observing the guidelines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'observing the guidelines' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea that someone is following a set of rules or instructions. For example: To ensure the safety of the staff, they must all abide by the rules by observing the guidelines.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

All clinical procedures were conducted observing the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki [21].

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Clinical

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Most reputable clinics observe the guidelines, but there's always temptation to fudge.

The New York Times - Magazine

Fertility clinics, which maintain registries of potential egg donors, tended to observe the guidelines in their ads.

The New York Times

Its National Contact Point offices in the member states try to encourage businesses to observe the guidelines and encourage individuals or organizations to complain about questionable business practices.

The New York Times

If you wish to use LaTeX, please observe the guidelines on this page in setting up your paper.

Science Magazine

The simplest explanation for these findings is that regular ED consumers and those who consume multiple EDs on a night out have more opportunity to observe the guideline labels than those who use EDs less frequently and in smaller amounts.

BMC Public Health

Due to the retrospective nature of the study informed consent for retrospective data evaluation was waived by the local institutional review board (IRB).> All patients underwent cross-sectional imaging (MRI, n = 10, or CT, n = 19) before TACE (median, 16 days before TACE, range, 1 25 days), observing the national guidelines for the assessment of HCC [ 20].

Cancer Imaging

In a recent survey of disinfection practices of area mung-bean and green sprouters (green sprouts include alfalfa, clover, radish, and onion sprouts) who reported observing the FDA guidelines, California investigators noted that six of seven green sprouters and one of nine mung-bean sprouters succeeded in reaching the target of 20,000 ppm Ca OCl 2 (J. Thomas, unpub. data).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

However, the Scratch community is not a completely autonomous model, since members must observe the community guidelines or face account bans.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In keeping with the IEEE Code of Ethics, we strove to maintain the safety standards in the lab and observed the required guidelines during soldering such as wearing eye protection and keeping safe distance from the iron.

Cornell University

As you prepare your manuscript, please observe the following guidelines, which are designed to save you valuable time and effort during the publishing process and help prevent costly errors.

Johns Hopkins University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, ensure that you not only mention "observing the guidelines" but also briefly state which guidelines are being followed to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid stating that you're "observing the guidelines" without specifying which guidelines you are referring to. Such vague statements can weaken your argument and create uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "observing the guidelines" functions as a participial phrase, often used to modify a verb or noun, indicating that an action is being performed in accordance with specific guidelines. It clarifies how something is being done, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "observing the guidelines" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that indicates adherence to a set of established rules or recommendations. It is most frequently found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, suggesting a professional or neutral tone. When using this phrase, it is best practice to specify which guidelines are being followed to avoid vagueness. Alternative phrases such as "following the guidelines" or "adhering to the guidelines" can be used for variety or to subtly shift the emphasis. According to Ludwig, the phrase is perfectly correct and usable in written English, reinforcing its reliability in formal and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following the guidelines

This alternative directly replaces "observing" with "following", indicating adherence to the guidelines.

adhering to the guidelines

This alternative uses a more formal verb, "adhering", to convey a stricter compliance with the guidelines.

complying with the guidelines

This option emphasizes the act of complying, suggesting a mandatory aspect of following the guidelines.

abiding by the guidelines

This phrase suggests a commitment to respect and act in accordance with the guidelines.

respecting the guidelines

This alternative highlights the importance of showing consideration and deference to the guidelines.

heeding the guidelines

This option stresses the act of paying attention and giving importance to the guidelines.

implementing the guidelines

This alternative focuses on putting the guidelines into practice.

applying the guidelines

This option underscores the practical use of the guidelines in a specific situation.

maintaining the guidelines

This focuses on preserving the principles contained within the guidelines.

upholding the guidelines

This phrase suggests actively supporting and defending the guidelines.

FAQs

How can I use "observing the guidelines" in a sentence?

You can use "observing the guidelines" to indicate adherence to a set of rules or recommendations, such as: "All clinical procedures were conducted observing the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki".

What is a formal alternative to "observing the guidelines"?

A more formal alternative to "observing the guidelines" is "adhering to the guidelines", which implies a stricter and more committed compliance.

Is there a difference between "observing the guidelines" and "following the guidelines"?

While both phrases are similar, "observing the guidelines" can sometimes imply a more passive acknowledgment, whereas "following the guidelines" suggests a more active and deliberate adherence.

When is it appropriate to use "observing the guidelines" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "observing the guidelines" in contexts where compliance with established protocols, rules, or recommendations is relevant, especially in formal reports, academic papers, or legal documents.