to comply with

USAGE SUMMARY

"to comply with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to express agreement with something or to state that you will take action in accordance with a rule or requirement. For example, "The company agrees to comply with the terms and conditions outlined in the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Margera appeared to comply with the ruling.

Independent

Incentives to comply with E.U. obligations eroded.

The New York Times

Failure to comply with certification.

Cornell University

We fully intend to comply with it".

The New York Times

Normally it's easier to comply with requests.

The Guardian

The plan, intended to comply with W.T.O.

The New York Times

(c Failure to comply with family obligations.

Cornell University

§ 661.17 Failure to comply with certification.

Cornell University

"Business has had to comply with this already".

The New York Times

So parliament considered it important to comply with convention rights.

The Guardian

"I am careful to comply with the law," Pope says.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to comply with", ensure that the specific rule, law, or request is clearly stated or easily understood in the context. Specificity improves clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "to comply with" without specifying what needs to be complied with. For instance, instead of saying "The company needs to comply", specify "The company needs to comply with the new environmental regulations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to comply with" serves as an infinitive phrase functioning as a verb. It expresses the action of adhering to a rule, regulation, or standard. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to comply with" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies adherence to rules, regulations, or standards. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, it serves the purpose of indicating agreement and intention to follow specific requirements. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to explicitly state what needs complying with, and some alternatives include phrases like "to adhere to" and "to abide by".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be in compliance with

Highlights the state of meeting required standards.

to adhere to

Focuses on steadfast commitment and obedience to a rule or agreement.

to abide by

Suggests accepting and following a rule or decision.

to conform to

Emphasizes aligning with established standards or norms.

to follow

A simple and direct way of saying to adhere to guidelines.

to observe

Highlights the act of carefully following a law or custom.

to act in accordance with

A formal way of expressing agreement and adherence.

to respect

Implies showing consideration and deference to regulations.

to fulfill

Emphasizes completing or satisfying a requirement.

to meet

Suggests satisfying a specific condition or standard.

FAQs

How can I use "to comply with" in a sentence?

You can use "to comply with" to indicate adherence to a rule, law, or standard. For example, "All participants must "adhere to" these guidelines "to comply with" safety regulations."

What are some alternatives to "to comply with"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to adhere to", "to abide by", and "to conform to", each carrying a slightly different emphasis on the nature of the compliance.

Which is correct, "comply to" or "to comply with"?

"To comply with" is the correct and standard usage. "Comply to" is grammatically incorrect. Compliance always requires a preposition such as "with".

Is "to comply with" formal or informal?

"To comply with" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, its formality can vary depending on the surrounding language. In professional writing, using "to be in compliance with" might be perceived as more formal.