stick to guidelines

USAGE SUMMARY

'stick to guidelines' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to following a set of rules or instructions. For example: "Though the project was difficult, I made sure to stick to the guidelines that were given."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

One report published in 1999 in The Journal of the American Medical Association identified 5,658 studies that described reasons that doctors did not stick to guidelines.

The New York Times - Health

If you do, and he does, unfortunately you will never have time to see each other if you both stick to guidelines like these.

Independent

The RCOG report, obtained by the BBC, highlighted Mr Jones' failure to stick to guidelines in his obstetrics and gynaecology practice, with at least five reported fistulas - a rare complication when a hole is torn between the vagina and the bladder (or in some cases the vagina and the rectum).

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

By sticking to guidelines and study protocols, some of the CAST members were sometimes perceived to be unresponsive to ground realities, even though CAST are only supposed to advice, with the final decision remaining with the PI.

BMC Medical Ethics

Several law enforcement agencies say they are learning to stick to rigid guidelines.

The New York Times

Here they don't just stick to the guidelines of bodies such as the Marine Conservation Society – they aim to better them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But Sharon L. McCarthy, an assistant United States attorney handling the case, successfully persuaded the judge to stick to the guidelines, which suggested a sentence of 33 to 41 months.

The New York Times

Because the system is less centralised, doctors and nurses don't have to stick to behavioural guidelines: for foreigners, some German doctors can come across as shockingly informal.

The Guardian

If you can stick to those guidelines, and enjoy the convenience of having a loved one close by, go for it!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The lawyers for mayoral candidates want to try to lessen disputes by agreeing in advance that the more relaxed interpretations will be used, while the election board wants to stick to traditional guidelines.

The New York Times

I also listed my work experience in the field of a local engineering company, which should have got some kudos at my then young age, but hey ho, HR stick to the guidelines to the letter.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stick to guidelines" in your writing, ensure that the specific guidelines you are referring to are clearly defined or easily understood by the reader. This prevents ambiguity and ensures effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "stick to guidelines" without specifying which guidelines you are referring to. Vague references can confuse the reader. Instead, provide context or name the specific guidelines to enhance clarity and precision in your communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stick to guidelines" functions as a directive, urging adherence to established rules or recommendations. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in various contexts. It acts as a verb phrase indicating the action of following specified guidelines.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stick to guidelines" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that emphasizes the importance of following established rules or recommendations. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a directive and is primarily used in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it can lean towards professional depending on the source. Alternatives such as "adhere to the established rules" and "comply with the prescribed standards" offer more formal options. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying which guidelines are being referenced. This practice enhances communication and prevents confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhere to the established rules

Replaces "stick" with "adhere" and "guidelines" with "rules", emphasizing formal compliance.

comply with the prescribed standards

Substitutes "stick to" with "comply with" and "guidelines" with "standards", indicating a more formal and regulated context.

observe the stipulated procedures

Replaces "stick to" with "observe" and "guidelines" with "procedures", focusing on the action of following specific steps.

follow the recommended practices

Changes "stick to" to "follow" and "guidelines" to "practices", suggesting a focus on advice and best practices.

abide by the official regulations

Replaces "stick to" with "abide by" and "guidelines" with "regulations", implying a legal or mandatory adherence.

maintain consistency with the set protocols

Shifts focus to maintaining consistency with established protocols rather than just following guidelines.

uphold the agreed-upon norms

Emphasizes the act of upholding and supporting agreed-upon norms, moving beyond simple adherence.

remain aligned with the specified criteria

Focuses on remaining aligned with specific criteria, suggesting a more precise and measurable adherence.

conform to the outlined specifications

Highlights the act of conforming to detailed specifications, often in technical or engineering contexts.

keep to the designated parameters

Emphasizes staying within the defined parameters or limits, often used in scientific or technical settings.

FAQs

How can I use "stick to guidelines" in a sentence?

You can use "stick to guidelines" to emphasize the importance of following established rules or recommendations. For example: "It is crucial to "adhere to guidelines" during the experiment to ensure accurate results."

What's a more formal way to say "stick to guidelines"?

A more formal alternative to "stick to guidelines" is to "comply with standards". This phrase is suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it always necessary to "stick to guidelines"?

While "sticking to guidelines" is generally advisable, there may be situations where deviations are necessary. However, such deviations should be carefully considered and justified, especially if the goal is to "follow recommendations".

What is the difference between "stick to guidelines" and "follow instructions"?

"Stick to guidelines" typically refers to adhering to a broader set of principles or recommendations, whereas "follow instructions" implies a more specific, step-by-step process.