did not adhere

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did not adhere" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something did not follow or stick to a rule, guideline, or standard. Example: "The project failed because the team did not adhere to the established timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They imposed sharia law, banned music and whipped people who did not adhere to their code.

The Guardian

When coated onto a tape backing, the adhesive was sticky but did not adhere strongly.

The New York Times - Arts

CNIL said the policy did not adhere to many aspects of European law.

The New York Times - Tech

Goldman clearly did not adhere to its stated business principles in this deal.

The New York Times

"Terrorist groups did not adhere to any of the points of the agreement," the Syrian Army said in a statement.

The New York Times

This article has been amended in consultation with the writer because it did not adhere to the Guardian's style guide.

The Guardian - Opinion

Truth be told, Babushka's real flaw was that she did not adhere to my standards of grandmotherliness.

The New York Times

Thousands of women were arrested or intimidated because they did not adhere precisely to Islamic dress code on the streets.

The New York Times

Fowler would play through 1895 with integrated teams in leagues that did not adhere to the ban.

The New York Times - Sports

Nevertheless, BCECs did not adhere and proliferate well on chitosan.

Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces

It did not adhere to the ideas of non-alignment.

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "did not adhere", ensure that the context clearly specifies what standard, rule, or guideline was not followed. This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "did not adhere" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "didn't follow" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not adhere" functions as a verb phrase expressing a negative action, indicating a failure to comply with or follow a specific rule, standard, or guideline. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

39%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Huffington Post

2%

Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces

2%

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "did not adhere" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies a failure to comply with rules, standards, or guidelines. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is versatile across various formal contexts, including science, news, and business. When employing this phrase, clarity is key—ensure that the specific standard being referenced is clearly defined. While "did not adhere" is acceptable and correct, consider simpler alternatives like "did not follow" in less formal settings. While common, avoid overuse by incorporating variety with semantically similar phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not comply

Replaces "adhere" with "comply", focusing on following rules or regulations.

failed to adhere

Uses "failed" to highlight the unsuccessful attempt to adhere.

did not follow

A simpler and more general alternative to "did not adhere".

did not conform

Highlights a lack of agreement or compliance with established norms.

did not observe

Emphasizes the lack of attention to or following a practice or guideline.

did not abide by

Specifically refers to a failure to follow or respect a rule or agreement.

did not respect

Indicates a lack of regard for rules or standards.

deviated from

Implies a departure from a previously established standard or course.

did not maintain

Focuses on failing to uphold a certain standard or principle.

did not uphold

Similar to "did not maintain", emphasizing a failure to support or defend a standard.

FAQs

What's a simpler way to say "did not adhere"?

You can use phrases like "did not follow", "did not comply", or "deviated from" depending on the specific context.

How can I use "did not adhere" in a sentence?

Use "did not adhere" when you want to express that someone or something failed to follow a rule, guideline, or standard. For example: "The company did not adhere to the safety regulations."

What's the difference between "did not adhere" and "did not comply"?

"Did not adhere" implies a broader failure to stick to something, while "did not comply" specifically suggests a failure to follow a rule or regulation. The nuance depends on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "did not adhere"?

It's suitable in formal or professional contexts when discussing standards, guidelines, or principles that were not followed. It's common in news reports, scientific papers, and business reports.