he complied with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he complied with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone has followed or adhered to a request, rule, or guideline. Example: "He complied with the safety regulations set forth by the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He complied with the detectives' directions," Mr. Kelly said.

The New York Times

Blair stressed Saddam could save his regime if he complied with UN demands.

The Guardian

Mr. Grimm, who has not been charged with a crime, insists he complied with all campaign laws.

The New York Times

He complied with the wishes of the priesthood and at the same time put down the Aramaean nobility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And like Google, O'Dwyer says he complied with the small number of takedown notices from copyright owners he received.

The Guardian

Later, after the declaration of Slovakia's independence by the Slovak parliament, he complied with Tiso's request and took over the protection of Slovakia.

Yale University

When Ismail Cem, Turkey's foreign minister, went to Baghdad last week, he told Mr Hussein to expect no help from Turkey unless he complied with UN resolutions.

The Economist

In response to questions from Asbill, McDonnell insisted that he complied with state laws — disclosing the loan from Williams to his wife in 2011 in the required format.

The Washington Post

Banks, who uses a complex web of companies across multiple countries for his business and political activities, insists he complied with this rule.

The Guardian

Blatter claims not to have seen Garcia's full report but said he complied with Eckert's request to report the individuals concerned to the Swiss Attorney General's office.

The Guardian - Sport

Before university he complied with national service requirements by working as a Bevin boy in Chislet coal mine, in Kent, an experience he loathed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "adhered to" or "followed" to avoid repetition, especially in longer texts.

Common error

Avoid using "he complied with" without specifying what was complied with. Saying just "He complied" leaves the reader wondering what the subject followed. Always clarify what rule, order, or request was obeyed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he complied with" functions as a verb phrase indicating adherence or obedience. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by numerous examples where it shows someone acting in accordance with rules, requests, or regulations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he complied with" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate that someone has followed instructions, rules, or requests. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent use across diverse contexts such as News & Media and Academia. While synonyms like "he adhered to" or "he followed" can provide variety, it's crucial to specify the object of compliance for clarity. Avoiding vagueness and ensuring a clear context are key to effective communication using the phrase "he complied with".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he followed

A general term for acting according to instructions or guidelines.

he adhered to

Focuses on sticking firmly to a rule or principle, emphasizing consistency.

he fulfilled

Emphasizes completing or satisfying a requirement or obligation.

he abided by

Suggests a commitment to uphold or respect a rule or agreement.

he obeyed

Implies a direct order or command was followed.

he conformed to

Highlights aligning with a standard or norm, often in a social context.

he observed

Focuses on watching and acting in accordance with rules or customs.

he respected

Highlights showing consideration for and acting in accordance with rules or authority.

he deferred to

Implies submitting to someone else's judgment or authority.

he acquiesced to

Suggests reluctantly agreeing or accepting something.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "he complied with"?

You can use alternatives like "he adhered to", "he followed", or "he obeyed" depending on the context.

How to use "he complied with" in a sentence?

Use "he complied with" to indicate that someone followed a rule, request, or order. For example, "He complied with the officer's instructions" or "He complied with the company's policies".

What's the difference between "he complied with" and "he agreed with"?

"He complied with" indicates obedience or adherence to something, like a rule or request. In contrast, "he agreed with" indicates an alignment of opinions or beliefs. The former is about action, while the latter is about thought.

Is it correct to say "he complied to" instead of "he complied with"?

No, the correct phrasing is "he complied with". The preposition "with" is necessary to properly connect the subject and the object of compliance.