to adhere to

USAGE SUMMARY

"to adhere to" is a perfectly valid and useful phrase in written English.
You can use it when emphasizing the need to remain faithful to a set of instructions, laws, or principles. For example, "It is essential to adhere to the safety guidelines at all times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We continue to adhere to these principles.

Cornell University

We continue to adhere to that view.

Cornell University

You've got to adhere to certain things.

Independent

"I'm going to adhere to those decisions".

The New York Times

You don't have to adhere to a scene.

The Guardian - Music

Refusing to adhere to treatments can lead to dismissal.

The New York Times - Health

Businesses are often urged to adhere to tougher green standards.

The Guardian

"I have to adhere to the law," General Gilbert said.

The New York Times

No one is forcing us to adhere to trade agreements.

The New Yorker

"We have to adhere to standards," Ms. Arnold said.

The New York Times - Arts

All are required to adhere to the dress code.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to adhere to", ensure that the object of the preposition 'to' is clearly defined. For example, "to adhere to the company's code of conduct".

Common error

Avoid using "to adhere to" with intangible nouns that don't represent rules or guidelines. For example, it's more appropriate to say "to subscribe to a belief" rather than "to adhere to a belief".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to adhere to" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to indicate the necessity or commitment to follow a specific set of rules, guidelines, or principles. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

31%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to adhere to" is a common and grammatically sound infinitive phrase that signifies the act of following or complying with rules, standards, or principles. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used and appropriate for formal, neutral, and even some informal contexts, though alternatives like "comply with" or "abide by" may be more fitting depending on the nuance you wish to convey. While the phrase appears in numerous sources, it is most frequently found in news, scientific, and academic writing, as suggested by Ludwig's examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to comply with

Focuses on meeting specific requirements or regulations.

to abide by

Suggests acceptance and obedience to a rule or decision.

to conform to

Implies adapting oneself to fit established standards.

to stick to

Indicates maintaining a commitment or plan, more informal.

to uphold

Emphasizes maintaining or defending a principle or law.

to observe

Highlights the act of noticing and following rules or customs.

to heed

Focuses on paying attention to and following advice or warnings.

to respect

Stresses showing consideration for and following rules or customs.

to fulfill

Highlights the completion or satisfaction of requirements.

to be bound by

Emphasizes the legal or moral obligation to follow something.

FAQs

How can I use "to adhere to" in a sentence?

You can use "to adhere to" when you want to emphasize the need to follow rules, guidelines, or principles. For example, "All participants must adhere to the safety regulations."

What are some alternatives to "to adhere to"?

Some alternatives include "to comply with", "to abide by", or "to conform to". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "adhere to" or "stick to"?

"Adhere to" is generally more formal than "stick to". Use "adhere to" in professional or academic contexts, and "stick to" in more informal settings.

What does it mean to "adhere to" a standard?

To "adhere to" a standard means to follow or comply with that standard. For example, a company might "adhere to" industry standards for quality control.