decided not to comply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decided not to comply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating a choice to not follow a rule, request, or directive. Example: "After careful consideration, she decided not to comply with the new regulations set by the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Truman decided not to comply and asked his lawyer, Samuel I. Rosenman, for help.

The New York Times

you disagreed with the law, and you decided not to comply with the law.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the biggest snub so far, eight Chinese carriers and two Indian airlines decided not to comply with basic requirements of the emissions system by "systematic nonreporting" of their emissions, the European Commission said last month.

The New York Times

"After trying to impose unnecessarily onerous registration requirements on two sites, one of them, Breakfastnetwork.sg, has decided not to comply," George writes.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Although not always violent, land grabs often have the threat of violence behind them if communities decide not to comply with the wishes of politicians and businesses.

The Guardian

The Saudi federation opted to stage the race on its own after deciding not to comply with the F.I.A.'s ruling to let women behind the wheel.

The New York Times

Trump could kill the deal by deciding not to comply with U.S. obligations — namely, the waiving of sanctions, which was promised in exchange for Iran limiting its controversial nuclear program.

The New Yorker

They provided a minimal amount of documents before deciding not to comply with the rest of our request.

TechCrunch

One does not act justly, on this account, by deciding not to comply with the state one lives in and sending money to another state or association.

SEP

Judges have begun hiring earlier and earlier, deciding not to comply with the hiring plan.

Huffington Post

Officials can decide not to comply with those guidelines by simply making an annual announcement at public meetings.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and implications of using this phrase; it often suggests a deliberate choice to go against authority or established norms. Choose alternatives like "opted out of compliance" if you wish to soften it.

Common error

Avoid using "decided not to comply" when the situation involves a lack of awareness or accidental non-compliance. This phrase implies a deliberate decision, so it is unsuitable for cases where someone unintentionally fails to meet requirements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decided not to comply" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate choice to disregard a rule, law, or request. It explicitly conveys a conscious decision, as supported by Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decided not to comply" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a deliberate choice to disregard a rule, law, or request. Ludwig's analysis of various sources shows its usage in contexts ranging from news and media to science and legal discussions. While there are multiple alternatives, such as "chose to disregard" or "opted out of compliance", the key is to use the phrase accurately to reflect a conscious decision, not a mere oversight. Remember, as Ludwig confirms, context is crucial in determining the most appropriate wording for conveying the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chose to disregard

Indicates a deliberate decision to ignore or reject something.

opted out of compliance

Suggests a formal or official decision to not participate or adhere to something.

refused to adhere to

Emphasizes a firm and explicit rejection of a rule or standard.

elected not to follow

Highlights a conscious selection to deviate from a prescribed path or guideline.

determined to defy

Conveys a strong sense of resistance and intention to challenge or oppose something.

took the decision to disobey

Focuses on the act of disobedience as a result of a decision.

resolved to ignore

Implies a firm decision to pay no attention to something, often a rule or warning.

made a choice to contravene

Emphasizes the act of violating or going against a rule or law.

declined to conform

Highlights a refusal to adapt to or comply with established norms or expectations.

saw fit to flout

Indicates a deliberate and open disregard for rules or conventions.

FAQs

What does "decided not to comply" mean?

It means a person or entity has made a conscious choice not to follow a rule, law, or request. It suggests a deliberate decision to disregard a mandate or expectation.

How can I use "decided not to comply" in a sentence?

For example: "The company decided not to comply with the new environmental regulations" or "He decided not to comply with the judge's order."

What are some alternatives to "decided not to comply"?

You can use alternatives like "chose to disregard", "refused to adhere to", or "opted out of compliance" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "decided not to comply" or "chose not to comply"?

Both phrases are correct, but "decided not to comply" emphasizes the decision-making process, while "chose not to comply" highlights the act of choosing. The best option depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.