comply with

USAGE SUMMARY

"comply with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe taking a certain action in order to meet the requirements of something. For example: "The company must comply with all safety regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He should comply with it.

The New Yorker

You comply with treatment.

The Guardian

"We comply with the law here".

The New York Times

Margera appeared to comply with the ruling.

Independent

Incentives to comply with E.U. obligations eroded.

The New York Times

Insurers must comply with numerous rules.

The Economist

(We, of course, comply with those requests).

The New York Times

Knopf did not comply with the request.

The New York Times

bank, we comply with all U.A.E.

The New York Times

He must comply with these standards.

Independent

They comply with remarkable obedience.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing legal or formal documents, ensure the phrase "comply with" is followed by a specific standard, law, or regulation. This enhances clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "comply with" without specifying what needs to be complied with. For example, instead of saying "The company must comply", specify "The company must comply with environmental regulations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comply with" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of adhering to a set of rules, regulations, or standards. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used to express the necessity of following specific guidelines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "comply with" is a commonly used verb phrase that signifies the action of adhering to rules, regulations, or standards. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a range of contexts, from news reporting to scientific research. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media, science, and wiki sources. To use the phrase effectively, ensure you specify what needs to be complied with to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "adhere to", "abide by" and "conform to", but "comply with" is a strong, clear choice for formal and neutral communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhere to

This alternative suggests a strong sense of commitment and consistency in following rules or guidelines.

abide by

Implies acceptance of and obedience to a rule or decision.

conform to

Suggests aligning oneself with established standards or norms.

act in accordance with

This is a more formal way of saying "comply with", often used in legal or official contexts.

follow

A simpler term indicating adherence to instructions or directions.

respect

Indicates showing consideration for rules or laws.

obey

Highlights the act of following commands or laws.

fulfill

This alternative shifts the focus to satisfying requirements or expectations.

meet

Suggests satisfying a requirement or condition.

observe

Implies watching and adhering to regulations or customs.

FAQs

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

You can use "comply with" to indicate that something or someone is adhering to a set of rules, regulations, or standards. For example, "All participants must "adhere to" the safety guidelines".

What are some alternatives to "comply with"?

Alternatives include phrases like "adhere to", "abide by", or "conform to". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "comply with" or "in compliance with"?

"Comply with" is a verb phrase, indicating an action, while "in compliance with" is an adjective phrase, describing a state of being. For example, "The company must comply with regulations" versus "The company is in compliance with regulations".

What is the difference between "comply with" and "agree with"?

"Comply with" means to follow or obey a rule or request, whereas "agree with" means to have the same opinion or feeling as someone else. They are used in completely different contexts.