must conform to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must conform to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when wanting to say something must be in accordance with a particular set of standards. An example sentence would be: "Employees must conform to the company's dress code regulations in order to maintain a professional appearance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They must conform to very strict parameters.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(The game, after all, must conform to consumer taste).

The New York Times

All must conform to Port Authority rules in design.

The New Yorker

Everything must conform to the line – in this case, "immigration bad, keep the gates tightly locked".

Independent

Hitherto it has been assumed that all our knowledge must conform to objects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I suppose I must conform to the custom, but I think the address should be short".

The New Yorker

The New York "Times" feels the King must "conform to constitutional usage".

The New York Times

Dwellings in the historic district must conform to the city's architectural heritage.

The New York Times - Magazine

Before that can happen, though, the berries must conform to Driscoll's aesthetic standards.

The New Yorker

His name is everything and his progeny must conform to the values he holds dear.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I thought life could, should and must conform to the mold of reason, period.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must conform to", ensure that the specific standards or regulations being referenced are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "must conform to" when simply suggesting alignment or general agreement. This phrase implies a mandatory obligation, not a suggestion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must conform to" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating an obligation or necessity. It establishes that a subject is required to adhere to a specific standard, rule, or set of guidelines. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "must conform to" is a modal verb phrase used to express a mandatory requirement for adherence to specific standards or guidelines. Ludwig AI's analysis shows that this phrase is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in scientific, news, and formal contexts. When writing, ensure clarity by explicitly stating the standards being referenced and using alternatives when appropriate. Remember, as demonstrated by Ludwig, "must conform to" dictates strict adherence, not mere alignment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must adhere to

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes a stricter, more unwavering compliance.

must comply with

Focuses on fulfilling a requirement or regulation.

must abide by

Highlights the necessity of following a set of rules or principles.

is required to follow

A more descriptive alternative that explicitly states the obligation.

is obliged to meet

Implies a formal duty or commitment to satisfy specific criteria.

is bound to observe

Suggests a legal or moral obligation to act in accordance with certain norms.

is subject to

Indicates that something is influenced or controlled by a specific regulation or standard.

must align with

Emphasizes the need for agreement or correspondence with a particular standard or objective.

must be in accordance with

A formal phrasing that denotes agreement or harmony with a set of rules or principles.

must satisfy

Focuses on the need to fulfill certain conditions or requirements.

FAQs

What does "must conform to" mean?

The phrase "must conform to" means that something is required to adhere to a specific set of rules, standards, or guidelines. It indicates a mandatory obligation to comply with certain requirements.

How can I use "must conform to" in a sentence?

You can use "must conform to" to indicate that something is required to follow certain rules. For example, "All products "must conform to" safety regulations before being sold."

What are some alternatives to "must conform to"?

Some alternatives to "must conform to" include "must adhere to", "must comply with", or "must abide by". The best alternative will depend on the specific context.

Is "must conform with" grammatically correct instead of "must conform to"?

While "conform with" can be used, "must conform to" is generally more common and idiomatic when expressing that something is required to adhere to a set of rules or standards. Thus, "must conform to" is frequently prefered.