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Grammar fix

follow the rules

obey rules

to do what the rules say; to behave according to the rules or instructions given.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • At this school, students are expected to follow the rules at all times.daily life
  • In my opinion, it's important to follow the rules in public places to keep everyone safe.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: follow the rules

WrongYou have to follow with the rules.

RightYou have to follow the rules.

'Follow the rules' — no 'with'.

Patternfollow the rules

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff All participants must abide by the regulations.

Natural Everyone has to follow the rules.

'Abide by the regulations' is legal; 'follow the rules' is the everyday phrase.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • follow the rules
    thesimplestick tobreak

Don't confuse it

Compare with 'break the rules,' which means to not obey the rules.

Try it in Daily Speak →