in comply with

USAGE SUMMARY

"in comply with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is being done in accordance with an order, rule, or request. Example: Employees must comply with the company's vacation policy.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is completely in comply with the spirit of active disturbance rejection control (ADRC).

Journal of the Franklin Institute

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"There's difference in complying with that requirement".

The New York Times

Indeed, Microsoft's actions in complying with the American settlement arguably point in just this direction.

The Economist

But there has been little analysis of Google's role in complying with the Rosen subpoena.

The New York Times

Not surprisingly, some entrenched government interests have dragged their feet in complying with the law.

The New York Times

But money-transfer businesses could face higher costs than banks in complying with the rules.

The New York Times

Experts think authorities are likely to be punctilious in complying with legal requirements given the close scrutiny.

The Guardian

Alabama lags behind every other state in the nation in complying with the voter database requirement of federal law.

The New York Times

But he expressed deep skepticism, saying Mr. Hussein was "not somebody who looks like he's interested in complying with disarmament".

The New York Times

In any event, the contretemps illustrated the complexity of Google's task in complying with the Court's judgment.

The New Yorker

The city was often tardy in complying with the results of such sessions, known as fair hearings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in comply with", ensure the subject clearly understands and intends to follow the specific rule, standard, or directive. This phrasing is most effective when highlighting deliberate adherence.

Common error

Avoid using "in comply with" interchangeably with phrases like "in agreement with" when the intent is simply to express general approval rather than strict adherence to a specific guideline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in comply with" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate a state of adherence or conformity to a specific rule, standard, or request. As supported by Ludwig, its function is to show agreement with something specific.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in comply with" is a prepositional phrase used to express adherence to a rule, standard, or request. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig, it is relatively rare. The phrase is best suited for formal, technical, or scientific contexts, as evidenced by its appearance in scientific journals and news reports. As Ludwig suggests, this phrase indicates that an action or process is being conducted in accordance with established guidelines.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in accordance with

Expresses a slightly more formal tone and broader sense of agreement with rules, standards, or principles.

in compliance with

Specifically emphasizes adherence to laws, regulations, or requirements.

consistent with

Highlights the alignment or agreement between different elements or actions.

in conformity with

Similar to "in accordance with", but can also imply adherence to a pattern or model.

pursuant to

A formal and legalistic way to indicate action taken under the authority of a specific law or regulation.

following

Implies acting according to a set of instructions or a prescribed procedure.

adhering to

Emphasizes a steadfast commitment to following rules, guidelines, or principles.

in line with

Suggests agreement or alignment with a plan, strategy, or set of objectives.

respecting

Indicates consideration and acknowledgement of established rules or customs.

observing

Highlights the act of carefully following and adhering to a set of rules or practices.

FAQs

How can I use "in comply with" in a sentence?

Use "in comply with" to indicate adherence to a specific rule, request, or standard. For instance, "The subsystem is designed to operate /s/in+accordance+with the reference signal".

What phrases are similar to "in comply with"?

Alternatives include "in accordance with", "in compliance with", and "consistent with", depending on the specific context.

Is "in comply with" grammatically correct?

Yes, the sentence structure is grammatically sound. Ludwig confirms that "in comply with" is usable in written English, particularly in technical or formal contexts.

How formal is the phrase "in comply with"?

The phrase is generally formal, suitable for technical documentation, legal contexts, or official reports, similar to phrases like "pursuant to".