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.

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