conform to the rules

USAGE SUMMARY

"conform to the rules" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone has followed or is following an agreed-upon set of guidelines. For example: "The team members agreed to conform to the rules of the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

They do test the tees to see if they conform to the Rules of Golf.

The New York Times

Or, more accurately, how much slower their fast offense needs to be to conform to the rules.

The New York Times - Sports

Some experts say there is a growing appetite for deals that conform to the rules of the Koran.

The New York Times

To conform to the rules set by Actors Equity, the Northport theater needed more space and specific accommodations for actors.

The New York Times

Everyone said they would until I told them it had an asymmetrical dimple pattern, which meant it did not conform to the Rules of Golf.

The New York Times

Plenty of wines are labeled Rosso di Toscana, indicating they are red wines from Tuscany, but don't necessarily conform to the rules of any appellation.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

The formulas of most homoleptic metal carbonyl compounds conform to the rule that each metal atom in the metal carbonyl molecule must have 18 valence electrons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If they conform to the rule, they will see excellence.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

And in a supercritical case, the original evaporation pressure which does not conform to the rule Th,out > Tad is available now.

Applied Thermal Engineering

All 7 PPRV complete genomes are 15,948 nt and conform to the rule of 6 as described for all other morbillivirus genomes (28 ).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Rarely was a reason given for failing to conform to the rule and in only two cases did the patient insist on radiography.

British Medical Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about formal or regulated environments, ensure your language accurately conveys the level of compliance required. Using "conform to the rules" is appropriate when strict adherence is expected and deviation is not permitted.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice constructions that obscure who or what is conforming. For instance, instead of "It is expected that rules are conformed to", prefer "Employees must conform to the rules" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conform to the rules" functions as a verb phrase indicating adherence or compliance with established regulations, guidelines, or laws. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "conform to the rules" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies compliance with established guidelines or regulations. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and utility in various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic references. While alternatives such as "comply with the regulations" and "adhere to the guidelines" exist, "conform to the rules" provides a clear and direct way to express the importance of following specified procedures. The writing guidance emphasizes the avoidance of passive voice for better clarity, and the FAQ section addresses common user queries, rounding out a comprehensive understanding of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Comply with the regulations

Emphasizes obedience to specific regulatory requirements.

Adhere to the guidelines

Highlights sticking closely to suggested practices.

Abide by the terms

Focuses on fulfilling the conditions of an agreement.

Follow the procedures

Stresses adherence to established processes.

Observe the protocols

Implies a more formal and careful adherence to established norms.

Act in accordance with the law

Specifically relates to legal compliance.

Be compliant with the norms

Underscores adherence to expected societal standards.

Respect the stipulations

Indicates honoring specified conditions.

Uphold the standards

Focuses on maintaining a required level of quality or performance.

Meet the requirements

Highlights fulfilling necessary criteria.

FAQs

What does it mean to "conform to the rules"?

To "conform to the rules" means to adhere to, comply with, or follow a set of established guidelines, regulations, or laws. It implies an obligation to act in accordance with these rules.

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

You can use "conform to the rules" to describe actions or behaviors that are in compliance with a specific set of regulations. For example: "All participants must conform to the rules of the competition."

Which is more appropriate: "conform to the rules" or "comply with the rules"?

Both "conform to the rules" and "comply with the rules" are correct and often interchangeable. However, "comply" might suggest a more formal or legal context.

What are some alternatives to "conform to the rules"?

Some alternatives to "conform to the rules" include "adhere to the guidelines", "comply with the regulations", and "abide by the terms", depending on the context.