obedient behavior

USAGE SUMMARY

"obedient behavior" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing actions that demonstrate compliance or submission to rules or authority. For example: "The dog's obedient behavior impressed the trainer during the competition." Alternative expressions include "compliant behavior" and "submissive behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

BMC Medical Ethics

The New York Times - Books

Huffington Post

Los Angeles Times

Vice

WikiHow

Princeton University

TechCrunch

The New York Times

Stanford University

The New York Times - Food

Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease

The Guardian

The New Yorker

The New York Times - Magazine

The New York Times - Sports

The New York Times - Tech

The Economist

Independent

Britannica

The Guardian - Opinion

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Guardian - Music

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A procedurally autonomous individual might on (periodic) reflection endorse an unconditionally obedient behavior [ 18], which may occur if there is high-level of trust.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He certainly would have been baffled by Wallace's obedient taxpayer behavior.

The New York Times - Books

Steve and I had bonded in late grade school on Long Island and stayed that way through middle school for reasons that were obvious: Two quiet redheads, short and young-looking (not an advantage in 6th grade), smart but not enough to coast, obedient by behavior but rebellious through quips.

Huffington Post

She was obedient and receptive to the staff's behavior training, which included tooth-brushing and being given eye drops, he said.

Los Angeles Times

Hence to be obedient to God, even in such a risky behavior as handling, assures eternal salvation".

Vice

If you have younger siblings, help them with their homework and their chores, be a model of good behavior for them and try to encourage their obedience to you just as you are obedient to your parents.

WikiHow

So added to a message about God-faring or moral behavior here is the forceful reminder to be an obedient child.

Princeton University

Awarding points for being an obedient student might be seen as a cheap way of manipulating behavior.

TechCrunch

As the film continues, its perspective shifts from Erling to Olav (Trond Nilssen), an obedient dormitory leader, model inmate and six-year resident of Bastoy who is about to be released for good behavior.

The New York Times

Asserting that religious creeds and philosophical questions can be reduced to purely genetic and evolutionary components, and that the human body and mind have a physical base obedient to the laws of physics and chemistry, Genesis demonstrates that the only way for us to fully understand human behavior is to study the evolutionary histories of nonhuman species.

Stanford University

"There is some truth to the notion that my mother was the obedient daughter (ate the leg), and her sister the rebel (threw it away)." In other instances, the unusual leftovers-inspired behavior is motivated less by a neurotic compulsion to dispense than by a dogged attempt to deplete.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "obedient behavior" with specific contexts (e.g. "obedient behavior in school") for precision.

Common error

Avoid using "obedient behavior" in situations where a more nuanced term like "cooperative behavior" or "responsible conduct" would better reflect voluntary agreement and collaboration rather than simple compliance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obedient behavior" functions primarily as a descriptor, characterizing the manner in which someone or something acts. As Ludwig's examples show, it describes actions aligned with expectations, commands, or rules. The procedural autonomy account from Ludwig exemplifies its use in ethical discussions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obedient behavior" describes actions that comply with rules, commands, or expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though its usage is relatively rare. While the phrase itself is straightforward, context dictates its appropriateness, and alternatives like "compliant conduct" or "dutiful performance" may be more suitable in some cases. Predominantly found in news and media sources, "obedient behavior" serves to highlight conformity and adherence to authority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compliant conduct

Emphasizes adherence to rules or requests.

submissive demeanor

Highlights the yielding and deferential nature of the behavior.

docile actions

Focuses on the ease with which the behavior is managed or controlled.

dutiful performance

Stresses the fulfillment of obligations or responsibilities.

law-abiding actions

Relates specifically to obeying laws or regulations.

acquiescent behavior

Underlines passive acceptance or agreement.

tractable conduct

Implies ease of being influenced or directed.

deferential actions

Focuses on showing respect and yielding to authority.

compliant attitude

Highlights the mentality behind the compliance, and not necessarily the action.

well-behaved conduct

Suggests a generally proper and socially acceptable way of acting.

FAQs

How can I use "obedient behavior" in a sentence?

You can use "obedient behavior" to describe actions that demonstrate compliance or submission to rules or authority. For example: "The dog's "obedient behavior" impressed the trainer during the competition."

What's the difference between "obedient behavior" and "compliant behavior"?

"Obedient behavior" often implies following direct commands or instructions, whereas "compliant behavior" suggests adherence to rules or standards more broadly. Obedience emphasizes a hierarchical dynamic.

Are there situations where "obedient behavior" is not appropriate?

Yes, using "obedient behavior" might be inappropriate in contexts where autonomy and independent thought are valued, as it can imply a lack of critical thinking or initiative. Consider using terms like "cooperative" or "responsible" instead.

What are some alternatives to "obedient behavior"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "compliant conduct", "submissive demeanor", or "dutiful performance" to convey similar meanings with slightly different connotations.