observe the rules vs respect the rules

Both 'observe the rules' and 'respect the rules' are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Observe the rules' implies following the rules closely or adhering to them, while 'respect the rules' suggests showing consideration or regard for the rules.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 1981 views

observe the rules

This phrase is correct and commonly used to mean following the rules closely or adhering to them.

This phrase is used to indicate the action of closely following or adhering to rules, regulations, or guidelines.

Examples:

It is important to observe the rules of the game to ensure fair play.
Employees must observe the rules outlined in the company handbook.
Drivers are expected to observe the rules of the road for everyone's safety.

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You must observe the rules of the club.
Despite being part of the WTO, China has often shown that it does not observe the rules shared by its other trading partners.
The Commission believes it is vital to observe the rules of competition.
You fix the date for the next meeting and try to observe the rules.
We ourselves also have to observe the rules that we signed up to when the WTO was founded.
Since transparency is a key factor in any improvement of budgetary control, MEPs believe the procedures regarding any failure to observe the rules on publishing information need to be clarified.
In the long term we need constructive transatlantic dialogue because only if we preserve free trade in goods and observe the rules of fair competition on both sides of the Atlantic, will we be able to guarantee a stable global environment.
We do not need to apply a ban; we simply have to observe the rules.
I am very satisfied with these standards because they are forward-looking and because they will, in a practical way, help the sector to observe the rules.
Pending that, the heads of undertakings must, however, apply the instruments at their disposal properly; for in this situation of merciless competition they cannot, for economic reasons, not observe the rules of the game in relation to human beings.
2. The management board may take a decision on the involvement of experts proposed by non-Community countries in the ad hoc working parties provided for in Article 2 (2), subject to an undertaking from the interested parties to observe the rules referred to in Article 6.
I should also like to ask the chairman of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament, who has unfortunately left his seat, why someone does not get hold of Mr Schroeder and tell him that he should observe the rules?
We must observe the rules.
The second is to observe the rules of budgetary discipline and sound financial management laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement.
I'm checking... that students observe the rules.
So It's our job to observe the rules of the sequel.
At the same time, however, Ministers have been called to order for failing to observe the rules which they themselves laid down.
Failure to observe the rules of logic and lessons derived from common experience.
Maybe we should change this in future, but for now we must observe the rules.
Mrs Muscardini, that was not really a procedural request, so I would ask that we observe the rules of procedure.

Alternatives:

follow the rules
abide by the rules
comply with the rules
adhere to the rules
stick to the rules

respect the rules

This phrase is correct and commonly used to mean showing consideration or regard for the rules.

This phrase is used to convey the idea of acknowledging and honoring rules, often implying a sense of regard or deference towards them.

Examples:

It is important to respect the rules of the school to maintain order.
Players should respect the rules of the tournament to ensure fair competition.
Citizens are expected to respect the rules of the community for harmonious living.

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They are made for everybody, so it's not allowed that any institution doesn't respect the rules.
The study shall respect the rules on animal welfare laid down by European Community legislation, and they shall not be repeated if not necessary.
(9) Aspects of commercial pricing for road infrastructure use not covered by this Directive should respect the rules of the Treaty.
When Greece joined the EU it had to adhere to the acquis communautaire and in particular it should respect the rules of the Treaty on State aid.
We must persuade this dictatorship to respect the rules of international coexistence.
The majority in Parliament can do many things, but in doing so it must respect the rules that govern us.
It is obvious that everyone must respect the rules, laws and sovereignty of the State.
This agreement is another sign that the EU wants to respect the rules of the multilateral trading regime, hoping to contribute to a collective willingness to reach a comprehensive deal in the Doha Development Round.
One example would be the need for any WTO member wishing to benefit from the advantages of the multilateral trade system to respect the rules of the ILO.
The European Commission needs to remind the French Government of its duties to be consistent and to respect the rules on implementation of European funding.
If we are to stay competitive we must not lower our guard in our dealings with partners but must respect the rules of fair and equitable international trade.
Calls on the Commission, the Council and the Member States to respect the rules of conditionality concerning financial support for Serbia;
In spite of the fact that we are still not part of the eurozone, we are nonetheless actively attempting to fulfil the convergence criteria and to respect the rules of the Stability and Growth Pact.
From our point of view, the main benefit of the system for European businesses, including SMUs, is that it applies great pressure to respect the rules of the World Trade Organisation.
Your rapporteur considers, nonetheless, that both Andorra and Liechtenstein, which have chosen to base part of their prosperity on the development of financial services, must continue to respect the rules of the game and increase their cooperation in the fight against money laundering.
The Commission, when publishing its decisions, should respect the rules on professional secrecy, including the protection of all confidential information and personal data, in accordance with Article 339 of the TFEU.
Madam President, I would like to stress that it is very important to respect the rules, but there are cases where certain interest groups, perhaps manipulating public opinion, try to influence the implementation of certain projects.
It is not so much a question of avoiding putting protectionist measures in place as of making China aware that, as a full member of the WTO, it has a duty to respect the rules of a fair and balanced world market.
The solidity and solidarity of the European project may be at stake and we must therefore act in a coordinated manner and respect the rules of the internal market, without allowing any protectionism.
When doing so, they must respect the rules laid down in EC law on free movement, the fundamental rights of EU citizens and avoid discrimination, notably on grounds of nationality or the belonging to an ethnic minority.

Alternatives:

follow the rules
adhere to the rules
abide by the rules
comply with the rules
honor the rules

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observe the rules vs respect the rules