complies with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'complies with' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something meets an established standard or requirement. For example, "Our product complies with safety regulations set forth by the government."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This note complies with his wish".

The New Yorker

Nature complies with her own laws.

The New Yorker

She readily complies with requests for autographs.

The New York Times

"The Yukos case complies with Russian laws.

The New York Times

This playlist complies with his wishes.

The Guardian - Music

Her lawyers say she "complies with all applicable tax regulations".

The Guardian - Business

Further, it is safe and complies with all regulations.

The New York Times - Tech

I.B.M. said only that it complies with American regulations.

The New York Times

Levit told the Guardian that Tekoa complies with international law.

The Guardian - Tech

Pizza Hut says it complies with working time regulations.

The Guardian - Money

Publicly, though, China buries its grumbles and complies with protocol.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing legal or technical documents, use "complies with" to clearly state that a product, process, or action meets specific standards or regulations.

Common error

Ensure that the specific standard or regulation being complied with is clearly identified to avoid any ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "The product complies", specify "The product complies with ISO 9001 standards."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complies with" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a subject adheres to a particular rule, standard, law, or guideline. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used in various contexts to assert conformity. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Unknown/unmatched sources

30%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complies with" is a widely used and grammatically correct verb phrase that signifies adherence to rules, standards, or regulations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard and accepted expression. Its prevalence across various domains, including science, news media, and formal business contexts, underscores its versatility and importance in clear communication. When using "complies with", it's crucial to specify the exact standards being met to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "adheres to" or "conforms to" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. With a strong expert rating, "complies with" remains a reliable choice for expressing conformity in both formal and technical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is compliant with

Similar to "complies with" but places more emphasis on the state of being in compliance.

adheres to

This alternative suggests a consistent and unwavering commitment to following a set of rules or guidelines.

conforms to

Focuses on aligning with specific standards or patterns, often in a more technical or regulated environment.

obeys

Implies direct obedience to commands or laws, often used in contexts of authority and submission.

follows

Suggests a more general adherence to a path, method, or set of instructions.

is in accordance with

Emphasizes agreement and alignment with established principles or regulations.

meets the requirements of

Highlights the fulfillment of specific necessary conditions or criteria.

upholds

Implies active support and maintenance of a principle or standard, rather than just passive compliance.

respects

Suggests showing consideration for and adherence to established boundaries or rules.

fulfills

Focuses on meeting expectations or completing required actions as per a rule or agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "complies with" in a sentence?

You can use "complies with" to indicate that something meets a certain standard or regulation. For example, "The software "complies with" all data protection laws."

What are some alternatives to "complies with"?

Some alternatives include "adheres to", "conforms to", or "is in accordance with", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "complies with" or "is compliant with"?

"Complies with" is a verb phrase that describes an action, while "is compliant with" uses the adjective "compliant" to describe a state of being. Both are correct, but ""complies with"" emphasizes the action of meeting requirements.

What is the difference between "complies with" and "follows"?

"Complies with" specifically implies adherence to a rule, law, or standard, whereas "follows" can refer to generally adhering to any instruction or guidance. "Complies with" is more formal and legally significant.