by complying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by complying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action is being taken as a result of following rules, regulations, or requests. Example: "The company improved its safety standards by complying with the new regulations set forth by the government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

One's duty is to obey Shariah by complying with orders and shunning that which is forbidden".

The New York Times

My brothers and I nipped that regime in the bud by complying.

The Guardian - Books

If he is to survive this scandal, he needs to start by complying with the city's disclosure laws.

The New York Times

By complying with these coercive requirements, we were able to adopt our four-year-old son, from China, in 2008.

The New Yorker

More often than not they seem more motivated by complying with the NPPF and working with the quarrying companies".

Independent

In Taipei, commuters started the working week by complying with a government order to wear masks on the city's subway.

The Guardian

It merely reflects the desperate efforts made by auction house departmental heads to entice consignors by complying with their every wish, however unrealistic.

The New York Times - Arts

But the U.S. counter-arguments that by complying with U.N. resolutions Saddam could get those sanctions lifted at any time are never heard.

The New York Times

The review recommends that statutory organisations highlight charities' responsibility to support the regulator – both financially and by complying with its rules.

The Guardian

One was that the fund "should respect host-country rules by complying with all applicable regulatory and disclosure requirements of the countries in which they invest".

The New York Times

"We're just arguing to continue to have the ability to run our business by complying with the laws that are on the books today".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by complying", ensure the sentence clearly states what is being complied with (e.g., rules, regulations, laws).

Common error

Avoid assuming that simply stating "by complying" is sufficient. Always specify the exact standards or requirements being met to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by complying" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating how an action is performed. It specifies the means or method used to achieve a particular outcome. Ludwig confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

44%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by complying" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to indicate adherence to rules, regulations, or standards. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally used correctly across various contexts, including news, scientific, and general writing. While alternatives such as "through compliance" or "in accordance with" exist, "by complying" remains a common and straightforward choice. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly state what is being complied with to avoid ambiguity. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through compliance

Changes the preposition and uses the noun form of the verb, slightly more formal.

in accordance with

Replaces "by complying" with a prepositional phrase indicating agreement or conformity.

by adhering to

Substitutes "complying" with "adhering to", emphasizing a commitment to follow rules.

by obeying

Replaces "complying" with "obeying", stressing obedience to commands or laws.

by observing

Replaces "complying" with "observing", suggesting a careful adherence to guidelines.

in conformity with

Similar to "in accordance with", but can suggest a closer alignment with standards.

by fulfilling

Emphasizes the completion of requirements, rather than just adherence.

by respecting

Highlights the act of showing regard for rules or regulations.

by heeding

Implies paying attention to and following advice or instructions.

by upholding

Suggests maintaining and defending certain standards or principles.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "by complying" for variety?

You can use alternatives like "through compliance", "in accordance with", or "by adhering to" depending on the context.

What does "by complying" imply in a legal context?

In a legal context, "by complying" usually means adhering to laws, regulations, or court orders. The consequences of not complying can be severe.

Is there a difference between "by complying" and "by obeying"?

While similar, "by complying" often refers to adhering to rules or standards, while "by obeying" implies following direct commands or laws. The nuance lies in the nature of what's being followed.

Can "by complying" be used in a negative sense?

Yes, it can, particularly when someone compromises their principles "by complying" with unethical demands. The ethical implications depend on the specific situation.