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accordance

B2 adjective #7,500 most common 14 min read

accordance

Top 7,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips accordance in 30 Seconds

Explanation accordance in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'accordance' is very difficult and is not usually taught. It is much too formal for beginners. However, you can understand it as a very fancy way to say 'following'. Imagine a teacher says, 'Follow the rules.' In a formal book, this might be 'Act in accordance with the rules.' At this level, you don't need to use this word. Instead, focus on 'following' or 'obeying'. If you see 'in accordance with' in a text, just think: 'This means they are doing what the rule says.' It is like a matching game where the action must match the instruction exactly. You might see it on a simple school sign, like 'Please park in accordance with the signs,' which just means 'Look at the signs and park where they tell you.'

For A2 learners, 'accordance' is still a high-level word, but you might start seeing it in simple instructions or formal letters. It is almost always found in the phrase 'in accordance with'. You can think of it as a formal version of 'according to'. For example, 'According to the map, the park is here' is simple. 'In accordance with the map, the path was built here' is formal. At this level, you should recognize that 'accordance' means things are matching a rule or a plan. If you are taking a test and see this word, look for the word 'with' right after it. That is the most important pattern to remember. It helps you understand that one thing is being done because another thing (a rule) says so.

At the B1 level, you should be able to recognize 'accordance' in workplace contexts or news reports. You might not use it in daily conversation, but you will see it in emails from your boss or in the terms of a contract. It is a 'bridge' word that connects an action to a policy. For instance, if your office has a dress code, you might read: 'Please dress in accordance with the company policy.' This means you must follow the rules about what to wear. You should start to notice that this word makes a sentence sound more professional and serious. It is a good word to know if you are preparing for business English exams, as it frequently appears in formal reading passages about rules and regulations.

At the B2 level, you are expected to understand and occasionally use 'accordance' in formal writing. You should know that it is a noun and that it almost always appears in the phrase 'in accordance with'. You should also be aware that it is a formal alternative to 'following' or 'complying with'. At this level, you can use it to justify your actions in a formal essay or a business letter. For example, 'The project was completed in accordance with the initial proposal.' This shows that you are a sophisticated user of English who understands how to use 'legalese' or academic structures. You should also be careful not to use 'in accordance to', which is a common mistake at this level. Understanding the nuance that 'accordance' implies a structural or formal agreement is key to using it correctly.

For C1 learners, 'accordance' should be a regular part of your formal vocabulary. You should be able to use it effortlessly in academic papers, legal discussions, or high-level business reports. You should also understand the subtle differences between 'accordance', 'compliance', and 'conformity'. At this level, you might use 'accordance' to discuss abstract concepts, such as 'living in accordance with one's values' or 'acting in accordance with international law'. You should also be comfortable using adjectives to modify it, such as 'strict accordance', 'full accordance', or 'partial accordance'. Your ability to use this word correctly signals to others that you have a high level of professional and academic literacy. You should also be able to identify when the word is being used to sound overly bureaucratic or 'wordy' and know when a simpler alternative might actually be better.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'accordance'. You understand its etymological roots and its historical development from Old French. You can use it in highly complex legal or philosophical arguments where the precise relationship between an action and a principle is being debated. You are aware of its use in religious contexts (e.g., 'in accordance with scripture') and can appreciate the stylistic weight it adds to a text. You can also spot the rare instances where 'accordance' might be used outside the 'in accordance with' structure in archaic or specialized literature. At this level, you don't just use the word; you understand its power to establish authority and formality in a text. You can also critique its usage in others' writing, identifying when it is used correctly to provide clarity and when it is used poorly as a piece of empty 'corporate-speak'.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

accordance in 30 Seconds

Accordance is a formal noun meaning agreement or conformity with a rule or law.
It is almost always used in the specific phrase 'in accordance with'.
The word is common in legal, business, and official administrative contexts.
It ensures that an action matches a specific standard or set of instructions.

