in accordance with the rules

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in accordance with the rules" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is done in accordance with a set of pre-established rules, regulations, or guidelines. For example, "The staff at this company must always conduct business transactions in accordance with the rules outlined in the company manual."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"The appointment will be made in accordance with the rules, which are clear and fair.

The Guardian

"All the votes that were cast in accordance with the rules should be counted".

The New York Times

Voters who cast their ballots in accordance with the rules, in accordance with law, have rights.

The New York Times

He replied: "They have an auditor to make sure they spend in accordance with the rules".

Independent

He spoke on the condition of anonymity in accordance with the rules of his agency.

The New York Times

He spoke on condition of anonymity in accordance with the rules of his agency.

The New York Times

The hearing is to be conducted in accordance with the rules and procedure and evidence of the tribunal, Rule 62.

The New York Times

The $50,000 fine prevents a complete ban, in accordance with the rules of the International Weightlifting Federation.

The New York Times - Sports

"I expect the Scots will play very aggressively and not necessarily in accordance with the rules either," says Lewandowski.

The Guardian - Sport

"The Columbian invasion of 1492 was part of that tradition and was therefore in accordance with the rules of zoogeography".

The New York Times - Books

He changed the designation of his second home when his circumstances changed in accordance with the rules.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in accordance with the rules", clearly specify which rules you are referring to, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity. For example, "The experiment was conducted "in accordance with the rules" of the ethics committee."

Common error

Avoid using "in accordance with the rules" without specifying the relevant regulations. Vague references can lead to misinterpretations. Instead, be specific: "The procedure was performed "in accordance with the rules" outlined in the company handbook."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in accordance with the rules" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating that an action or situation adheres to a specific set of regulations or guidelines. Ludwig AI shows it is used in various contexts, from legal compliance to scientific procedures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Reference

2%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in accordance with the rules" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate adherence to established guidelines, regulations, or laws. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It is frequently used in news, science, and formal business settings to ensure procedures are perceived as legitimate and ethical. To ensure clarity, always specify which rules you are referencing. While alternatives like "according to the regulations" or "in compliance with the rules" exist, "in accordance with the rules" provides a robust and widely accepted way to convey conformity and compliance across a variety of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to the regulations

Changes the prepositional structure while maintaining the core meaning of following established guidelines.

pursuant to the guidelines

Emphasizes a more legalistic or formal compliance aspect.

consistent with the regulations

Focuses on maintaining uniformity and agreement with the established rules.

in compliance with the rules

Highlights the act of adhering to the rules as a form of compliance.

in conformity with the regulations

Similar to 'in compliance', but emphasizes structural or systematic agreement.

following the guidelines

Simplifies the phrase to a more direct and less formal expression of adherence.

as per the stipulations

Lends a slightly more contractual or formal tone to the expression.

in line with the directives

Highlights adherence to specific instructions or directions.

adhering to the regulations

Focuses on the continuous action of sticking to the prescribed rules.

subject to the provisions

Implies that actions are conditional upon the existing rules or laws.

FAQs

How can I use "in accordance with the rules" in a sentence?

You can use "in accordance with the rules" to indicate that something is done following a set of established guidelines or regulations. For example, "The project was completed "in accordance with the rules" set by the governing body."

What are some alternatives to saying "in accordance with the rules"?

Alternatives include "according to the regulations", "pursuant to the guidelines", or "in compliance with the rules", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "in accordance with the rules" or "according to the rules"?

Both "in accordance with the rules" and "according to the rules" are correct. "In accordance with" is generally considered more formal, while "according to" is more commonly used in everyday language.

What does it mean when something is done "in accordance with the rules of engagement"?

It means that military personnel followed specific directives and limitations when using force. For instance, troops "had operated "in accordance with the rules of engagement"" to stop people crossing the border.