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Prepositions with nouns

Using compliance with in and of

In compliance is a standard phrase meaning following rules. Of compliance usually appears inside larger noun phrases.

Quick answer

Which phrase is correct?

In compliance with is the common expression for obeying rules or requirements. Of compliance is not normally used alone, but appears in phrases like certificate of compliance.

in compliance with safety rules
certificate of compliance

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
in compliance with + rule

Showing obedience to rules

Use in compliance with for following laws, standards, or instructions.

in compliance with company policy
2
certificate of compliance

Official confirmation

Of appears in formal documents and titles.

certificate of compliance
3
compliance with + rule

Noun followed by requirement

Compliance commonly takes with directly.

compliance with regulations

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
in compliance
The factory operates in compliance with local laws.
following rules or standards
of compliance
The audit included proof of compliance.
part of a larger formal phrase
compliance with
Compliance with the agreement is required.
standard noun pattern
compliance to
Compliance to the rule was checked.
less standard than compliance with

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of compliance alone

Of compliance usually needs another noun before it.

✕ The company is of compliance. ✓ The company is in compliance.

Omitting with after in compliance

The phrase usually continues with with plus a rule.

✕ in compliance the law ✓ in compliance with the law

Using compliance to in formal writing

Compliance with is the standard choice.

✕ compliance to regulations ✓ compliance with regulations

Confusing compliance and compliant

Compliance is a noun; compliant is an adjective.

✕ The firm is compliance. ✓ The firm is compliant.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The product is ___ compliance with EU standards.
2. They requested proof ___ compliance.
3. Full compliance ___ the policy is mandatory.

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Frequently asked questions

What does in compliance with mean?

It means acting according to rules, laws, or standards.

Is of compliance correct?

Only inside larger formal phrases such as proof of compliance.

Which preposition normally follows compliance?

With is the standard preposition after compliance.

"in act" or "of act"? "in agreement" or "of agreement"? "in appearance" or "of appearance"? "in area" or "of area"? in, at, on, of or to hand? "in attempt" or "of attempt"? "in battle" or "of battle"? "in celebration", "of celebration" or "for celebration"? "in chain" or "of chain"? "in chapter" or "of chapter"? "in charge" or "of charge"? "in check" or "of check"?

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