complies

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "complies" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone meets the requirements or acts according to the rules or regulations. For example: "The company complies with all federal regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is important that the UK complies with the convention not least to reinforce our position when we ask other countries to respect human rights".

The Guardian

And then the NSA is empowered to issue "directives" to telephone and internet companies to obtain the communications for whomever the NSA decides – with no external (i.e. outside the executive branch) oversight – complies with the guidelines it submitted to the court.

The Guardian - Opinion

The impact assessment therefore becomes a box ticking exercise, under which a company must state that it complies with data protection principles, but little else.

The Guardian

This has ensured that the Group complies with the core purpose of The Scott Trust, GMG's sole shareholder, to secure the financial and editorial independence of the Guardian in perpetuity.

The Guardian

The bank complies and orders the branch manager to open the reporter's box and fax the private letters to the Stadtpolizei.

The Guardian - Tech

The company says it complies with requests that follow accepted legal procedures and Google policies.

The Guardian

It is clear from internal paperwork that GCHQ has created systems to restrain the use of this powerful tool and to ensure that its use complies not only with Ripa but also with the 1998 Human Rights Act, which requires essentially that the use of the data must be proportional to the crime or threat investigated.

The Guardian

They said the commission's legal experts would examine the sweeping media law adopted last month and judge whether it complies with EU legislation.

The Economist

America's official line is that there will be no widening of the discussion unless Iran suspends uranium enrichment and complies with the Security Council's other demands.

The Economist

The decision struck most as odd, since the first page of the passport complies with international specifications and has no space for another column on religion.

The Economist

It complies with the "Euro III" pollution standards that prevail in India and should meet the tougher Euro IV standards with a bit of tweaking.Tata Motors is best known for its trucks, lovingly decorated and recklessly driven, that clatter along India's highways.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complies", ensure the subject clearly understands the standards or regulations they are adhering to. Clarity avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that simply stating something "complies" is sufficient. Specify what it complies with to provide context and ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "complies" is as a third-person singular present tense verb. It indicates that a subject is currently acting in accordance with a set of rules, standards, or laws. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "complies" is a versatile verb commonly used to indicate adherence to rules, standards, or requests. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly news, encyclopedic, and scientific writing. When using "complies", make sure to specify what is being complied with to ensure clarity. Related phrases include "adheres to", "conforms to", and "obeys", each offering a slightly different nuance. Remember to use "complies with" rather than the incorrect "complies to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adheres to

This alternative emphasizes a strict and unwavering following of rules or principles.

abides by

Suggests a commitment to following a set of rules or principles.

conforms to

This phrase suggests aligning with established standards or patterns.

is in accordance with

This suggests alignment or agreement with a specific set of rules or principles.

meets

Suggests satisfying specific criteria or requirements.

obeys

Focuses on following direct commands or laws, implying a hierarchical relationship.

fulfills

Implies meeting the requirements of a standard or agreement.

follows

This is a more general term, indicating adherence to a guideline or instruction.

respects

This alternative conveys a sense of acknowledging and adhering to a law or custom.

upholds

Emphasizes the act of maintaining and supporting a standard or law.

FAQs

How is "complies" used in a sentence?

Use "complies" to indicate that something adheres to a standard, rule, or request. For example, "The company "complies" with all federal regulations."

What is a good substitute for the word "complies"?

Alternatives for "complies" include "adheres to", "conforms to", or "obeys", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "complies with" or "complies to"?

"Complies with" is the correct and standard usage. "Complies to" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "complies with" and "agrees with"?

"Complies with" means to act in accordance with a rule or standard, while "agrees with" means to have the same opinion or feeling as someone else. Compliance is about action, agreement is about sentiment.