follow the rules — obey rules
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
to do what the rules say; to behave according to the rules or instructions given.
Say it like a native
Textbook All participants must abide by the regulations.
Native Everyone has to follow the rules.
'Abide by the regulations' is legal; 'follow the rules' is the everyday phrase.
Pattern: follow the rules
In use
- 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
Common mistake
✗ You have to follow with the rules.
✓ You have to follow the rules.
'Follow the rules' — no 'with'.
Common collocations
follow the rules— the, simple, stick to, break
Don't confuse it
Compare with 'break the rules,' which means to not obey the rules.