be strictly observed

USAGE SUMMARY

'be strictly observed' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to rules, regulations, or guidelines that must be adhered to. For example, "Employees must ensure these safety regulations are strictly observed at all times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The sabbath was to be strictly observed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

New rules governing the cementing and casing of wells must be strictly observed.

The New York Times

It is vital for the United States -- more so than for any other nation -- that this treaty provision be strictly observed in all places.

The New York Times

In some places it insists that its prohibition of alcohol and other worldly temptations be strictly observed; in other places it does not.

The New York Times

"As should be crystal clear, these laws must be strictly observed at all times, whether the markets are calm or in crisis".

The New York Times

"I want to emphasize expressly here once again - our foreign-trade obligations to the Soviet Union will be strictly observed and carried over into a united Germany in the spirit of fidelity to contracts," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The unities of place, time, and action were strictly observed.

Britannica

Religious festivals, fasts and dietary rules were strictly observed.

The New York Times - Arts

"We don't have accidents and many things," he said, because the laws of karma are strictly observed.

The New York Times - Style

Religious leaders say that with mounting pressures to meet higher standards, the board regulations have not always been strictly observed.

The New York Times

YOK also ensures that the ban on Islamic style headscarves is strictly observed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the register of your writing. While "be strictly observed" is generally suitable for formal and professional contexts, more informal settings may benefit from simpler alternatives.

Common error

A common mistake is assuming that everyone understands the specific context in which "be strictly observed" is being used. Always provide sufficient background information to avoid ambiguity and ensure the intended meaning is clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be strictly observed" functions as a passive construction indicating that a rule, law, or guideline is subjected to rigorous adherence. Ludwig shows that this phrase is frequently used to emphasize the mandatory nature of the item being observed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be strictly observed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction that emphasizes the importance of adhering to rules, regulations, or guidelines. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure the subject (the rule or guideline) is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. While generally appropriate for formal and professional contexts, simpler alternatives may be preferred in informal settings. Remember that you can also use semantically similar sentences, such as "be rigorously followed", "be meticulously adhered to", or "be faithfully complied with".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be rigorously followed

Emphasizes a more intense and thorough adherence compared to strictly observed.

be meticulously adhered to

Highlights the detailed and precise nature of the adherence, more than strictly observed.

be faithfully complied with

Focuses on the aspect of loyalty and dedication in following the rules, unlike strictly observed which is neutral.

be carefully obeyed

Emphasizes the caution and attentiveness in obeying, which may not be present in strictly observed.

be duly enforced

Highlights the active enforcement aspect, which is different from the passive observation in strictly observed.

be closely monitored

Focuses on the supervision aspect, implying a watchfulness that may not be part of strictly observed.

be tightly controlled

Emphasizes the control aspect, suggesting a management of something to ensure compliance, different from strictly observed.

be firmly implemented

Highlights the establishment and application of something with firmness, which may not be present in strictly observed.

be rigidly maintained

Emphasizes the inflexible nature of the maintenance, unlike strictly observed which is neutral.

be absolutely honored

Focuses on the respect and high regard in which something is held, unlike the neutral strictly observed.

FAQs

How can I use "be strictly observed" in a sentence?

You can use "be strictly observed" to emphasize that a rule, regulation, or guideline must be followed without any deviation. For example, "Safety protocols must "be strictly observed" at all times."

What are some alternatives to "be strictly observed"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be rigorously followed", "be meticulously adhered to", or "be faithfully complied with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "be strictly observed"?

This phrase is appropriate in formal contexts, such as legal documents, official guidelines, or academic papers, where it's crucial to emphasize the importance of compliance. However, in less formal settings, you might opt for simpler alternatives.

Is "is strictly observed" or "are strictly observed" correct?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is strictly observed" for singular subjects (e.g., "The rule is strictly observed"), and "are strictly observed" for plural subjects (e.g., "The guidelines are strictly observed").