needs to conform to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs to conform to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing requirements or standards that must be met in various contexts, such as regulations, guidelines, or specifications. Example: "The new software update needs to conform to the latest security standards to ensure user safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Everybody needs to conform to the same rules, which are there to protect the community," said Kathy Gurfein, who lives across the street.

The New York Times

It can be a challenge, when it means creating a small orchestra that probably needs to conform to the dictates of the musicians' union.

The Washington Post

The design needs to conform to the functionalities and reduce production steps, especially the welding step, which is required in the previous design.

Journal of Materials Processing Technology

"This is the latest in an ongoing effort for the entertainment industry to pretend that the Internet needs to conform to the way it wants the world to act, rather than conforming to the way the Internet actually works," wrote Mike Masnick (techdirt.com).

The New York Times - Tech

The pipeline was meant to take Russian gas across the Black Sea to southern Europe, via Bulgaria, but the European commission has said the pipeline needs to conform to European competition rules, and has put pressure on Bulgaria not to back the project in its current form.

The Guardian - Business

To ensure the intended stent can be placed within the trachea, it needs to conform to the inner lumen of the trachea, but not exceed it.

3D Printing in Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Feeds need to conform to common, open standards (valid Atom).

University of California, Berkeley

Under the proposed code, six-month financial reports would need to conform to international accounting standards.

The New York Times

Do pants actually need to conform to traditional stereotypes of body covering?

The New York Times

One song, "True Thrush," talks about a soul trapped by a need to conform to society.

The New York Times - Arts

Women aren't the only ones in ballet who need to conform to body stereotypes.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs to conform to", ensure that the subject clearly identifies what is required to meet a specific standard or regulation. For example, instead of saying 'It needs to conform to the rules', specify 'The building design needs to conform to the city's zoning regulations'.

Common error

Avoid using "needs to conform to" in situations where a more nuanced term like 'adapt' or 'align' would be more appropriate. The phrase implies a strict adherence to predefined standards, which might not always be the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to conform to" primarily functions as a modal verb phrase expressing necessity or obligation. It indicates that a subject is required to meet certain standards, rules, or specifications. Ludwig confirms its usability across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "needs to conform to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that indicates a requirement to meet specific standards or regulations. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is versatile across various contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "must adhere to" or "must comply with" exist, "needs to conform to" provides a clear and direct way to express the necessity of compliance. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in specifying what exactly needs to meet the defined criteria. Overall, its consistent use in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and appropriateness in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must adhere to

Emphasizes strict compliance or obedience to a rule or standard.

must comply with

Highlights the obligation to follow specific requirements or regulations.

is required to follow

Focuses on the mandatory nature of adhering to guidelines or procedures.

is obliged to adhere to

Implies a formal or legal responsibility to comply.

has to comply with

A more casual way of expressing the necessity of compliance.

is bound to observe

Highlights a commitment or duty to follow certain practices or customs.

should align with

Suggests a need for agreement or correspondence with a particular standard or goal.

is expected to meet

Emphasizes the anticipation of fulfilling certain criteria or expectations.

must be in accordance with

Highlights the need to be compatible or consistent with a set of rules or principles.

is subject to

Indicates that something is governed by or affected by certain regulations.

FAQs

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

You can use "needs to conform to" to describe the necessity of meeting certain standards or requirements. For example: "The product design "needs to conform to" safety regulations before it can be released to the market."

What's a simpler way to say "needs to conform to"?

Simpler alternatives include "must adhere to", "must comply with", or "has to follow", depending on the context.

Is "needs to comply to" grammatically correct?

No, the correct phrasing is "needs to comply with". The preposition "with" is required after "comply". Alternatively, you can use "needs to conform to", which is grammatically sound.

What's the difference between "needs to conform to" and "should align with"?

"Needs to conform to" implies a strict requirement to meet specific standards, while "should align with" suggests a more flexible approach, focusing on agreement or compatibility without necessarily requiring exact adherence.