The word accordance is a formal noun that represents the concept of agreement, conformity, or the act of following a set of established rules, laws, or wishes. When you do something in accordance with a guideline, you are ensuring that your actions match exactly what is required or expected. It is a word that carries a sense of duty and precision, often appearing in professional, legal, and administrative environments where following protocols is essential for success or legality.

Core Concept: The primary essence of accordance is the alignment between an action and a standard. It is not just about simple agreement between two people, but rather about the structural harmony between a specific behavior and a governing principle.

The company distributed the bonuses in accordance with the performance metrics established at the beginning of the fiscal year.

In everyday life, you might not use this word while chatting with friends about dinner plans, but you will certainly encounter it when reading a contract, a manual for a new appliance, or a letter from a government agency. It signals that there is a formal relationship between the 'what' (the action) and the 'how' (the rule). For example, if a building is constructed in accordance with safety regulations, it means the builders followed every single law to ensure the structure is safe for people to inhabit.

Usage Context: Accordance is almost exclusively used in the prepositional phrase 'in accordance with'. It rarely stands alone as a subject or a direct object without this specific structural support.

All medical procedures must be performed in accordance with strict ethical guidelines to protect patient welfare.

Historically, the word derives from the Old French word 'acordance', which relates to 'accord' or 'heart'. This suggests that originally, the word implied a deep, heartfelt agreement or harmony. While the modern usage is much more technical and less emotional, the underlying sense of 'being of one heart' or 'being in sync' remains. When a lawyer says a client acted in accordance with the law, they are arguing that there is no conflict between the client's behavior and the legal system's requirements.

The graduation ceremony was conducted in accordance with centuries-old university traditions.

Formal Tone: Because of its formal weight, using 'accordance' in a casual text message might sound strange. It is a word meant for documents, speeches, and official correspondence where authority and clarity are paramount.

The jury reached a verdict in accordance with the evidence presented during the three-week trial.

The software update was installed in accordance with the manufacturer's security protocols.

In summary, accordance is the linguistic tool we use to describe adherence to a standard. It ensures that everyone involved understands that a specific protocol was followed to the letter, leaving no room for ambiguity or deviation. Whether in the realm of international diplomacy, local government, or corporate management, accordance serves as the glue that holds systems of rules and actions together in a coherent, predictable manner.

Using accordance correctly requires an understanding of its primary grammatical habitat: the prepositional phrase 'in accordance with'. This four-word sequence acts as a complex preposition that links an action to a rule. While it may seem long, each part is necessary to maintain the formal tone and grammatical integrity of the sentence. You will rarely see 'accordance' used with 'to' or 'of' in modern standard English; 'with' is its almost inseparable partner.

The Standard Pattern: [Action/Verb] + in accordance with + [Rule/Law/Request]. This structure clearly identifies what is being done and what standard is being met.

The accounts were audited in accordance with international financial reporting standards.

One interesting aspect of using 'accordance' is how it can be placed within a sentence. It often appears at the end of a clause to provide justification for the preceding action. However, it can also be moved to the beginning of a sentence to emphasize the rule being followed. When placed at the beginning, it sets a serious, administrative tone for the information that follows. This is common in legal writing or formal notices where the authority of the rule must be established immediately.

Sentence Variation: In accordance with the new policy, all employees must now register their vehicles with the security department.

The contractor agreed to complete the renovations in accordance with the blueprints provided by the architect.

Furthermore, 'accordance' can be paired with adjectives like 'strict', 'full', or 'exact' to emphasize the degree of compliance. If you say someone acted in 'strict accordance', you are suggesting that they followed every minute detail without any deviation. This is particularly useful in scientific or legal contexts where precision is non-negotiable. Conversely, 'general accordance' might suggest that the spirit of the rule was followed, even if every tiny detail was not perfectly aligned.

The chemical experiment was conducted in accordance with the safety protocols outlined in the laboratory manual.

Formal vs. Informal Choice: Choosing 'accordance' over 'agreement' or 'compliance' shows a high level of academic or professional proficiency. It signals that you are comfortable with 'legalese' and formal English structures.

The prize money will be distributed in accordance with the judges' final decision.

The will was executed in accordance with the deceased's final wishes.

