it must comply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it must comply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when stating that something is required to adhere to rules, standards, or regulations. Example: "All products in this category must meet safety standards; therefore, it must comply with the regulations set forth by the governing body."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

When a business opens its doors to the public it must comply with anti-discrimination laws, even if doing so offends a business owner's religious beliefs.

Huffington Post

If the judges rule it is a transportation company it must comply with national laws, potentially putting brakes on its expansion in the region.

TechCrunch

Because the shop is nestled in a historic neighborhood ― and not far from Kiyomizu Temple, one of Kyoto's numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites ― it must comply with the city's strict rules to preserve its culture and community, the press release said.

Huffington Post

Once a state elects to participate, Judge Niemeyer said, it must comply with federal law.

The New York Times

Because the SIB has ruled that an advert on the Internet has in effect been issued in Britain, it must comply with Britain's laws.

The Economist

Every company named in Edward Snowden's revelations has said that it must comply with government demands, including requirements to keep secret court orders secret.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"The problem with guidelines and having it vary over time is that it is an opportunity to engage in debate, rather than, 'Here is the rule, let's have it, you must comply with it.' It becomes much stronger and much more counter-cyclical," he said.

Huffington Post

"Although some cyclists are surprised to discover it, they must comply in most instances with the same rules that apply to motorists".

The New York Times

To put it simply: Iran must comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions and make clear it is willing to meet its responsibilities as a member of the community of nations.

The New York Times

The other type of caution is a conditional caution, which has conditions attached to it that an offender must comply with or face prosecution for the original offence.

BBC

Like it or not, the clubs must comply.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it must comply", ensure that the subject referred to by "it" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice when using "it must comply". Actively state who or what is enforcing the compliance, rather than leaving it implied. For instance, prefer "The company must comply with the regulations" over "It must comply with the regulations."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it must comply" functions as a stative expression indicating an obligation or necessity for a subject to adhere to specific regulations, rules, or standards. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in English, which is supported by many examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it must comply" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that expresses a requirement or obligation to adhere to rules, standards, or regulations. As Ludwig AI validates, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports and scientific articles to general documentation. While generally neutral, the level of formality may vary based on the specific source. Common usage involves instructing and informing about the necessity of compliance, and writers should ensure the subject is clearly defined and avoid overuse of the passive voice. Related phrases like "it is required to comply" or "it needs to comply" can provide alternative ways to convey similar meanings. "It must comply" is a versatile and useful expression in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is required to comply

Emphasizes the requirement, rather than the obligation.

it is obligated to comply

Highlights the obligatory nature of the compliance.

it is necessary to comply

Stresses the necessity of compliance for a specific outcome.

it needs to comply

A more informal way of expressing the need for compliance.

it has to comply

Another informal way to show obligation.

it is bound to comply

Indicates a stronger sense of legal or moral obligation.

it is essential to comply

Stresses the importance of compliance.

it is mandatory to comply

Emphasizes the obligatory aspect enforced by rules or laws.

it is imperative to comply

Highlights the urgent necessity to comply.

it shall comply

Formal and legally binding way of expressing compliance.

FAQs

How can I use "it must comply" in a sentence?

Use "it must comply" when you want to emphasize the obligation to adhere to specific rules, laws, or standards. For example: "For the design to be approved, "it must comply" with engineering design standards."

What are some alternatives to "it must comply"?

Alternatives include "it is required to comply", "it needs to comply", or "it has to comply", depending on the level of formality you wish to convey.

Is "it must comply" formal or informal?

"It must comply" is generally considered neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "it is obligated to comply" may be preferred in certain settings.

What's the difference between "it must comply" and "it should comply"?

"It must comply" indicates a mandatory requirement, whereas "it should comply" suggests a recommendation or guideline that is not necessarily enforced.