What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
comply
Example
The company must comply with safety regulations to ensure the well-being of its employees. [comply: verb]
Example
I complied with my boss's request to finish the report by the end of the day. [complied: past tense]
obey
Example
The soldiers were trained to obey their commanding officer without question. [obey: verb]
Example
It is important to obey traffic laws to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. [obey: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Obey is more commonly used than comply in everyday language, but comply is more commonly used in formal or legal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between comply and obey?
Comply is typically associated with a more formal tone, often used in legal or business contexts. Obey can be used in both formal and informal situations, but may carry a stronger connotation of strict adherence to authority.