Finally, remember that 'accordance' is a noun, not a verb. You cannot 'accordance something'. You can 'accord' someone respect (which is a different use of the related verb), but for the meaning of following rules, you must use the full prepositional phrase. This distinction is vital for maintaining the clarity of your writing and ensuring that your professional communications are taken seriously by your peers and superiors.

If you are looking for accordance in the wild, you will most likely find it in places where rules are written down and strictly enforced. It is a staple of the legal profession, corporate boardrooms, and bureaucratic government offices. In these settings, the word serves as a linguistic seal of approval, confirming that everything is being done 'by the book'. You will hear it in news reports about legal rulings, read it in the fine print of terms and conditions, and see it in formal letters from your bank or employer.

In the Legal System: Lawyers and judges use 'accordance' to discuss whether a person's actions or a lower court's decision aligns with the constitution or existing statutes. It is a word of justification.

The judge ruled that the evidence had been collected in accordance with the Fourth Amendment.

In the corporate world, 'accordance' is frequently used in human resources documents and compliance training. When a company updates its employee handbook, it might state that all future travel expenses must be submitted in accordance with the new reimbursement policy. Here, the word is used to set clear expectations and avoid confusion. It tells employees that there is a specific way to do things, and that way is the only acceptable way. It is also common in financial auditing, where accountants check if a company's books are in accordance with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles).

In Government and Policy: Government officials use 'accordance' when announcing new regulations or explaining how public funds are being spent. It provides a sense of transparency and accountability.

The local council is acting in accordance with the environmental protection act to preserve the local wetlands.

Religious and philosophical texts also employ 'accordance' when discussing living a life that matches certain spiritual or moral laws. For instance, a text might talk about living in accordance with nature or in accordance with divine will. In this context, the word takes on a more profound, existential meaning, suggesting a deep alignment between one's personal existence and the fundamental laws of the universe. This shows the word's versatility—moving from the cold reality of a tax form to the spiritual heights of philosophy.

Stoic philosophy encourages individuals to live in accordance with reason and the natural order of the world.

In Scientific Research: Scientists use 'accordance' when reporting their methods. They must state that their experiments were conducted in accordance with established peer-reviewed protocols to ensure their results are valid.

The data analysis was performed in accordance with the statistical plan approved by the ethics committee.

The ship's captain acted in accordance with the maritime laws of the sea during the emergency.

In everyday conversation, you might hear a parent say to a child, 'You must act in accordance with the house rules', although this is quite formal and might be used with a touch of irony or strictness. More commonly, it appears in news headlines about international agreements, such as 'The treaty was signed in accordance with international law'. This wide range of usage—from the deeply personal to the globally significant—makes 'accordance' a powerful and essential word in the English language.

Even advanced English learners and native speakers sometimes trip over accordance. The most frequent error involves the preposition that follows it. Many people mistakenly say 'in accordance to' instead of the correct 'in accordance with'. This likely happens because the related phrase 'according to' uses 'to'. It is a natural mental slip, but in formal writing, 'in accordance to' is a glaring error that can undermine the perceived professionalism of the document.

The 'To' vs. 'With' Trap: Incorrect: We acted in accordance to the plan. Correct: We acted in accordance with the plan. Remember: 'According to' but 'In accordance with'.

The project was finished in accordance with the agreed timeline, not 'to' the timeline.

Another common mistake is using 'accordance' when a simpler word like 'agreement' or 'compliance' would be more appropriate for the register. While 'accordance' is a great word, using it in a very casual setting—like 'I ate my dinner in accordance with my hunger'—can sound pretentious or unintentionally funny. It is important to match the word choice to the social context. If you are talking to a friend about following a recipe, 'according to the recipe' or 'following the recipe' is much better than 'in accordance with the recipe'.

Register Mismatch: Avoid using 'accordance' in casual conversations where simpler verbs or prepositions would suffice. It is a 'high-register' word.

You should say 'I did what you asked', rather than 'I acted in accordance with your request' when talking to your spouse.

