which adheres to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which adheres to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate compliance or conformity to a particular standard, rule, or principle. Example: "The policy, which adheres to the latest regulations, ensures that all employees are treated fairly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is a baseball cap which adheres to a similar aesthetic.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Marghani and El Tay are being charged under two articles of the criminal code, which adheres to Islamic Sharia law.

The Guardian

The kingdom is a strong critic of Syria's alliance with Iran, which adheres to the rival Shiite sect of Islam.

The New York Times

Food, which adheres to the body surface or is trapped by pseudopodia, is digested in food vacuoles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The plate is then dried and dusted with powdered rosin, which adheres to the remaining inked emulsion areas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most commonly, periodontal diseases are caused by hardened bacteria, called bacterial plaque, which adheres to teeth and destroys periodontal tissue.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We proved it is possible to produce a well-designed school collaboratively with the senior teaching staff which adheres to a tight budget.

The Guardian

Isis, which adheres to a puritanical strain of Sunni Islam, considers Shias heretics and has carried out numerous attacks against Shia civilians, in Iraq in particular.

The Guardian

The slab is treated with chemicals, fixing the design, before being washed with water and then rolled with greasy ink, which adheres to the design.

The New York Times

SCORECARD -- Mr. Franks earns points for mockery in this ad, which adheres to the maxim that the best defense is a good offense.

The New York Times

The Matlab image hardware acquisition (imaqhwinfo) Toolbox was used for image acquisition from the webcam, which adheres to all standards for video communication and processing.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which adheres to", ensure that the noun or concept it refers back to is clearly defined in the preceding clause for clarity and flow.

Common error

Avoid using "that adheres to" when "which adheres to" is required. "Which" introduces a non-restrictive clause, meaning it adds extra information that isn't essential to the sentence's meaning. If the clause is essential, use "that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which adheres to" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or noun phrase by providing additional information about its compliance with a particular standard, rule, or principle. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which adheres to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that introduces a non-restrictive clause, indicating compliance with a particular standard or rule. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It finds frequent application across diverse domains like science, news, and encyclopedias. When employing this phrase, ensure the antecedent is clearly defined and avoid using "that" when "which" is appropriate. Alternatives such as "that complies with" or "that conforms to" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that complies with

Focuses on meeting a specific requirement or standard.

that conforms to

Emphasizes alignment with a particular pattern or norm.

that follows

Highlights adherence to a set of instructions or guidelines.

that is consistent with

Indicates agreement or compatibility with a set of principles.

that observes

Implies careful attention to and compliance with a rule or custom.

that respects

Suggests honoring and following a particular regulation or tradition.

that fulfills

Implies satisfying the conditions of a contract or requirement.

that is obedient to

Highlights submission to a specific authority or command.

that is subject to

Denotes being under the control or influence of something.

that is ruled by

Specifies that decisions are governed by a given principle or authority.

FAQs

How do I use "which adheres to" in a sentence?

Use "which adheres to" to introduce a non-restrictive clause that specifies compliance with a standard or guideline. For example, "The policy, which adheres to the latest regulations, ensures fair treatment."

What can I say instead of "which adheres to"?

You can use alternatives like "that complies with", "that conforms to", or "that follows depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "that adheres to" instead of "which adheres to"?

"Which adheres to" is used for non-restrictive clauses, while "that adheres to" is used for restrictive clauses. Choose the correct one depending on whether the clause is essential to the sentence's meaning. If it's essential you must use that, if it's additional information that is not essential, use which.

What's the difference between "which adheres to" and "which complies with"?

While both phrases indicate compliance, "which adheres to" suggests a closer, more intrinsic connection or alignment, whereas "which complies with" focuses more on meeting external requirements or rules.