obey regulations

USAGE SUMMARY

"obey regulations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when talking about following rules or guidelines that have been set in place. Here is an example sentence: "It is important for all employees to obey regulations when using company equipment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Why should anybody who lives in the district obey regulations?

The New York Times

They should obey regulations, not violate them when they come here," Mr. Noor told Tempo.

The New York Times

Getting a bank account is difficult, since even local banks must obey regulations laid down at the federal level, at which cannabis is still outlawed.

The Economist

The former cadet, Amric Singh Rathour, 25, of Ozone Park, Queens, is a Sikh who was dismissed from the Police Academy last August after refusing to obey regulations.

The New York Times

Yvette Cooper, now a minister, Ruth Kelly and Tess Kingham are among those who have had children since joining the House three years ago.The row over breast-feeding broke out when one of the new mothers, Julia Drown eager both to obey regulations and the demands of her infant asked where in Westminster she ought not to stray with her newborn.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Kelly Duncan Moore lived because she was obeying regulations.

The New York Times - Magazine

Obeying regulations, the O.S.S. men declined, regretfully, Ho's offer of pretty Vietnamese women and jungle aphrodisiacs, Mr. Prunier said.

The New York Times

The problem, they say, is that the playing field isn't level, as they are obeying regulations and paying expenses that the sideliners aren't.

BBC

You may not like this rule, but what would happen if we only obey those regulations we agree with, asks historian Mary Beard.

BBC

"Obey traffic regulations," because "every life has many crossroads," and there are personal-injury lawyers lurking at most of them.

The New Yorker

City officials are urging drivers in the area to obey the regulations, or else face a $200 fine.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "comply with regulations" for a more professional tone.

Common error

Don't use "obey regulations" when you mean that someone understands the regulations. "Obey" implies compliance, not just comprehension. For example, it is not correct to say "He obeys the regulations but doesn't agree with them" unless he is actually following the regulations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obey regulations" functions as a verb phrase, where "obey" is the transitive verb and "regulations" is the direct object. It expresses the act of complying with or following established rules and guidelines. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obey regulations" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies compliance with established rules or laws. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. While not exceedingly common, it finds its primary usage in news, academic, and scientific contexts. Alternative phrases like "comply with regulations" or "adhere to regulations" can be employed for nuanced emphasis or formality. A key writing tip is to ensure that "obey" is used to indicate actual compliance, not mere understanding. The phrase carries a neutral to professional tone, making it suitable for diverse formal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comply with regulations

Focuses on adherence to the requirements, highlighting a more formal and precise fulfillment of the rules.

adhere to regulations

Emphasizes a steadfast commitment to following the established rules and guidelines.

follow regulations

A more general and less formal way of saying "obey regulations", suggesting a simple act of compliance.

observe regulations

Implies a careful watchfulness and adherence to regulations, emphasizing the act of noticing and following them.

conform to regulations

Highlights the act of aligning one's actions or processes with established rules to achieve uniformity.

abide by regulations

Similar to "obey", but suggests a more willing and voluntary acceptance of the regulations.

respect regulations

Emphasizes the importance of valuing and showing consideration for the regulations in place.

act in accordance with regulations

A formal way of stating that actions are in agreement and compliance with the regulations.

be subject to regulations

Highlights the mandatory nature of adhering to rules because one is governed by them.

meet regulatory requirements

Focuses on achieving a specific standard or threshold set by regulations.

FAQs

What is the meaning of "obey regulations"?

The phrase "obey regulations" means to act in accordance with established rules, laws, or guidelines. It emphasizes compliance and adherence to specific requirements.

Are there synonyms for "obey regulations" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "comply with regulations", "adhere to regulations", or "follow regulations" to convey a similar meaning.

How does the phrase "obey regulations" differ from "respect regulations"?

"Obey regulations" focuses on the act of compliance, whereas "respect regulations" implies valuing and showing consideration for the regulations. One can obey without respect, and vice versa, though both are generally desirable.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "obey regulations"?

The phrase "obey regulations" is suitable in contexts where adherence to rules and guidelines is essential, such as in legal, ethical, or organizational settings. It's often used when discussing laws, company policies, or safety protocols.