in obedience to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in obedience to" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe someone performing an action that they have been asked to do, or because they feel like they should do it. For example: "The citizens followed the orders of the king in obedience to his command."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he had acted in obedience to Christ.

The Guardian

Schooled in obedience to authority, they will be poor custodians of democracy.

The New Yorker

Such liberty is to be found in obedience to a self-imposed law.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As prime minister, Mr Fradkov, a former trade negotiator, was a study in obedience to Mr Putin.

The Economist

Tyler Betz, a senior forward, recalled the verses in Philippians 2 about Jesus humbling himself in obedience to God.

The New York Times

" "Prove it," says Wilson, and when Torrey, in obedience to the code of the west, draws, he kills him.

The New York Times

Convocation is summoned by the archbishop, who, in obedience to a writ from the sovereign, issues a mandate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Every miracle performed in biblical days or now, is done on natural principles and in obedience to natural law".

The Guardian - Opinion

Schoolgirls in the town dutifully remove headscarves in obedience to France's ban on ostentatious signs of religion in state institutions.

The Guardian

Clerics in Qum, broadly speaking, endorse the rule of society by religious leaders, in obedience to to religious law.

The New York Times

There is no doubt the Louisiana Tigers preyed on civilians during the Gettysburg campaign, but they were relatively tame in obedience to Lee's orders.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone you want to convey. "In obedience to" can sound formal or even submissive. If a more neutral tone is desired, consider alternatives like "in accordance with" or "following".

Common error

Avoid using "in obedience to" in casual contexts where a more relaxed phrase like "because of" or "as per" would be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "I wore a coat in obedience to the cold weather", say "I wore a coat because of the cold weather."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in obedience to" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase. It modifies a verb or noun, indicating that an action or state is carried out as a result of adhering to a command, law, or rule. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in obedience to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates compliance with a command, rule, or law. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's essential to ensure the source of the command is clear and to consider the tone, as the phrase can sometimes come across as formal. Frequent in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, it conveys a sense of adherence to a specific authority. When a less formal tone is desired, alternatives such as "in compliance with" or "following" can be used. Common errors involve using the phrase in overly casual situations, where simpler alternatives might be more suitable. Overall, understanding the nuances of "in obedience to" will help you use it effectively and appropriately in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in compliance with

This phrase emphasizes adherence to rules or regulations. It's more formal and often used in legal or business contexts.

in accordance with

This alternative suggests acting in harmony or agreement with a standard or guideline, often implying a sense of order and propriety.

pursuant to

A highly formal and legalistic term indicating that an action is taken under the authority of a specific law or regulation.

as dictated by

Highlights the source of the instruction or command, emphasizing that the action is a direct result of someone else's order.

following

A simple alternative implying adherence to a set of instructions or guidelines.

under the direction of

Focuses on the authority figure providing the instruction, emphasizing a hierarchical relationship.

at the behest of

Implies that the action is taken because someone has requested or ordered it, often suggesting a sense of duty or obligation.

in deference to

Suggests that the action is taken out of respect or consideration for someone else's wishes or opinions.

subject to

Indicates that the action is conditional or dependent on a specific rule or authority.

in submission to

Emphasizes a yielding or surrendering to authority, often implying a lack of resistance.

FAQs

How can I use "in obedience to" in a sentence?

You can use "in obedience to" to show that someone is doing something because they are following a command, rule, or law. For example: "The student submitted the assignment "in obedience to" the teacher's instructions."

What are some alternatives to "in obedience to"?

Some alternatives to "in obedience to" include phrases like "in compliance with", "in accordance with", or "following" depending on the context.

Is "in obedience of" grammatically correct?

No, the correct phrase is "in obedience to". The preposition "to" is required to properly connect "obedience" with the entity or rule being followed. Using "of" instead of "to" would be grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "in obedience to" and "due to"?

"In obedience to" implies a conscious choice to follow a rule or command, while "due to" simply indicates a cause-and-effect relationship. For instance, "The soldier acted "in obedience to" orders", versus "The game was canceled "due to" rain".