be complying with a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be complying with a" is not correct in standard written English.
It is not a commonly used structure and may confuse readers. An example could be: "The company is expected to be complying with a new set of regulations."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

James R. Lilley, a former United States ambassador to South Korea, agreed with Mr. Bush's use of tough language, even if North Korea appeared to be complying with a 1994 accord to freeze its nuclear weapons program.

The New York Times

Depending on how you ask about it, Americans are either split over or modestly supportive of the Iran nuclear agreement that the U.S. will no longer be complying with, a new poll finds.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Oracle, which is based in Redwood Shores, Calif., is complying with a separate investigation by the European Commission.

The New York Times

At the time, Miller was complying with a subpoena for records, according to the transcript.

The Washington Post

In vitro release rate of BPV from HA-BPV/NLCs was complying with a sustained behavior until 72 h of study.

Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy

The airline said the staffer was complying with a requirement that airlines make quarantine announcements, but the crew member's words were "poorly chosen and plainly at odds with the professional standards we'd expect from our team".

The Guardian

Since July 2, the State Department has been complying with a new law that requires both parents to provide written consent before a passport is issued for a child younger than 14.

The New York Times - Travel

The Social Security Administration over the past several years withheld benefit checks from recipients found to have outstanding arrest warrants, saying it was complying with a 1996 law requiring that payments be stopped to recipients "fleeing to avoid prosecution" of a felony.

The New York Times

BRUSSELS, Nov. 23 — Microsoft submitted a new batch of technical information about its Windows operating system to the European Commission on Thursday, meeting the latest deadline to provide information on whether it is complying with a 2004 antitrust ruling.

The New York Times - Tech

The distributor of the DVD, which features Gavin & Stacey's Matthew Horne and James Corden, said it was complying with a request from retailers, although stores have denied they requested that the film's title be obscured.

The Guardian - Money

The move came as an Arab League team began the second day of a monitoring mission to gauge whether Syria is complying with a peace plan which it signed.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing adherence to rules or regulations, prefer using "in compliance with" or "adhering to" for clearer and more formal communication.

Common error

Avoid using the continuous tense with "comply" unless referring to an ongoing process of meeting requirements. Instead of "be complying with", use "comply with" for a direct and accurate statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be complying with a" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action of adhering to or following a specific rule, law, or guideline. However, according to Ludwig AI, it's not the most standard phrasing. More commonly used alternatives include "comply with" or "be in compliance with".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be complying with a" is used to indicate adherence to a rule or guideline. However, Ludwig AI analysis suggests this phrasing is not grammatically sound and is a rare construction in standard English. While examples can be found in news and scientific sources, it's recommended to use more common and grammatically correct alternatives such as "comply with", "adhere to", or "be in compliance with" for clarity and formality. This ensures that the message is conveyed accurately and professionally. Prefer "comply with" in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in compliance with a

Emphasizes the state of meeting all requirements of a regulation or law.

adhering to a

Replaces "complying" with "adhering", focusing on the act of sticking to rules or guidelines.

abiding by a

Similar to adhering, but emphasizes obedience to a rule or law.

conforming to a

Highlights alignment with standards or norms.

observing a

Focuses on watching and following the requirements of a rule or agreement.

following a

A more general term for adhering to guidelines or instructions.

in accordance with a

A formal way of stating that actions are in agreement with a set of rules or standards.

meeting a

Highlights the act of satisfying a specific requirement or condition.

fulfilling a

Stresses the completion or execution of a duty or obligation.

respecting a

Implies showing consideration and adherence to rules or agreements.

FAQs

What is a more grammatically sound alternative to "be complying with a"?

A more grammatically sound alternative is to use the phrase "comply with a". This phrasing is direct and clear, accurately conveying the act of adhering to a rule or regulation.

How does "in compliance with a" differ from "be complying with a"?

"In compliance with a" refers to the state of meeting requirements, while "be complying with a" attempts to describe the act of doing so. "In compliance with a" is the standard and correct form.

Can I use "be complying with a" in formal writing?

It's generally best to avoid "be complying with a" in formal writing. Opt for more precise and accepted phrases like "adhere to a" or "in accordance with a" for clarity and professionalism.

What does it mean to "comply with a" requirement?

To "comply with a" requirement means to act in accordance with it, fulfilling all its specifications and conditions. It signifies that you are meeting the standards set by the requirement.