Confusing 'accordance' with its verb form 'accord' is also a potential pitfall. While they are related, they serve different functions. 'Accord' as a verb often means to grant or give someone something (like 'to accord someone a warm welcome') or to be consistent with something. 'Accordance' is the state of being in that agreement. You cannot replace the noun with the verb without restructuring the entire sentence. For example, 'The results accord with our expectations' is correct, but 'The results are in accordance with our expectations' is also correct and more formal.

The findings accord with previous research, but the report was written in accordance with new standards.

Confusion with 'According': 'According' is a participle/preposition. 'Accordance' is a noun. You cannot say 'Accordance to the news...'—you must say 'According to the news...'

Proper usage: 'In accordance with the law...' vs. 'According to the law...'

Instead of 'The work was done in accordance with the specs', you could say 'The work followed the specs'.

Finally, some writers use 'accordance' when they actually mean 'concordance'. A concordance is an alphabetical list of the principal words used in a book or body of work. While they sound similar and both relate to 'agreement' in a broad sense, their technical meanings are completely different. Misusing these can lead to significant confusion, especially in academic or literary discussions. Always double-check that you are describing an action following a rule (accordance) rather than a list of words (concordance).

Understanding the nuances between accordance and its synonyms can greatly enhance your writing precision. While 'compliance', 'conformity', 'agreement', and 'adherence' all share a similar semantic space, they are not always interchangeable. Each word carries its own specific 'flavor' and is preferred in different professional contexts. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about laws, social norms, physical properties, or personal opinions.

Accordance vs. Compliance: 'Compliance' often implies a more passive following of rules, sometimes under pressure or threat of punishment. 'Accordance' sounds more like a natural or structural alignment. You 'comply' with a command; you act 'in accordance with' a policy.

The factory was in compliance with safety laws, and all operations were in accordance with the master plan.

'Conformity' is another close relative. However, 'conformity' often carries a slightly negative connotation in social contexts, suggesting a lack of individuality or following the crowd. In technical contexts, it refers to a product meeting specific requirements. 'Accordance' is generally more neutral and is used to describe the relationship between an action and a document or formal instruction. You might conform to social expectations, but you act in accordance with a legal contract.

Accordance vs. Adherence: 'Adherence' suggests a physical or metaphorical 'sticking' to something. It is often used for diets, medical regimes, or strict religious practices. 'Accordance' is more about the formal agreement between two things.

The patient's adherence to the medication schedule was in accordance with the doctor's orders.

'Agreement' is the broadest term. It can refer to a legal contract (an agreement) or the state of having the same opinion. 'Accordance' is more specific to the *manner* in which something is done. If two people are in agreement, they share a belief. If they act in accordance with that agreement, they are putting that belief into practice in a way that matches their previous promise. 'Accordance' is the practical application of agreement.

After reaching an agreement, they drafted a contract to ensure all future steps were taken in accordance with its terms.

Quick Comparison Table: - Compliance: Obeying a rule.
- Conformity: Matching a standard or social norm.
- Adherence: Sticking strictly to a plan.
- Accordance: Formal alignment with a document/rule.

The building's design is in harmony with the landscape, and its construction is in accordance with local zoning laws.

In conformance with the specifications, the parts were milled to within a micron of the target.

Finally, consider 'consistence' (or consistency). This refers to something that stays the same over time. While acting in accordance with a rule might lead to consistency, the words focus on different things. 'Accordance' focuses on the external rule, while 'consistency' focuses on the internal pattern of behavior. By mastering these distinctions, you can navigate formal English with the confidence of a native speaker, ensuring your meaning is always perfectly clear.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

Because 'accordance' comes from the Latin word for 'heart' (cor), it is distant cousins with words like 'cardiac' and 'courage'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /əˈkɔː.dəns/

US /əˈkɔːr.dəns/

The primary stress is on the second syllable: ac-COR-dance.

Rhymes With

abundance redundance concordance discordance performance importance compliance reliance

Common Errors

Stressing the first syllable (AC-cor-dance).
Pronouncing the 'ance' like 'dance' with a hard 'a'. It should be a schwa sound.
Confusing it with 'according' and adding an 'ing' sound.
Dropping the 'd' in the middle.
Saying 'accord-ance' as two distinct words instead of a smooth noun.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 7/5

Common in formal texts but requires understanding of complex sentence structures.

