conform to

USAGE SUMMARY

"conform to" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea that something adheres to a specific standard, rule, or expectation. For example: "All students must conform to the school's dress code."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each seems to conform to a stereotype.

The New York Times - Arts

The place will never conform to you.

The New York Times

Albinos conform to riding horse type.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They don't conform to the facts.

The New York Times

It refused to conform to clothing stereotypes.

The New York Times

Increasingly, these conform to party lines.

The New Yorker

Willing to conform to the tribe.

The New York Times - Sports

This person doesn't conform to his expectations.

The Guardian - Opinion

They must conform to very strict parameters.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But I won't conform to preconceptions.

The Guardian - Opinion

He made events conform to his wishes.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "conform to", ensure that the subject clearly understands the specific rules, standards, or expectations they are meant to follow. Clarity in what needs to be conformed to avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "conform to" when simply agreeing with an idea. It implies more than just agreement; it suggests a need to adjust one's behavior or practices to align with an external standard.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "conform to" functions as a connector indicating that something needs to adhere to certain rules, standards, or expectations. As Ludwig indicates, it expresses the idea that something must align with a specific requirement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "conform to" is a common phrasal verb that expresses the necessity of adhering to specific standards, rules, or expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, primarily in news, science, and academic writing. While alternatives like "adhere to" and "comply with" exist, each carries subtle nuances in meaning. When using "conform to", ensure clarity in specifying the standards being followed and be mindful of its formal tone, making it less suitable for casual conversations. Remember that blindly conforming isn't always beneficial; critical thinking and personal values should also guide behavior.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhere to

Indicates sticking firmly to a rule or belief, similar to conforming, but with a stronger emphasis on loyalty or commitment.

comply with

Suggests obedience to a rule or law; emphasizes acting in accordance with specific requirements.

abide by

Implies accepting and following a rule or decision; emphasizes adherence to something binding.

follow

A more general term for adhering to instructions or guidelines; less formal than "conform to".

observe

Highlights paying attention to and acting according to rules or customs; often used in formal contexts.

meet

Indicates satisfying a requirement or standard; focused on fulfilling specific criteria.

fulfill

Emphasizes the completion or satisfaction of a requirement; often used when referring to obligations or expectations.

accommodate

Implies making adjustments to fit a standard or situation; focuses on adapting to external requirements.

align with

Suggests arranging something to match a particular standard or goal; emphasizes agreement or correspondence.

be consistent with

Highlights the need for something to agree with or not contradict a standard or set of principles.

FAQs

How can I use "conform to" in a sentence?

You can use "conform to" to indicate adherence to a set of rules or standards. For instance, "All participants must "adhere to" the safety regulations" or "The design should "align with" the company's branding guidelines".

What are some alternatives to "conform to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "comply with", "adhere to", "abide by", or "align with".

What's the difference between "conform to" and "comply with"?

"Conform to" generally implies adjusting to a standard or expectation, while "comply with" specifically suggests obedience to a rule or law. While similar, "comply with" carries a stronger sense of obligation.

Is it always necessary to "conform to" societal expectations?

While conforming to certain societal norms can facilitate social harmony, blindly conforming can stifle individuality and critical thinking. It's important to balance fitting in with maintaining personal values and integrity.