complied

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "complied" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb and can be used to mean to have followed a request or to have acted according to an instruction. For example, "I complied with the manager's request and submitted the report on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I explained that we could not research and report on this subject if we complied with this request.

The Guardian

Ten years earlier, when she transitioned for the first time, Lynn approached NatWest with the same request and they complied without issue, though she decided to go back to dressing as a man three years later due to public hostility – even threats of violence – as a result of her gender transition.

The Guardian

He has complied at every turn – he signs on, he doesn't work, even though he has plenty of offers from people at the gym, believe me.

The Guardian

The rule of law must mean that where a court decides and delivers a final and binding judgment, it is complied with - whether it is approved of or not by the authorities concerned.

The Guardian

Some complied, others didn't - they expect you to pay (around 20) to have the information hidden.

The Guardian - Tech

In return, the US and EU will terminate all nuclear-related economic sanctions on Iran once the UN nuclear agency confirms that Iran has complied.

The Guardian

However, in 2011, a lawyer for the Villa Veranda project said it had complied with all environmental and other regulations required of it.

The Guardian

Photographer Ami Vitale and videographer Dan Chung complied footage in Mali for the report, which was then produced by Elliot Smith with interactive design by Paddy Allen.

The Guardian

The Fisa court plays no role whatsoever in reviewing whether the procedures it approved are actually complied with when the NSA starts eavesdropping on calls and reading people's emails.

The Guardian - Opinion

Clinton's insistence that she "fully complied with every rule I was governed under" drew quick comparisons from pundits to Al Gore's infamous 1997 statement about fundraising that "there was no controlling legal authority".

The Guardian

However, if the UK and other EU states in particular, had complied with their international obligations, as clearly set out in the advisory opinion of the international court of justice in July 2004, this crisis could have been nipped in the bud at the outset (as could Israel's bombardment of Lebanon and Gaza in August 2006).

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complied" when you want to emphasize adherence to a specific rule, law, or request. It conveys a sense of obligation or necessity in following the instruction.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "comply". The correct usage is "comply with", not "comply to" or "comply by". For example, "The company complied with the regulations" is correct, while "The company complied to the regulations" is incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The word "complied" functions as the past tense and past participle of the verb comply. It signifies that an action has been taken to adhere to a rule, request, or standard. Ludwig confirms its accurate use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complied" is the past tense of the verb comply, indicating adherence to a rule, request, or standard. As Ludwig highlights, it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific contexts. When using "complied", remember to follow it with the preposition "with". Alternatives such as "adhered to" or "followed" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. With a very common frequency and correct usage, "complied" effectively communicates that a requirement has been met.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhered to

Focuses on sticking to rules or guidelines.

obeyed

Implies following a direct command or instruction.

followed

General term for acting in accordance with something.

conformed to

Emphasizes aligning with established standards or norms.

abided by

Suggests respecting and acting within the bounds of a rule or agreement.

acted in accordance with

A formal way of saying "followed" or "complied with".

respected

Implies showing consideration for a rule or request and acting accordingly.

yielded to

Suggests giving way to pressure or influence to meet a demand.

deferred to

Indicates submitting to someone else's judgment or authority.

acquiesced

Suggests reluctant agreement or passive acceptance.

FAQs

How can I use "complied" in a sentence?

You can use "complied" to indicate that someone or something has acted in accordance with a rule, request, or law. For example, "The company "complied" with all safety regulations."

What's the difference between "complied" and "obeyed"?

"Complied" typically refers to adhering to rules or regulations, while "obeyed" implies following a direct order or command. "The student "complied" with the school rules", versus "The soldier "obeyed" the general's orders".

What are some alternatives to the word "complied"?

Alternatives to "complied" include "adhered to", "followed", or "conformed to". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "complied to" instead of "complied with"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "complied" is "with". Saying "complied to" is grammatically incorrect. Always use "complied with".