Writing 8/5

Hard to use naturally without sounding overly stiff or making preposition errors.

Speaking 9/5

Rarely used in speech; sounds very formal when spoken.

Listening 6/5

Easy to recognize once you know the 'in accordance with' pattern.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

accord according agreement rule follow

Learn Next

compliance conformity adherence stipulation statute

Advanced

jurisprudence consonance congruity acquiescence

Grammar to Know

Prepositional Collocation

Always use 'with' after 'accordance' in the phrase 'in accordance with'.

Noun as Adverbial Phrase

'In accordance with the rules' acts as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb.

Passive Voice Usage

'The decision was made in accordance with...' is more common than the active voice.

Adjective Modification

Use adjectives like 'strict', 'full', or 'partial' to modify the degree of accordance.

Subject-Verb Agreement

Since 'accordance' is usually uncountable, it takes a singular verb if it is the subject.

Examples by Level

The children play in accordance with the school rules.

Following the rules.

Simple prepositional use.

He parks his car in accordance with the sign.

Following the sign.

Noun following 'in'.

Please eat in accordance with your diet.

Follow your diet.

Formal instruction.

We walk in accordance with the map.

Following the map.

Alignment of action and guide.

The class starts in accordance with the bell.

When the bell rings.

Temporal accordance.

She colors in accordance with the picture.

Matching the picture.

Visual accordance.

They dress in accordance with the weather.

Matching the weather.

Practical accordance.

The game ends in accordance with the timer.

When the timer stops.

Procedural accordance.

The building was built in accordance with the plan.

Following the blueprints.

Passive voice with accordance.

You must work in accordance with your contract.

Follow your work agreement.

Modal verb 'must' for obligation.

The medicine was taken in accordance with the doctor's note.

Following the instructions.

Possessive 's with accordance.

The party was planned in accordance with her wishes.

Doing what she wanted.

Personal accordance.

The shop is closed in accordance with the holiday.

Because of the holiday.

Reasoning with accordance.

He drives in accordance with the speed limit.

Following the speed law.

Legal accordance.

The results were published in accordance with the schedule.

Following the timeline.

Administrative accordance.

The luggage was checked in accordance with security rules.

Following the airport rules.

Safety accordance.

The company operates in accordance with environmental laws.

Following green regulations.

Present simple for regular action.

Refunds are given in accordance with our return policy.

Following the rules for returns.

Business policy context.

The event was organized in accordance with safety standards.

Following safety rules.

Standardized accordance.

He handled the data in accordance with privacy regulations.

Following data protection laws.

Legal/Technical context.

The student acted in accordance with the university code of conduct.

Following school behavior rules.

Ethical accordance.

The funds were distributed in accordance with the grant requirements.

Following the money rules.

Financial accordance.

The ship sailed in accordance with the captain's orders.

Following the command.

Hierarchical accordance.

The experiment was finished in accordance with the protocol.

Following the scientific steps.

Scientific accordance.

The board of directors acted in accordance with the company bylaws.

Following internal company rules.

Corporate governance context.

The treaty was implemented in accordance with international agreements.

Following global deals.

Diplomatic accordance.

The software was designed in accordance with user feedback.

Following what users wanted.

Developmental accordance.

The tax returns were filed in accordance with the new legislation.

Following the new tax laws.

Legal/Financial accordance.

The museum displays artifacts in accordance with ethical sourcing policies.

Following rules about where items come from.

Institutional accordance.

The construction must proceed in accordance with the zoning permit.

Following the city's building laws.

Regulatory accordance.

The investigation was conducted in accordance with standard procedures.

Following the usual police steps.

Procedural accordance.

The prize was awarded in accordance with the jury's final tally.

Following the vote count.

Competitive accordance.

The judge found that the police had not acted in accordance with the warrant.

They didn't follow the legal document.

Negative accordance (not in accordance).

Living in accordance with nature is a key tenet of Stoic philosophy.

