Commonly Confused Words: In accord with/In accordance with

Is your writing style in accordance with accepted legal writing practices? Or is it in accord with these practices?

In accordance with:

  • The prepositional phrase in accordance with is used to mean “in compliance with”: “The goods were delivered in accordance with the terms of the contract.”
  • Tip: This phrase usually refers to compliance with rules, laws, or guidelines.

In accord with:

  • The prepositional phrase in accord with is generally used to mean “in agreement with” or “consistent with”: “Counsel’s compensation was in accord with industry norms.”

  • Tip: This phrase usually refers to a state of harmony between two entities or situations.

Rule: If you mean AGREEMENT, you need in accord with; if you mean COMPLIANCE, you need in accordance with.

Now in accord with the goals of this lesson, here are a few practice problems to test your understanding.

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1. True/False: The underlined word is correct. The business was operated in accordance with state regulations.

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2. The underlined word is correct. Plaintiff’s rendition of the facts is not in accordance with reality.

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3. The underlined word is correct. The judge's ruling was made in accordance with the jury’s recommendation.

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4. The underlined word is correct. The agencies new interpretation of its enabling statute was not in accordance with its previous interpretations.

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5. True/False: The underlined word is correct. The California Supreme Court’s most recent free-speech ruling is not in accord with Supreme Court precedent.

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