
Yes, although less common, "adhesion to" can be used more abstractly to describe a strong connection or commitment to something. For example, one might speak of someone's strong "adhesion to" their cultural values. However, "attachment to" or "dedication to" might be more appropriate depending on the nuance you want to convey.
What are some alternatives to "adhesion to" that I can use in my writing?
Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "attachment to", "connection to", "commitment to", or "bond to". In more technical contexts, consider "grip to" or "binding to".
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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
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested