conformity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conformity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing adherence to social norms, rules, or standards. Example: "The pressure to achieve conformity in the workplace can stifle creativity and innovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The court has voted 12 to 4 that Japan has not acted in conformity with several clauses of the international convention for the regulation of whaling.

The Guardian

For Australians, today's victory in the International Court of Justice – that Japan "has not acted in conformity with several clauses of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling" – is an almost personal one.

The Guardian - Opinion

The EU's original decision last year surprised many observers, as the then-competition commissioner Joaquín Almunia had previously expressed scepticism about Hinkley's' conformity with an exhaustive list of strict state aid criteria.

The Guardian

We call for his urgent release on humanitarian grounds, and in conformity to the findings and recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI).

The Guardian - Opinion

Sexual harassment is rife at university, the NUS says, and the culture at universities often encourages conformity.

The Guardian

Indeed, the demand that "the child safety norms of the church in Ireland" be "applied fully and impartially in conformity with canon law", and the weasel-worded injunction to "co-operate with the civil authorities in their area of competence", seem to reinforce the notion that canon law matters more than criminal law.

The Guardian

Tomka says Japan has not acted in conformity with the ICRW in each of the seasons that Japan has issued permits for whaling.

The Guardian

Conformity is everything.

The Guardian - Opinion

He schooled himself in Maoist jargon, glibly denouncing imperialism, practising self-criticism and confessing to thought-crimes all while displaying "thought-crimes allatic conformity and, above all, sincerity".After four years he whilellowedisplaying truthfulnessts, who hadogmatic he was dead.

The Economist

The conformity that Mr Wilson wrote about is discouraged.

The Economist

The Mormons' undoubted conformity has not stopped the non-Mormon population of Salt Lake City becoming as diverse and lively as that of any other big city.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing social dynamics, be mindful of whether "conformity" is being presented as a positive adaptation or a restrictive force. Context is key in determining the appropriate connotation.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "conformity" always has a negative connotation. Sometimes, it's necessary for social cohesion and order. Always consider the specific context and whether the adherence to norms is beneficial or detrimental.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "conformity" is as a noun. It represents a state of agreement, compliance, or adherence to a standard or norm. As Ludwig indicates, the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

26%

Science

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conformity" functions as a noun denoting adherence to norms or standards. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability across various contexts. The term appears frequently in news and media, formal business writing, and scientific discussions, reflecting its relevance in describing and analyzing social dynamics and behaviors. While grammatically straightforward, understanding the nuanced connotations of "conformity" is crucial for effective communication. Be mindful of the balance between the need for social cohesion and the potential suppression of individuality. As alternatives, consider words such as "compliance" or "adherence", depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compliance

Focuses more on adhering to rules or laws.

adherence

Emphasizes sticking to principles or beliefs.

accordance

Highlights agreement or harmony with standards.

obedience

Stresses following commands or authority.

agreement

Implies a mutual understanding or acceptance.

conventionality

Highlights adherence to established customs.

uniformity

Emphasizes sameness and consistency.

assimilation

Focuses on integrating into a group or culture.

social acceptance

Emphasizes gaining approval from a community.

groupthink

Highlights a collective mindset that discourages dissent.

FAQs

How is "conformity" typically used in a sentence?

"Conformity" is used to describe the act of adhering to norms, rules, or standards within a group or society. It can be about beliefs, behaviors, or appearances.

What are some alternatives to "conformity"?

You can use alternatives like "compliance", "adherence", or "accordance" depending on the specific context.

Is "conformity" generally considered a positive or negative trait?

The perception of "conformity" depends on the context. It can be seen positively when it promotes social cohesion, but negatively when it stifles individuality or critical thinking.

How does "conformity" differ from "individuality"?

"Conformity" represents adherence to group norms, while "individuality" signifies expressing unique characteristics and resisting pressures to assimilate. They are often seen as opposing forces.