comply with the rules

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "comply with the rules" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to following the rules laid out by an organization or authority. For example: All employees must comply with the rules of the company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She won't comply with the rules.

The Guardian - Books

Anyone who did not comply with the rules was punished.

The New York Times

Accordingly, she said, "we await and will fully comply with" the rules.

The New York Times - Health

As states habitually comply with the rules, so cooperation across the system will increase.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Smaller businesses would have more time to comply with the rules, once they become final.

The New York Times - Health

Finra is investigating other banks for possibly failing to comply with the rules.

The New York Times

"We want to comply with the rules, but there's often no way to comply".

The New York Times

September 11 may happen again if you don't comply with the rules.

Independent

She certainly hasn't cheated or done anything other than train hard and comply with the rules.

The New Yorker

"They can't even comply with the rules of the conference," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Employers who don't comply with the rules face a range of potential sanctions.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about regulations or policies, clearly specify which "rules" you are referring to. For example, instead of saying "Employees must "comply with the rules"", specify "Employees must "comply with the rules" outlined in the employee handbook."

Common error

Ensure that the context makes it clear what "rules" are being referenced. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the source or type of rules, such as "company "comply with the rules"", "legal "comply with the rules"", or "industry "comply with the rules"", to avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comply with the rules" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of adhering to established regulations or guidelines. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's often used to describe obligations or requirements in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "comply with the rules" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to express adherence to regulations and guidelines. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, from news reports to scientific articles and business communications. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify which rules are being referenced. Alternatives include "adhere to the regulations" and "abide by the rules", which offer slightly different nuances. Whether in formal documents or everyday conversations, "comply with the rules" serves as a clear and effective way to communicate the importance of following established standards.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be compliant with the rules

This alternative describes the state of being in accordance with the rules, emphasizing the condition of adherence.

adhere to the regulations

This alternative focuses on sticking closely to specific regulations, implying a stricter and more formal compliance.

abide by the rules

This alternative emphasizes acceptance and obedience to the rules, suggesting a willingness to follow them.

follow the guidelines

This alternative is less strict and more suggestive, implying adherence to general recommendations rather than strict commands.

conform to the regulations

This alternative highlights aligning one's actions with established regulations, often used in formal contexts.

be in conformity with the rules

This alternative emphasizes being in agreement or correspondence with the rules, highlighting alignment.

act in accordance with the rules

This alternative emphasizes that one's actions are aligned with the rules, suggesting a conscious effort to follow them.

observe the regulations

This alternative focuses on noticing and adhering to the rules, implying a careful and attentive approach.

meet the requirements

This alternative concentrates on satisfying specific demands or conditions set by the rules.

respect the rules

This alternative conveys a sense of deference and acknowledgement of the importance of the rules.

FAQs

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

You can use "comply with the rules" to indicate that someone or something is following established regulations or guidelines. For example, "All participants must "comply with the rules" of the competition".

What's a formal alternative to "comply with the rules"?

A more formal alternative to "comply with the rules" is to "adhere to the regulations". This phrase is often used in legal or official contexts.

Is it redundant to say "fully comply with the rules"?

While "comply" already implies adherence, using "fully comply" can emphasize complete and thorough compliance. It is not strictly redundant but adds emphasis.

What's the difference between "comply with the rules" and "obey the rules"?

"Comply with the rules" suggests adherence to regulations, while "obey the rules" implies a sense of duty or obligation. "Obey the rules" can also suggest a power dynamic, where someone is being told to follow the rules.