strictly obey

USAGE SUMMARY

"strictly obey" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that someone should follow directions to the letter. For example, "You must strictly obey the rules of the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He said the government would insist that companies "strictly obey minimum wage regulations," which are routinely ignored, even by some prominent foreign companies.

The New York Times

A senior adviser to Mr Medvedev tried to calm nerves, noting that Mechel was co-operating with the anti-monopoly investigation, which would strictly obey the rule of law.

The Economist

Dan Gunn's introduction (which, alongside those to the first three volumes, would make an excellent freestanding short book) explains why the editors felt able to include letters that don't strictly obey Beckett's injunction on the personal.

The Guardian - Books

Nodes in mobile ad hoc networks must strictly obey the rules of the underlying MAC when transmitting security-related messages while still maintaining a certain quality of service.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

People's Daily and others publish an article by Mr Xi, the new Communist Party general secretary, in which he ordered all party members to strictly obey the party constitution.

BBC

We do not know what motivated Paul to instruct Jesus' followers that they must strictly obey the civil authorities.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Years afterward, however, Howard complained that the acts had not been "strictly obeyed".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fans expect its parameters — the languages, geographies, histories, races, nomenclature, mythologies and what Tolkien called the legendarium — to be strictly obeyed.

The New York Times - Arts

To cut petrol use, officials say, most of the town's 13,000 citizens are strictly obeying a nationwide call to turn off car engines while idling, particularly at traffic lights.

The Guardian

A group of cyclists protested by strictly obeying traffic laws – coming to a complete halt at every intersection and only moving on once they had clear right of way.

The Guardian

"A wife is very expensive!" But according to Mohammad Zaher Khoram, 62, manager of the Kefayat Wedding Club, one of the most grandiose halls in Mazar-i-Sharif, Governor Atta's order has not been strictly obeyed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strictly obey" to emphasize the importance of following rules or instructions without deviation. This phrase is particularly effective in formal or serious contexts where precision and compliance are crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "strictly obey" in casual or informal settings where a less forceful phrase would be more appropriate. Overusing it can sound overly authoritarian or stiff.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strictly obey" functions as a directive, combining an adverb of manner ("strictly") with a verb of action ("obey"). Ludwig confirms its correct grammatical usage. It directs someone to perform an action (obey) with precision and without deviation, reinforcing the importance of compliance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strictly obey" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the necessity of following rules or instructions with precision. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and offers numerous examples. While the phrase sees use across News & Media, Science, and Wiki categories, it is important to remember that its commanding tone is less appropriate in informal contexts, and that synonyms like "rigidly comply" or "closely adhere" can provide similar meaning with a slightly altered emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rigidly comply

Emphasizes a more inflexible and unyielding adherence.

closely adhere

Highlights a careful and precise following of guidelines.

faithfully follow

Suggests a loyal and unwavering commitment to instructions.

dutifully execute

Implies a sense of obligation and precision in carrying out orders.

exactly fulfill

Focuses on meeting requirements precisely and completely.

meticulously observe

Highlights the attention to detail and thoroughness in following rules.

unquestioningly accept

Emphasizes the lack of doubt or challenge in following directions.

invariably heed

Suggests a consistent and reliable response to commands.

scrupulously respect

Highlights a moral or ethical dimension in following guidelines.

impeccably adhere to

Highlights flawless obedience to the specific instruction.

FAQs

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

You can use "strictly obey" to emphasize the necessity of following a specific set of rules or instructions. For instance, "All employees must "strictly obey" the safety regulations."

What's the difference between "strictly obey" and "follow closely"?

"Strictly obey" implies a higher level of adherence and a more authoritative tone compared to "follow closely", which suggests careful but not necessarily unquestioning compliance.

Are there situations where "strictly obey" is not appropriate?

Yes, in informal contexts or when giving suggestions rather than commands, "strictly obey" might be too strong. Consider using milder alternatives like "follow" or "adhere to."

What are some synonyms for "strictly obey"?

Some synonyms for "strictly obey" include "rigidly comply", "closely adhere", or "faithfully follow", which offer varying degrees of formality and intensity.