had adhered to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had adhered to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something has followed or stuck to a particular rule, principle, or guideline in the past. Example: "The organization had adhered to the regulations set forth by the governing body for many years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We considered guideline adherence adequate when court decisions and subsequent clinical care had adhered to all recommendations from guidelines.

BMJ Open

If Andersen had adhered to the agreement, however, the indictment would have then been dismissed.

The New York Times

Mr. Schwarz said he had adhered to that process when putting forward the proposed changes.

The New York Times

They were well below index levels that the previous staff members said they had adhered to.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Martello said he had adhered to strict club bylaws on the rentals.

The New York Times

Purists might cringe at these digital manipulations, but Mr. Wright said he had adhered to Partch's sonic ideals.

The New York Times - Tech

Then they would patiently pick off all the plastic peanut things that had adhered to my hair, clothes and walls.

The New York Times - Tech

"Steven and Dwight Hammond would not have been abused the way they have if we had adhered to the constitution.

The Guardian

He asserted that the meeting had adhered to Rabbi Soloveitchik's prohibition because it did not involve a discussion of theology.

The New York Times

Girardi said nothing had been altered, and Granderson said he was puzzled because he had adhered to his same routine.

The New York Times - Sports

In some cases suspects may leave behind plant parts, spores, or seeds that had adhered to their clothing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "had adhered to" when you want to emphasize that a specific guideline, rule, or principle was followed consistently in the past. For greater clarity, specify what was adhered to.

Common error

While "had adhered to" is generally acceptable, avoid using it in overly informal contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "followed" or "stuck to" when writing for a casual audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had adhered to" functions as a verb phrase indicating past compliance or adherence to a specific rule, guideline, or principle. It is typically used to describe actions or behaviors that conformed to a set standard. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

55%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "had adhered to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies past compliance with specific rules, guidelines, or principles. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal writing. While alternatives like "had complied with" or "had followed" exist, "had adhered to" implies a stricter and more consistent observance. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the formality of your writing and specify what was being adhered to for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had complied with

Replaces "adhered" with a synonym emphasizing obedience to rules or requests.

had abided by

Synonymous with "complied with", stressing obedience to laws, regulations, or agreements.

had followed

A more general term for "adhered", indicating a course of action was taken as directed or suggested.

had observed

Similar to "followed", but carries a stronger sense of watching and then acting in accordance with the rules or guidelines.

had conformed to

Stresses alignment with accepted standards or norms.

had kept to

Emphasizes staying within the limits or boundaries of a rule or promise.

had heeded

Implies giving careful attention to advice or warnings and then acting accordingly.

had stuck to

An informal way of saying "had adhered to", emphasizing persistence in following a plan or rule.

had been faithful to

Highlights loyalty to a principle or commitment.

had been true to

Indicates a commitment to values, principles, or promises.

FAQs

How can I use "had adhered to" in a sentence?

Use "had adhered to" to indicate that someone or something followed a specific rule, guideline, or principle in the past. For example: "The company had adhered to all safety regulations during the construction project."

What's a good substitute for "had adhered to"?

You can use alternatives like "had complied with", "had followed", or "had abided by" depending on the context.

Is "had adhered to" formal or informal?

"Had adhered to" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "followed" or "stuck to" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "had adhered to" and "had followed"?

While both phrases indicate compliance, "had adhered to" often implies a stricter and more consistent observance of rules or principles, whereas "had followed" can refer to a more general course of action.