ENGLISH
REFERENCE

in accordance with sth

prep. phr..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

prep. phr.. following a rule, a law, or someone's wishes. You use this when you do something exactly the way it should be done.

prep. phr.. in a manner conforming with or following a specific rule, regulation, or request. This phrase functions as a formal complex preposition used to indicate compliance.


SIMPLE

We must act in accordance with the law.

CONTEXTUAL

The building was constructed in accordance with the latest safety regulations to ensure everyone's protection.

COMPLEX

The funds were distributed in accordance with the deceased's final wishes as outlined in the legal documentation provided by the estate.

Usage

highly formal and typically used in legal, official, or business contexts.

Teaching tip

encourage students to use 'following' or 'according to' in casual speech, saving 'in accordance with' for formal writing or professional emails.

Pitfall

in accordance to the rulesin accordance with the rulesthe phrase always requires the preposition 'with'; learners often confuse it with 'according to'.

© 2026 English Reference