did not comply

USAGE SUMMARY

"did not comply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that someone did not follow or obey instructions or rules. For example: The company failed to comply with the safety regulations and was fined.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He did not comply.

The New York Times

The weather did not comply.

The New Yorker

Google said it did not comply.

The New York Times

Knopf did not comply with the request.

The New York Times

But Milwaukee did not comply.

The New York Times - Sports

It threatened "further action" if she did not comply.

The New York Times

Businesses would face fines if they did not comply.

The New York Times

This did not comply with the court order.

The New Yorker

The company did not comply with the request.

The New York Times

Anyone who did not comply with the rules was punished.

The New York Times

He promised additional penalties if the Patriots did not comply.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "did not comply", ensure the context clearly states what the subject failed to comply with. Be specific about the rule, request, or standard that was not met.

Common error

Avoid using "did not comply" without specifying what the subject failed to comply with. This can lead to confusion. Always clarify the specific rule, request, or standard that was violated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not comply" functions as a verb phrase expressing the failure to adhere to a rule, request, or standard. Ludwig examples show its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "did not comply" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a failure to adhere to rules, requests, or standards. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, it is particularly common in news reports and formal documents. To ensure clarity in writing, it's crucial to specify what was not complied with. Consider alternatives like "failed to adhere to" or "did not follow" to adjust the formality or emphasis. Common errors include vagueness, so always provide clear context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was non-compliant

A more formal and direct way to state a lack of compliance.

did not follow

A more general and less formal way of expressing non-compliance.

failed to adhere to

This alternative focuses on a lack of adherence, emphasizing a more formal or official context.

ignored the requirements

Focuses on neglecting specific requirements or regulations.

disregarded the order

Highlights the act of actively ignoring a command or instruction.

refused to obey

Emphasizes a deliberate choice not to follow instructions.

defied the instructions

Highlights a deliberate act of defiance against specific instructions.

did not respect

Indicates a lack of respect for a rule, request, or authority.

went against the grain

Suggests defiance of a norm or expectation, often implying a more rebellious stance.

balked at the suggestion

Indicates hesitation or resistance to a proposal or request.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "did not comply" to sound more formal?

You can use more formal alternatives like "failed to adhere to" or "was non-compliant" for a more professional tone.

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

A simpler alternative is "did not follow", which is suitable for less formal contexts.

Is "did not comply" the same as "refused to obey"?

While similar, "refused to obey" implies a more active and deliberate choice of disobedience compared to "did not comply", which can be a passive failure.

In what situations is it best to use "did not comply"?

"Did not comply" is appropriate when someone has failed to meet a requirement, follow a rule, or adhere to a standard. It's often used in legal, professional, or formal contexts.