Living in harmony with the natural world.

Philosophical accordance.

The merger was finalized in accordance with antitrust regulations.

Following competition laws.

Complex legal context.

The report was drafted in strict accordance with the committee's mandate.

Following the specific instructions perfectly.

Use of 'strict' as an intensifier.

The distribution of wealth was managed in accordance with the will's provisions.

Following the specific parts of the will.

Estate law context.

The project failed to proceed in accordance with the projected timeline.

It didn't follow the planned schedule.

Failure of accordance.

The diplomat worked in accordance with the directives from the foreign ministry.

Following official government orders.

Bureaucratic accordance.

The algorithm operates in accordance with the parameters set by the developers.

Following the programmed rules.

Technological accordance.

The sovereign's powers are exercised in accordance with constitutional conventions.

Following unwritten but established rules.

High-level political science context.

The universe appears to function in accordance with immutable physical laws.

Following laws that never change.

Scientific/Philosophical accordance.

The theological debate centered on whether his actions were in accordance with scripture.

Following holy writings.

Religious/Academic accordance.

The artist sought to create a work in accordance with the principles of the Golden Ratio.

Following a specific mathematical beauty rule.

Aesthetic accordance.

The policy was revised to ensure it was in full accordance with the new human rights charter.

Following the human rights rules completely.

Use of 'full' for complete alignment.

The ritual was performed in accordance with ancestral customs that date back millennia.

Following very old traditions.

Anthropological accordance.

The liquidation of assets must be carried out in accordance with the insolvency act.

Following the bankruptcy laws.

Specialized legal terminology.

He argued that the decision was made in accordance with the spirit, if not the letter, of the law.

Following the intention, even if not the exact words.

Nuanced rhetorical accordance.

Synonyms

agreement compliance conformity harmony consistency congruence

Antonyms

disagreement conflict violation

Common Collocations

in accordance with

strict accordance

full accordance

act in accordance

general accordance

accordance with the law

accordance with instructions

accordance with requirements

accordance with the will

accordance with policy

Common Phrases

In accordance with the law

— Following the legal rules of a country or region.

The police acted in accordance with the law during the arrest.

In accordance with the terms

— Following the specific points of a contract or agreement.

The payment was made in accordance with the terms of the sale.

In accordance with the rules

— Following the established guidelines for a game or organization.

The athlete was disqualified for not acting in accordance with the rules.

In accordance with the plan

— Following the steps previously decided upon.

The invasion proceeded in accordance with the plan.

In accordance with tradition

— Following customs that have existed for a long time.

The festival was celebrated in accordance with tradition.

In accordance with instructions

— Following the orders given by someone in authority.

He painted the room in accordance with the owner's instructions.

In accordance with specifications

— Following the detailed technical requirements for a product.

The engine was built in accordance with the original specifications.

In accordance with the budget

— Staying within the financial limits set for a project.

The renovation was completed in accordance with the budget.

In accordance with public opinion

— Following what most people think or want.

The law was changed in accordance with public opinion.

In accordance with nature

— Living or acting in a way that matches natural laws.

The garden was designed to grow in accordance with nature.

Often Confused With

accordance vs According to

Used for sources of information or opinions, whereas 'accordance' is for following rules.

accordance vs Concordance

An alphabetical list of words in a book, not the state of following a rule.

accordance vs Accord

A verb meaning to grant or a noun meaning a treaty, while 'accordance' is the state of agreement.

Idioms & Expressions

"In accordance with"

— This is a formal idiom meaning 'following' or 'obeying'.

The ceremony was held in accordance with ancient rites.

Formal

"To be in accordance"

— To be in agreement or harmony with something.

His actions are not in accordance with his promises.

Formal

"Strict accordance"

— Following a rule exactly without any changes.

The experiment requires strict accordance with the manual.

Formal

"In accordance with the spirit of"

— Following the intention of a rule rather than the exact wording.

We acted in accordance with the spirit of the peace treaty.

Formal/Literary

"In accordance with the letter of"

— Following the exact wording of a rule or law.

