to conform to

USAGE SUMMARY

"to conform to" is a valid phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation in which someone or something is following a certain rule, pattern, or rule of conduct. For example, "The company had to conform to the new safety standards to keep their license."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Each seems to conform to a stereotype.

The New York Times - Arts

Willing to conform to the tribe.

The New York Times - Sports

The form has to conform to the hydrodynamics.

The New York Times

Rosenthal recalled, "I had to conform to my boss's command".

The New York Times - Sports

And any machinery had to conform to city ordinances.

The New York Times - Sports

Because I'm not about to conform to your patriarchal values.

The New Yorker

Countries were given six years to conform to the law.

The Economist

Then television would be mandated to conform to the results.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Vann's book seems initially to conform to all Carver's edicts.

The Guardian - Books

The developer has to conform to the pre-configured set by the provider.

TechCrunch

There were no design 'standards' to conform to.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to conform to" when referring to external standards or regulations that must be followed. It highlights the necessity of compliance.

Common error

Avoid using "to conform to" when you mean to express individuality or authenticity. The phrase implies adherence to external standards, not expressing one's true self. Using it incorrectly can muddle your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to conform to" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase. It describes the action of adhering to a rule, standard, or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to conform to" is a common and grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to express adherence to rules, standards, or expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While it carries a neutral register, it is essential to use it accurately, avoiding confusion with expressions of individuality. Consider alternatives like "to adhere to" or "to comply with" to fine-tune your meaning. Remember, the key is to ensure clarity in expressing the need for compliance or alignment with established norms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to adhere to

Focuses on sticking firmly to rules or principles; implies a strong commitment.

to comply with

Emphasizes obedience to a specific requirement or law.

to abide by

Suggests acceptance and following of rules or decisions.

to follow

A more general term indicating adherence to instructions or a set path.

to align with

Implies matching or harmonizing with a standard or goal.

to adapt to

Focuses on changing to fit new conditions or requirements.

to adjust to

Similar to adapt but suggests smaller changes to fit in.

to yield to

Implies submission or giving way to a stronger force or requirement.

to be consistent with

Emphasizes maintaining a uniform or harmonious state with something else.

to be subject to

Highlights being under the authority or control of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "to conform to" when you want to say that something follows a specific rule, law, standard, or pattern. For example, "All products must "to conform to" safety regulations before being sold."

What's the difference between "to conform to" and "to comply with"?

"To conform to" generally means to adhere to a standard, while "to comply with" often implies obedience to a law or regulation. While similar, "to comply with" carries a stronger sense of obligation.

What are some alternatives to "to conform to"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "to adhere to", "to comply with", or "to abide by".

Is it always necessary to conform?

While conforming to laws and safety standards is essential, in creative or innovative contexts, challenging norms and refusing "to conform to" expectations can lead to breakthroughs.