obeyed the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obeyed the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to following commands, rules, or instructions given by someone or something. Example: "The soldiers obeyed the orders given by their commanding officer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But everybody obeyed the rules.

The New York Times

"But nobody obeyed the law.

The New York Times

"I obeyed the law," Mr. Beshear said.

The New York Times

The crowd duly obeyed the comedian's demand.

The Guardian

They obeyed the command and sat or lay down.

The New York Times

First, Barroso seems to have obeyed the rules.

The Guardian - Business

Sanders said 99.9% of gun owners obeyed the law.

The Guardian

He obeyed the Swiss controller, with tragic results.

The New York Times

He worked hard, made money, obeyed the law.

The New York Times

But you obeyed the rules, the same rules I obeyed.

The New Yorker

He basically obeyed the former central bankers' code of silence, which was unfortunate.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the subject who "obeyed the" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify who obeyed the rules, command, or law.

Common error

Avoid using "obeyed the" when referring to actions that merely align with, but are not directly mandated by, a rule or command. For example, avoid saying "He obeyed the trend" if he simply followed it without being compelled to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obeyed the" typically functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of compliance or adherence. It's commonly used to show that someone has followed a command, rule, law, or instruction. This aligns with Ludwig's observation that the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obeyed the" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate compliance or adherence to rules, commands, or instructions. As Ludwig confirms, its usability is widespread. It's commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. Related phrases like "complied with the" and "followed the instructions" offer alternative ways to express similar meanings, each with slight nuances. Understanding its usage and potential alternatives can enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complied with the

Replaces "obeyed" with "complied with", emphasizing adherence to rules or standards.

followed the instructions

Focuses on adhering to specific instructions rather than general rules.

adhered to the

Highlights a strict and consistent observance of rules or agreements.

conformed to the

Implies adapting to fit within established norms or requirements.

acted in accordance with the

A more formal way of saying "obeyed", suggesting a deliberate alignment of actions with regulations.

respected the

Indicates deference and adherence to a principle, law, or authority.

heeded the

Emphasizes paying attention to and following advice or warnings.

abided by the

Highlights sticking to or remaining faithful to a set of rules or agreements.

submitted to the

Suggests yielding to authority or control, often with an implication of reluctance.

kept to the

Focuses on maintaining alignment with a set path or standard.

FAQs

What's the difference between "obeyed the" and "complied with the"?

"Obeyed the" typically refers to following direct commands or rules from an authority, while "complied with the" often implies adherence to regulations or standards, sometimes more broadly defined.

When is it appropriate to use "obeyed the" instead of "followed the instructions"?

Use "obeyed the" when there's an element of authority or duty involved. "Followed the instructions" is suitable when simply carrying out a set of steps, without necessarily implying a power dynamic.

Can "obeyed the" be used in contexts other than rules or commands?

While primarily used for rules and commands, "obeyed the" can metaphorically extend to natural laws or principles, though this is less common. For example, "The experiment obeyed the laws of physics" is a correct sentence.

What are some formal alternatives to "obeyed the"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "adhered to the" or "acted in accordance with the" to convey a sense of strict compliance and respect for authority.