obey rules

USAGE SUMMARY

"obey rules" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the importance of following rules. For example, "We must all obey rules to ensure that we are keeping our community safe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Obey rules without exception.

The New Yorker

We obey rules.

The New York Times

You should obey rules.

The Guardian

He didn't obey rules, flagrantly ignoring school uniform requirements.

The Guardian

America created an entire genre of jokes about "dumb Swedes" and their willingness to obey rules.

The Economist

And little things like distance don't obey rules in the dream world.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

CVDHD can easily screen out the molecules which obey "rule of five" or other customized thresholds.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Surely our world obeys rules still alien to our imaginations.

The New Yorker

"It involves obeying rules and cooperating with other drivers".

The New York Times

The particles are then moved in the search space obeying rules inspired by bird flocking behavior.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

If we were just disciplined enough and everybody was obeying rules, we wouldn't be here today.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "obey rules", ensure the context clearly defines the rules being referenced to avoid ambiguity. Be specific about which rules apply.

Common error

Avoid using "obey rules" in contexts where the rules are vague or undefined. Instead, specify the relevant guidelines to avoid confusion and promote clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obey rules" functions as a verb phrase where "obey" is the verb indicating the action of compliance and "rules" is the noun representing the object of that action. This phrase typically conveys the act of adhering to established guidelines.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obey rules" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies the act of adhering to established guidelines. Ludwig highlights that while it's a common phrase used across various contexts, it's essential to specify the rules being referenced to avoid ambiguity. The phrase functions as a verb phrase emphasizing the necessity of compliance. Related phrases like "follow the rules" or ""comply with regulations"" can be used as alternatives depending on the desired level of formality. When writing, avoid overgeneralization by always ensuring that the rules being referenced are clear and well-defined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

follow the rules

This is a direct synonym, emphasizing the act of adhering to established guidelines.

comply with regulations

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes adherence to official regulations.

adhere to guidelines

Similar to 'comply', but often used in less formal contexts than official regulations.

abide by the rules

This phrase is slightly more formal and emphasizes acceptance and adherence.

respect the rules

This highlights the importance of showing consideration for established guidelines.

observe the regulations

This emphasizes careful monitoring and adherence to the specific details of the rules.

be law-abiding

This alternative focuses on general adherence to the law.

act in accordance with rules

A more formal alternative, highlighting behavior that aligns with established guidelines.

uphold the rules

This implies a responsibility to maintain and defend the rules.

conform to standards

This phrase highlights aligning actions with established standards or benchmarks.

FAQs

How can I use "obey rules" in a sentence?

You can use "obey rules" to emphasize the importance of following guidelines. For example, "It is crucial to "obey rules" to maintain order and safety."

What is a more formal way to say "obey rules"?

A more formal alternative to "obey rules" is to "comply with regulations", which emphasizes adherence to official guidelines.

Is it always necessary to "obey rules"?

While adhering to rules is generally important, there may be situations where questioning or challenging rules is necessary for progress or ethical reasons. However, the default expectation is to "obey rules" unless there's a compelling reason to do otherwise.

What's the difference between "obey rules" and "follow rules"?

The phrases "obey rules" and "follow rules" are very similar in meaning. "Obey" can sometimes imply a stronger sense of authority or obligation, while "follow rules" is a more general term for adherence.