within the guidelines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "within the guidelines" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It typically refers to staying within the limits or rules set by a particular policy, law, or set of instructions. Example: "We need to make sure our project stays within the guidelines set by the company's budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sentence fell within the guidelines.

The New York Times

BP has worked with Tate since 1990 and fits within the guidelines of this policy.

The Guardian - Arts

The event would have constituted official parliamentary business and was therefore within the guidelines.

The Guardian

They should review any doubtful case coming within the guidelines set by the court of appeal.

The Guardian

Students may combine any two majors of their choosing within the guidelines outlined in the Bulletin.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Editorial: Helping women to conceive at a healthy weight and gain within the guidelines.

Cornell University

"But religions also have to work within the guidelines of the law and the guidelines of the age of reason".

The New York Times

"We conduct salary surveys, and all of the surveyed information is gathered totally within the guidelines of the antitrust laws".

The New York Times

Take bowel cancer in men: if they drink within the guidelines their risk is the same as non-drinking.

The Guardian

The Israeli cabinet accepted the framework with several reservations that were within the guidelines laid out by the president.

The New York Times - Books

That is strictly within the guidelines of traditional boxing, where most fights are either 4, 6, 8 or 12 rounds.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "within the guidelines", clearly specify which guidelines you are referring to for clarity. For example, "The project was completed within the guidelines of the company's sustainability policy".

Common error

Avoid using "within the guidelines" without specifying which guidelines are being followed, as this can lead to confusion and ambiguity. Always provide a clear reference point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within the guidelines" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate that an action or process is performed in accordance with established rules or recommendations. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

32%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "within the guidelines" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate adherence to established rules or recommendations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is frequently found in News & Media, Academic, and Scientific contexts, with neutral formality. When using this phrase, it is important to specify the exact guidelines being referenced to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "in accordance with the rules" or "in compliance with the regulations" can be used depending on the specific context. Understanding the nuances of "within the guidelines" helps ensure clear and precise communication in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in accordance with the rules

This alternative emphasizes compliance with a specific set of rules.

in compliance with the regulations

This phrase specifically highlights adherence to established regulations.

consistent with the policy

This option focuses on maintaining consistency with a defined policy.

adhering to the standards

This emphasizes the act of sticking to accepted standards.

following the protocols

This suggests adherence to a specific set of procedures or protocols.

observing the legal requirements

This highlights the importance of complying with legal obligations.

respecting the boundaries

This option emphasizes staying within defined limits or boundaries.

keeping within the limits

This indicates maintaining actions or decisions within specified boundaries.

subject to the terms

This alternative implies actions are conditional and aligned with specific terms.

conforming to the norms

This suggests aligning with accepted societal or organizational norms.

FAQs

How can I use "within the guidelines" in a sentence?

You can use "within the guidelines" to indicate that an action, process, or decision adheres to a specific set of rules or recommendations. For example, "The research was conducted "within the guidelines" established by the ethics committee".

What are some alternatives to saying "within the guidelines"?

Alternatives include "in accordance with the rules", "in compliance with the regulations", or "consistent with the policy", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify the guidelines when using "within the guidelines"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the guidelines adds clarity and prevents misinterpretation. It's best practice to provide context, such as "within the company's ethical guidelines".

What's the difference between "within the guidelines" and "following the rules"?

"Within the guidelines" generally refers to a set of recommendations or best practices, while "following the rules" implies adherence to mandatory regulations or laws. The former is often advisory, the latter is compulsory.