we must comply

USAGE SUMMARY

"we must comply" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use this phrase in a business document or other formal context, when conveying your agreement to adhere to a certain standard or set of rules. For example, "We must comply with all safety protocols and procedures to ensure a safe workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"We must comply with the bailiffs.

The New York Times

To demand humane treatment of Americans, should they unfortunately be detained, we must comply with the Geneva Conventions.

The New York Times

"As a global bank, we must comply with the rules and regulations in all the jurisdictions in which we operate," it said.

The Guardian

Barclays said "As a global bank, we must comply with the rules and regulations in all the jurisdictions in which we operate.

The Guardian

"I am convinced that we must comply openly and plainly with all of the commitments Mexico has made on international human rights," he said.

The New York Times

That return of agency, of individual and collective power to act, is a notable corrective to the second dominant theme of 21st-century politics: the insistence that we must comply with whatever markets dictate, that we are basically powerless to change the way we live.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Helmets MUST comply with the Regulations and they MUST be fastened securely.

BBC

"And all we've ended up with is a requirement that on Australian government projects must comply with Australian standards".

The Guardian

You must comply".

The New York Times

Insurers must comply with numerous rules.

The Economist

Mr. Yola said Christians also must comply.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we must comply", ensure the context clearly defines what standards, rules, or laws are being referenced. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "we must comply" without providing specific examples or reasons. This can make the communication sound bureaucratic and less convincing. Instead, elaborate on why compliance is necessary and how it benefits the stakeholders.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we must comply" functions as a declarative statement expressing an obligation or necessity. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is used to affirm adherence to laws, regulations, or standards.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we must comply" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that expresses a necessary obligation to adhere to rules, laws, or standards. Ludwig AI indicates its usage is most common in news and media contexts, but it also appears in formal and business settings. While the phrase is straightforward, it's crucial to provide context by clearly specifying what is being complied with. Alternatives include phrases such as "we are required to follow" or "compliance is mandatory for us", which can add variety to your writing while maintaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are required to follow

Indicates a requirement or mandate to adhere to specific instructions.

compliance is mandatory for us

Shifts the focus to compliance as a mandatory condition, highlighting its importance.

we are obligated to adhere

Replaces "must comply" with a more formal expression of obligation, focusing on adherence to a standard.

adherence is a must for us

Rephrases the original statement to emphasize that adherence is non-negotiable.

it is essential for us to conform

Emphasizes the essential nature of conforming to rules or regulations.

we have a duty to abide by

Highlights the moral or legal duty to follow guidelines.

it's imperative that we obey

Emphasizes the urgent and critical need to obey directives.

we are bound to observe

Suggests a binding commitment or agreement to observe certain rules.

we are under an obligation to align

Focuses on the obligation to align actions with a set of standards or requirements.

we are compelled to respect

Highlights a sense of being forced or driven to respect established protocols.

FAQs

How can I use "we must comply" in a sentence?

Use "we must comply" to express an obligation or necessity to follow a rule, law, or standard. For example, "As a global bank, "we must comply" with international regulations" or "To maintain safety, "we must comply" with all protocols".

What are some alternatives to saying "we must comply"?

Alternatives include "we are required to follow", "compliance is mandatory for us", or "we are obligated to adhere", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it better to say "we must comply with" or "we have to comply with"?

"We must comply with" is generally more formal and conveys a stronger sense of obligation, particularly in professional or legal contexts. "We have to comply with" is less formal but equally correct. The choice depends on the intended audience and tone.

What's the difference between "comply" and "adhere"?

"Comply" typically refers to following specific rules or laws, while "adhere" suggests sticking to principles or guidelines. You might "comply" with regulations, but "adhere" to ethical standards. In some cases, they can be used interchangeably, but "adhere" often implies a voluntary commitment.