The lawyer argued they followed the letter of the law.

Formal/Legal

"Bring into accordance"

— To change something so that it matches a rule or standard.

We need to bring our spending into accordance with our income.

Formal

"Out of accordance"

— Not in agreement or not following the rules (less common).

His behavior was out of accordance with the school's values.

Formal

"In full accordance"

— Completely matching or following every detail.

The results are in full accordance with our hypothesis.

Formal/Academic

"In general accordance"

— Mostly matching, but perhaps not in every tiny detail.

The new house is in general accordance with the neighborhood style.

Formal

"Keep in accordance"

— To maintain a state of following rules or standards.

The records must be kept in accordance with federal law.

Formal

Easily Confused

accordance vs compliance

Both involve following rules.

Compliance is the act of obeying; accordance is the state of matching the rule.

We are in compliance with the law because our actions are in accordance with it.

accordance vs conformity

Both involve matching a standard.

Conformity often implies social pressure or physical matching; accordance is more formal/legal.

The part's conformity to the design ensures it is in accordance with the specs.

accordance vs agreement

They share the core meaning of harmony.

Agreement is general; accordance is specific to following a document or rule.

We have an agreement to work in accordance with the shared plan.

accordance vs adherence

Both mean 'sticking to' something.

Adherence is persistent following (like a diet); accordance is the formal alignment.

His adherence to the ritual was in accordance with tradition.

accordance vs accord

They share the same root.

Accord is usually the treaty itself; accordance is the behavior of following it.

The peace accord required all parties to act in accordance with its terms.

Sentence Patterns

I did [thing] in accordance with [rule].

I did the homework in accordance with the instructions.

[Object] was [verb-ed] in accordance with [policy].

The money was paid in accordance with the agreement.

In accordance with [law], [subject] must [verb].

In accordance with local laws, you must wear a helmet.

Acting in strict accordance with [principle], [subject] [verb-ed].

Acting in strict accordance with his beliefs, he refused the gift.

Whether [action] was in accordance with [spirit] remains a matter of debate.

Whether the strike was in accordance with the union's spirit remains a matter of debate.

The [noun] is in full accordance with [standard].

The building is in full accordance with safety standards.

[Action] was performed in accordance with [mandate].

The search was performed in accordance with the judicial mandate.

Please [verb] in accordance with [sign].

Please park in accordance with the parking signs.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in written formal English; rare in casual spoken English.

Common Mistakes

in accordance to → in accordance with
The word 'accordance' requires the preposition 'with'. The mistake often comes from the phrase 'according to'.
to accordance a rule → to act in accordance with a rule
Accordance is a noun, not a verb. You cannot use it as an action word directly.
in accordance of the law → in accordance with the law
While 'of' sounds logical, 'with' is the standard idiomatic choice in English.
using it casually → using 'following' or 'like'
Using 'accordance' in a casual text makes the speaker sound unnaturally formal or sarcastic.
confusing with according → According to the news / In accordance with the law
'According' is for sources; 'accordance' is for rules/compliance.

Tips

Use for Formal Justification

Use 'in accordance with' when you need to prove that your actions were legal or followed a specific request. It provides a strong defensive tone in professional writing.

Pair with 'With'

Always double-check that you have used the preposition 'with'. It is the most common mistake for learners to use 'to' instead.

Match the Register

Don't use 'accordance' in a text to your friends about a movie. It will make you sound like a lawyer or a robot. Use 'following' or 'as' instead.

Accordance vs. Concordance

Don't confuse these two. Accordance is about following rules; concordance is a list of words in a book. They are not the same!

Avoid Overuse

If you use 'in accordance with' three times in one paragraph, it becomes annoying to read. Try to vary your language with synonyms like 'compliance' or 'adherence'.

Business English Essential

This is a key word for business English exams (like TOEIC or BEC). Make sure you can recognize it in reading passages about company policies.

Legal Precision

In legal contexts, the word is used to show that a procedure was valid. If something was not done in accordance with the law, it might be thrown out of court.

The Heart Root

Remember that 'cord' means heart. Accordance means your actions have the same 'heart' as the rules.

