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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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to abide by

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to abide by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing agreement to adhere to a certain set of rules or guidelines. For example, "I'm happy to abide by the company's privacy policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

If China fails to abide by W.T.O.

News & Media

The New York Times

"We have to abide by certain rules.

I don't want to abide by that".

News & Media

The New York Times

You have to abide by my rules.

You got to abide by the law".

News & Media

The New York Times

You have to abide by the laws.

He'd have to abide by the rules".

News & Media

The New York Times

It has to abide by the law.

News & Media

The Guardian

"You've got to abide by international law".

News & Media

The Guardian

Facebook would do well to abide by this rule.

News & Media

The New York Times

They have to abide by their treaty with Israel.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to abide by" when emphasizing a commitment to follow rules, laws, or agreements, especially in formal or official contexts. For example, 'All participants must "to abide by" the competition rules.'

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "abide". The correct form is "to abide by". Using other prepositions (e.g., "to abide with", "to abide to") is grammatically incorrect.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to abide by" functions as a phrasal verb indicating compliance or adherence to a rule, law, agreement, or standard. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. The provided examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, reinforcing its role in expressing obligation or commitment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "to abide by" is a common and grammatically sound way to express compliance or adherence to rules, laws, agreements, or standards. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage across various contexts. The phrase is most frequently encountered in News & Media, but also appears in Formal & Business and Scientific domains. While alternatives like "to comply with" and "to adhere to" exist, "to abide by" offers a balance of formality and general applicability. Remember to use the correct preposition "by" and consider the formality of your context when choosing this phrase.

FAQs

How can I use "to abide by" in a sentence?

You can use "to abide by" to indicate compliance or adherence to a rule, law, agreement, or standard. For example, "Companies must "to abide by" environmental regulations", or "Citizens are expected "to abide by" the laws of the country".

What are some alternatives to "to abide by"?

Some alternatives include "to comply with", "to adhere to", or "to conform to", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "to abide by" and "to comply with"?

While both phrases mean to follow rules or laws, "to abide by" often implies a general acceptance and willingness to follow, whereas "to comply with" focuses more on specific requirements or regulations.

Can "to abide by" be used in informal contexts?

While "to abide by" is generally more formal, it can be used in informal contexts to emphasize the importance of following certain guidelines or rules, especially if they are clearly defined and expected.

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Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: