popular obedience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "popular obedience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the general compliance or adherence of a large group of people to laws, rules, or authority. Example: "The government's decision was met with popular obedience, as citizens rallied to support the new regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The local administration of justice is "the most powerful, most universal and most attractive source of popular obedience and attachment".This tradition of moral federalism would seem particularly practical now.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Not even the big boys at Rockstar, the studio behind Grand Theft Auto the popular traffic obedience simulator which allows players to spend virtual money on burgers and wife-beaters before letting them either run comically fast or walk painfully slowly can get it right.

Vice

Give up the slavish obedience to popular opinion so embedded in politics today, and take up the standard of what's right, even when it threatens one's political survival.

The New York Times

One was a breeder of Scotties and was very worried lest obedience trials become too popular.

The New Yorker

The limitation to congressional spending power, which basically says that the federal government cannot coerce states into obedience, could call all sorts of popular federal programs into question – think of Title IX, which transformed women's athletics in America, or the Clean Air and Water Acts.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her discipline, outlined in the best-selling "No Bad Dogs" and in the current hit book "Walkies" and on wildly popular television programs, is the "Woodhouse Way," a technique for exacting obedience from followers both human and canine.

The New Yorker

At the same time, Kershaw, whose earliest work on Nazi Germany made pioneering contributions to the study of popular opinion, insists that the German people were not simply terrorised into obedience.

The Guardian - Books

Speaking of some of the other increasingly popular features at Crufts, he added: "It has become about agility, fly ball and obedience tasks.

The New York Times

In recent times one expression of this contempt is the call for passivity and obedience ("moderation in democracy") by liberal internationalists reacting to the dangerous democratizing effects of the popular movements of the 1960s.

The Guardian

(a) Unquestioning obedience.

The New Yorker

"Obedience comes from listening".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "popular obedience" when you want to emphasize that compliance or adherence to rules or authority is widespread and generally accepted among the population. This implies a voluntary and perhaps even enthusiastic acceptance, rather than a forced submission.

Common error

Be careful not to use "popular obedience" when the compliance is coerced or due to fear, as this phrase generally suggests a degree of willing acceptance. In situations of oppression or forced compliance, other terms like "mass submission" or "forced compliance" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "popular obedience" functions as a noun phrase, where "popular" modifies the noun "obedience". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. This structure is used to describe a state or condition of widespread compliance within a population.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "popular obedience" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe widespread compliance within a population. While considered correct and usable according to Ludwig AI, its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. The phrase suggests a willing acceptance of rules or authority, differentiating it from forced compliance. When employing this phrase, it is crucial to ensure the context accurately reflects voluntary agreement rather than coercion. Alternative phrases such as "public compliance" or "general adherence" may be considered for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

public compliance

Focuses on the act of complying in public or by the public.

general compliance

Highlights the act of complying in general.

collective compliance

Stresses the group nature of adhering to rules or laws.

general adherence

Highlights the widespread following or sticking to rules or norms.

common compliance

Highlights compliance that is shared or typical.

widespread conformity

Indicates a broad acceptance and practice of conforming to societal standards.

mass submission

Emphasizes the act of yielding to authority by a large group of people.

public acquiescence

Focuses on public's silent agreement or acceptance.

popular consent

Highlights agreement or approval by the population.

communal acquiescence

Focuses on a community's silent agreement or acceptance.

FAQs

How can I use "popular obedience" in a sentence?

You can use "popular obedience" to describe a situation where a large group of people willingly complies with rules or laws. For example: "The new regulations were met with widespread "public compliance", demonstrating a high degree of "popular obedience"."

What's the difference between "popular obedience" and "mass submission"?

"Popular obedience" suggests a willing acceptance of rules or authority, while "mass submission" implies a forced or coerced compliance. "Popular obedience" conveys a sense of agreement, whereas "mass submission" suggests a lack of choice.

Are there situations where using "popular obedience" would be inappropriate?

Yes, avoid using "popular obedience" when describing situations where compliance is achieved through fear, manipulation, or oppression. In such cases, terms like "forced compliance" or "coerced submission" are more accurate.

What are some other ways to express the idea of "popular obedience"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use phrases like "public compliance", "general adherence", or "widespread conformity" to convey the same general idea.