Stress the Middle

When speaking, make sure the 'COR' sound is the loudest part. ac-COR-dance. This helps native speakers understand you immediately.

Context Clues

When you see 'accordance' in a text, look for the rule or document that follows it. This will tell you exactly what standard is being met.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an ACCORDION. An accordion only makes good music when all the parts move in ACCORDANCE with each other. If they don't agree, it's just noise!

Visual Association

Imagine a key fitting perfectly into a lock. The shape of the key is in accordance with the shape of the lock.

Word Web

Rule Law Agreement Compliance Harmony Plan Instruction Policy

Challenge

Try to write a three-sentence formal email to a fictional boss using 'in accordance with' twice without repeating the same context.

Word Origin

The word comes from the Old French 'acordance', which is derived from the verb 'acorder'. This verb itself comes from the Latin 'accordare', which combines 'ad-' (to) and 'cor' (heart).

Original meaning: The original meaning was 'agreement of heart' or 'harmony'.

It is a Romance-derived word that entered English after the Norman Conquest.

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivities, but using it too much can make you sound cold or overly formal.

It is a hallmark of 'Bureaucratic English' or 'Legalese', often used to sound official and impartial.

The Magna Carta (principles of acting in accordance with the law of the land). The US Constitution (the government acting in accordance with the people's will). Stoic texts by Marcus Aurelius (living in accordance with nature).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Legal Documents

In accordance with Section 5
Act in accordance with the warrant
In accordance with the statute
In accordance with the evidence

Business Policies

In accordance with company policy
In accordance with the contract
In accordance with the budget
In accordance with the schedule

Science and Research

In accordance with the protocol
In accordance with the hypothesis
In accordance with ethical standards
In accordance with the data

Religious/Philosophical

In accordance with nature
In accordance with scripture
In accordance with divine will
In accordance with reason

Engineering/Construction

In accordance with blueprints
In accordance with safety codes
In accordance with specifications
In accordance with the permit

Conversation Starters

"Do you think it's always important to act in accordance with every single rule?"

"Can you describe a time you had to follow instructions in strict accordance with a manual?"

"In your opinion, should laws always be updated in accordance with public opinion?"

"Is it hard for you to live in accordance with your personal values every day?"

"What happens when a company doesn't act in accordance with its own mission statement?"

Journal Prompts

Reflect on a time you felt you were not living in accordance with your true self. What changed?

Write about a professional situation where acting in accordance with the rules was difficult but necessary.

How does a society benefit when everyone acts in accordance with the law? Are there downsides?

Describe a project you completed in accordance with a strict plan. How did it feel to follow the steps?

Discuss the tension between acting in accordance with tradition and the need for modern progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The correct phrase is 'in accordance with'. Using 'to' is a common mistake and should be avoided in formal writing. For example, 'The project was done in accordance with the rules' is correct.

You can, but it might sound very stiff or 'official'. It's better to use 'following' or 'like you said' when talking to friends. Reserve 'accordance' for emails, reports, and formal settings.

'According to' is usually used to report what someone said or what a source shows (According to the news...). 'In accordance with' is used to show that an action follows a rule (In accordance with the law...).

No, 'accordance' is a noun. The related verb is 'accord', which means to give or to be consistent with. You cannot 'accordance' a rule.

It means following a rule or instruction perfectly, without any changes or mistakes. It is often used in scientific or legal contexts where precision is very important.

Technically, yes, 'accordances' exists, but it is extremely rare. In 99% of cases, you should use the singular form 'accordance'.

In some cases, yes. Many editors suggest replacing it with 'by', 'following', or 'under' to make the writing clearer and shorter. However, in legal documents, the full phrase is often required.

It comes from Old French and Latin roots meaning 'to the heart'. It originally meant that two people's hearts were in agreement.

It is pronounced uh-KOR-duhns. The stress is on the middle syllable, and the 'ance' at the end is very soft.

It is very difficult to do so. It almost always appears in the phrase 'in accordance with'. Occasionally you might see 'the accordance of [something] with [something]', but this is rare.