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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
to abide by
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
58 human-written examples
If China fails to abide by W.T.O.
News & Media
"We have to abide by certain rules.
News & Media
I don't want to abide by that".
News & Media
You have to abide by my rules.
News & Media
You got to abide by the law".
News & Media
You have to abide by the laws.
News & Media
He'd have to abide by the rules".
News & Media
It has to abide by the law.
News & Media
"You've got to abide by international law".
News & Media
Facebook would do well to abide by this rule.
News & Media
They have to abide by their treaty with Israel.
News & Media
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.
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.
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.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
to comply with
Focuses more on obeying a specific rule or regulation, often in a formal setting.
to adhere to
Emphasizes sticking to a principle or belief, with a slightly more formal tone.
to conform to
Highlights adjusting to fit established standards or norms.
to act in accordance with
A more formal and legalistic way of expressing adherence to rules or laws.
to respect
Implies acknowledging and following customs or rules.
to observe
To follow diligently or carefully.
to fulfill
Emphasizes completing or satisfying an obligation or requirement.
to meet
To satisfy requirement, standard or need.
to stick to
Highlights staying consistent with a plan, agreement, or principle, often informally.
to keep to
Similar to 'stick to' but can also refer to maintaining schedules or commitments.
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested