In accordance with — in plain language

Plain language

following the rules, requirements, or terms set out by a law, contract, or other authority

• as required by
• in compliance with
• following
• as stated in

What to watch for

• The phrase quietly creates a compliance obligation: whatever follows must conform to the cited authority. Translating it as mere reference language ('as mentioned in') loses the requirement that the action actually match the cited rule or standard.
• When 'in accordance with' cross-references a specific section, statute, or external standard, the plain-language version must preserve that cross-reference rather than dropping it as filler.
• 'In accordance with' and 'pursuant to' are nearly interchangeable in drafting, but 'pursuant to' more strongly emphasizes authority or authorization, while 'in accordance with' more strongly emphasizes conformity or compliance. Translators should pick the plain substitute that fits the actual relationship.
• Non-lawyers sometimes read the phrase as softening language, as though the action is optional. It is not — it prescribes the manner or standard that must be met.

Distinguishing from Similar Terms. "In accordance with," "pursuant to," and "per" all point to an outside authority, but their shading differs. "Pursuant to" usually introduces the source of legal authorization for doing something. "In accordance with" usually describes how something must be done — the standard or method it must match. "Per" is the shortest and least formal of the three. When translating, choose "as required by" or "in compliance with" for conformity-to-standard uses, and "under" or "as authorized by" for authorization uses.

What to Watch For.

• Cross-references to sections or rules: "In accordance with Section 5" means Section 5 governs the details. The plain translation should keep the cross-reference explicit so the reader knows where to look.
• External standards: "In accordance with GAAP" or "in accordance with applicable law" incorporates an external body of rules by reference. A plain-language version should name what is incorporated — "following generally accepted accounting principles" — so the reader understands a separate standard applies.
• Compliance conditions: In regulatory and administrative contexts, "in accordance with" often sets a condition that must be satisfied for an action to be valid. The plain translation must preserve this conditional force.

Common Misunderstandings by Non-Lawyers.

• "'In accordance with' is just boilerplate padding before a section number." (No — it creates a binding requirement that the action conform to whatever that section specifies.)
• "It means the same as 'as mentioned in' or 'as referenced above.'" (No — it imposes a standard of conformity, not merely a cross-reference. The action must actually match the cited rule.)
• "The phrase is optional or softening language." (No — it identifies the mandatory standard that the action or obligation must meet.)

Legal definition

"In accordance with" is a legal phrase signaling that an action, obligation, or result must conform to the terms, requirements, or standards set out by a law, regulation, contract, or other governing authority. It tells the reader: look to the cited source to understand what the action must look like. In U.S. legal drafting, the phrase appears in nearly every type of document, from contracts and statutes to court orders and agency rules. It is essentially equivalent to "pursuant to" in most contexts, though "in accordance with" places slightly more emphasis on conformity to a standard, while "pursuant to" tends to emphasize the authority behind an action.

Examples

Where you'll see it

• contracts and commercial agreements
• statutes and regulations
• court orders and judgments
• corporate governance documents
• compliance and regulatory filings

Related terms

• pursuant to
• per
• proper
• subject to
• comply with
• conformity

Word details

Pronunciation

in uh-KOR-dunss with

Part of speech

phrase

Origin

Old French / Medieval Latin — from Old French 'acordance' (agreement), rooted in Medieval Latin 'accordare' — to bring into harmony or agreement (ad- + cor/cordis, heart)

Domains

contract law, administrative law, regulatory law, civil procedure

Frequency

very common

Formality

high