Adhere vs Comply vs Follow vs Obey

Cuándo usar cada una en inglés, con significado, registro y ejemplos.

Adhere

FormalTop 3000 (común)C1verb

Comply

Top 5000 (bastante común)C1verb

Follow

Top 1000 (muy común)A1verb

Obey

Top 1000 (muy común)B2verb
Más formal: Adhere
 AdhereComplyFollowObey
Pronunciación🇬🇧 /["/ədˈhɪə(r)/","/ədˈhɪəz/","/ədˈhɪəd/","/ədˈhɪərɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ədˈhɪr/","/ədˈhɪrz/","/ədˈhɪrd/","/ədˈhɪrɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 /["/kəmˈplaɪ/","/kəmˈplaɪz/","/kəmˈplaɪd/","/kəmˈplaɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kəmˈplaɪ/","/kəmˈplaɪz/","/kəmˈplaɪd/","/kəmˈplaɪɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 /["/ˈfɒləʊ/","/ˈfɒləʊz/","/ˈfɒləʊd/","/ˈfɒləʊɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈfɑːləʊ/","/ˈfɑːləʊz/","/ˈfɑːləʊd/","/ˈfɑːləʊɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 /["/əˈbeɪ/","/əˈbeɪz/","/əˈbeɪd/","/əˈbeɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈbeɪ/","/əˈbeɪz/","/əˈbeɪd/","/əˈbeɪɪŋ/"]/
SignificadoTo stick to something or follow it closely.To follow rules or requests.To go after someone or something or do what they do.To do what someone tells you to do.
EjemploOnce in the bloodstream, the bacteria adhere to the surface of the red cells.They refused to comply with the UN resolution.I will follow you to the store.In order to maintain order, everyone must obey the rules.
RegistroFormalNeutralNeutralNeutral
Qué tan comúnTop 3000 (común)Top 5000 (bastante común)Top 1000 (muy común)Top 1000 (muy común)
Nivel CEFRC1C1A1B2
Categoría gramaticalverbverbverbverb
Colocacionesclosely, firmly, rigidly, tofully, reluctantly, happily, fail to, refuse to, withclosely, reluctantly, dutifully, beckon somebody to, beckon to somebody to, being followed, follow close behind (somebody), follow right behind (somebody), closely, quickly, shortly, (be) followed by something, follow in the wake of something, closely, quickly, shortly, (be) followed by something, follow in the wake of something, carefully, to the letter, dutifully, faithfully, blindly, slavishly, be expected to, be likely to, follow in somebody’s footsteps, follow in the tradition of somebody/​something, follow suit, not necessarily, logically, naturally, (on) from, not quite, be easy to, be difficult to, be hard toimmediately, instantly, quickly, have to, must, refuse to, be only obeying orders, a duty to obey, an obligation to obey
Antónimosdetach, separate, disobeydisobey, ignore, floutlead, precede, guidedisobey, ignore
Errores comunesConfused with 'adhere to' vs 'stick to' — they are not interchangeable., Using 'adhere' without a clear object — it needs to specify what is being adhered to., Assuming 'adhere' can only refer to physical sticking — it can also refer to following rules.Using 'comply' without the preposition 'with'., Confusing 'comply' with 'compromise'., Misusing the tense, such as saying 'complyed'.Confusing 'follow' with 'lead' — they have opposite meanings., Using 'follow' without an object (e.g., 'I will follow' should specify who or what)., Mistakenly using 'follows' in the past tense instead of 'followed'.Confused with 'obeyed' in past tense usage., Using 'obey' without an object, which is incorrect., Mixing up 'obey' with 'comply' - they are similar but not interchangeable.
Notas de usoUsed in formal contexts, often in legal or technical language. It's appropriate when discussing rules, guidelines, or sticky substances, but less common in casual conversation.Used in formal contexts, such as legal settings or official instructions. Less common in casual conversations. Avoid using in situations where agreement is more appropriate.Use 'follow' when discussing tracking someone physically or conceptually (like ideas or trends). For social media, 'follow' often describes subscribing to someone's updates. Avoid using it in overly formal contexts.Use 'obey' in contexts involving rules, laws, or authority figures. It's suitable for both formal and casual situations, but avoid using it with someone you know well unless discussing serious issues.

Preguntas frecuentes: Adhere vs Comply vs Follow vs Obey

¿Cuál es la diferencia entre Adhere, Comply, Follow y Obey?

Adhere: To stick to something or follow it closely. Comply: To follow rules or requests. Follow: To go after someone or something or do what they do. Obey: To do what someone tells you to do.

¿Cuál es más formal: Adhere, Comply, Follow y Obey?

Adhere es la más formal de estas.

¿Adhere, Comply, Follow y Obey tienen el mismo nivel CEFR?

Adhere: C1, Comply: C1, Follow: A1, Obey: B2 en la escala CEFR.

¿Qué categoría gramatical son Adhere, Comply, Follow y Obey?

Adhere: verb, Comply: verb, Follow: verb, Obey: verb.

¿Puedes mostrar un ejemplo de cada una?

Adhere: Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria adhere to the surface of the red cells. Comply: They refused to comply with the UN resolution. Follow: I will follow you to the store. Obey: In order to maintain order, everyone must obey the rules.

¿Puedo usar Adhere, Comply, Follow y Obey indistintamente?

No siempre. Adhere, Comply, Follow y Obey están relacionadas y a veces se solapan, pero difieren en registro, frecuencia y uso, así que cambiar una por otra puede alterar el significado o el tono. Revisa las diferencias de arriba antes de sustituir.

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