conform

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'conform' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'conform' to describe when someone or something follows a set of accepted standards or practices. For example: "The company's service must conform to the industry standards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Interest rate cut to 0.8% a day and other costs reduced to conform with a legal cap on costs coming into force on 2 January 2015.

The Guardian - Business

The almost impossible task of calculating the money generated by the oldest profession is being undertaken to conform with a European edict demanding that member states declare the percentage of GDP derived from illegal activities such as the sex trade, drug and people trafficking and contraband.

The Guardian

These titans, and those who surround them, overwhelmingly and stubbornly refuse to conform to the simple premise of triumphant good versus vanquished evil.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If the Queen's observed behaviour does not always conform with the more disarming stage and film depictions, the latter are now so widely regarded as authentic, the reporting of the Windsor strike suggests, that this hardly matters.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 1964 it was already 11 years old and its pilot, Jerrie Mock, appeared to conform to conservative stereotypes of the era, as an affluent, white, middle-class American woman, just over seven stone, and 5ft tall.

The Guardian

You come to learn that these stories must conform to a basic principle: make the US and the west look bad.

The Guardian

Brentford's Warburton, a former City financier, would relish sticking two fingers up – metaphorically of course – at a board that has decreed he will be replaced with imported continental intellect willing to conform to a "mathematical modelling" system this summer.

The Guardian - Sport

She said those who had given testimony also accused the nuns of locking them in cupboards and threatening to transfer them to an adult mental hospital at Muckamore Abbey. in Co Antrim, if they did not conform.

The Guardian

When Ratmansky first brought his proteges Natalia Osipova and Ivan Vasiliev – a virtuosic partnership – into the company, he met with resistance; their styles and physiques did not conform to company type.

The Guardian

Two-spirit people were often forced, either by government officials, Christian missionaries or their own community, to conform to standard gender roles.

The Guardian - Music

In short, she's saying: "Cover up and conform!" This must be a confusing message for the president's daughters, who are hardly going out on a limb in terms of either flesh-flashing or general weirdness: "What?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "conform", ensure that the context clearly specifies what standards, rules, or expectations are being adhered to. For example, "The product must conform to international safety standards."

Common error

Avoid using "conform" without specifying what the subject is conforming to. Saying "They need to conform" is incomplete. Instead, specify: "They need to conform to the new regulations."

Linguistic Context

The verb "conform" primarily functions to indicate adherence to rules, standards, or expectations. As shown by Ludwig, it specifies alignment with established norms or legal requirements. Examples include "conform to international safety standards" or "conform to the rules".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

31%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conform" is a versatile verb used to express adherence to rules, standards, or expectations across various contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news, business and science. To use "conform" effectively, specify the standards to which something must adhere. Common synonyms include "comply with" and "adhere to". By following these guidelines, writers can ensure clarity and precision in their usage of "conform".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comply with

Focuses specifically on adhering to rules or regulations, rather than general expectations.

adhere to

Emphasizes a steadfast and committed observance of rules or principles.

abide by

Suggests accepting and following a decision or rule, often implying a sense of obligation.

align with

Highlights the process of bringing something into agreement or correspondence with something else.

be in accordance with

Formally indicates agreement or compliance, often used in legal or official contexts.

fall in line

Suggests adjusting one's behavior or opinions to match those of a group.

adapt to

Focuses on the process of changing to fit new conditions or requirements.

adjust to

Implies making minor changes to achieve a better fit or alignment.

accommodate to

Emphasizes making allowances or adaptations to suit particular needs or circumstances.

yield to

Suggests giving way to pressure or influence in order to comply or agree.

FAQs

How can I use "conform" in a sentence?

You can use "conform" to indicate agreement with standards, rules, or expectations. For example, "All products must "adhere to" safety regulations" or "Employees are expected to "comply with" company policies."

What is a good substitute for "conform"?

Alternatives to "conform" include "comply with", "adhere to", "align with", or "abide by", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

What does it mean when something "conforms to standards"?

When something "conforms to standards", it means that it meets the requirements, specifications, or guidelines established by a recognized authority or industry benchmark. It indicates compliance and adherence to a defined set of criteria.

Is there a difference between "conform to" and "comply with"?

While both phrases express adherence, "conform to" generally implies agreement or correspondence with a model or standard, while "comply with" specifically refers to obeying rules or regulations. For example, designs "align with" guidelines and organizations "comply with" laws.