complying with

USAGE SUMMARY

"complying with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are describing something that is in accordance with an order, law, or regulation. For example, "The company was compliant with all of the health and safety regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"We are complying with everything".

The New York Times

"Complying with our W.T.O.

The New York Times

Complying with the W.T.O.

The New York Times

Still, complying with the laws is crucial.

The New York Times

We are complying with the subpoena.

The New York Times

"There's difference in complying with that requirement".

The New York Times

Some had difficulty complying with federal standards.

The New York Times

Some companies are already complying with the new rule.

The New York Times

"All we're doing is complying with the law," he said.

The New York Times

It is simply complying with basic humanitarian standards.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Nearly all chain restaurants are now complying with the law.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about regulations, be specific about which ones are being followed. For example, instead of "The company is complying with regulations", write "The company is complying with the Environmental Protection Agency's emissions standards."

Common error

Avoid using "complying with" too broadly. Ensure that the subject is actively and verifiably meeting specific requirements, not just generally supporting a concept. For example, stating a company is "complying with sustainability" is vague; specify the sustainable practices implemented.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complying with" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the action of adhering to or fulfilling a requirement, law, or standard. Ludwig highlights this through numerous examples where entities are described as meeting specific regulations or guidelines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complying with" is a common and grammatically correct way to express adherence to rules, regulations, or standards. As Ludwig confirms, it appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, with a neutral to professional register. It's essential to use "complying with" with specificity, clearly stating the rules or standards being met to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "adhering to" or "conforming to" can offer slightly different nuances, but the core meaning remains consistent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhering to

This alternative emphasizes a consistent and steadfast commitment to following rules or guidelines.

conforming to

Focuses on aligning actions or behaviors with established norms or standards.

obeying

Implies a direct and often immediate response to a command or law.

abiding by

Suggests a commitment to uphold and respect an agreement or decision.

meeting the requirements of

Highlights the fulfillment of specific conditions or qualifications.

following

Indicates a course of action that aligns with established procedures or instructions.

observing

Emphasizes a careful and attentive adherence to practices or regulations.

in accordance with

Highlights a state of agreement or conformity with a set of rules or guidelines.

respecting

Implies honoring and valuing the constraints or requirements set forth.

upholding

Focuses on maintaining and defending a set of standards or principles.

FAQs

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

You can use "complying with" to describe adherence to laws, regulations, or standards. For instance, "The organization is "complying with" all federal safety guidelines."

What are some alternatives to "complying with"?

Alternatives include "adhering to", "conforming to", or "abiding by", which all suggest following or obeying rules.

Is there a difference between "complying with" and "conforming to"?

"Complying with" often refers to meeting specific requirements, while "conforming to" is about aligning with general standards or expectations.

When should I use "complying with" versus "following"?

"Complying with" is best used when referring to formal rules or laws. "Following" can be used more broadly for instructions or procedures.