alinsunod sa

In Accordance with

Level 4

Alinsunod sa is a formal way to say 'in accordance with.' It is used when an action follows a specific rule, law, or official instruction.

How It Works

1. Usage and Register
Alinsunod sa is highly formal. You will encounter it in legal documents, government announcements, and academic writing. It is rarely used in casual conversation unless the speaker is being intentionally stiff or official.

2. Marker Agreement
Like many Filipino prepositions, the marker changes depending on whether the object is a common noun or a person:

  • alinsunod sa + Common Noun (e.g., batas - law)
  • alinsunod kay + Singular Name (e.g., Pangulo - President)
  • alinsunod kina + Plural Names

3. Semantic Nuance
The root word is sunod (to follow). The prefix alin- adds a formal layer suggesting 'matching' or 'in the manner of.' Use this pattern when you want to emphasize that something was done because a rule required it, rather than just citing a source of information.

Examples (4)

  1. Alinsunod sa batas, kailangang magbayad ng buwis ang bawat mamamayan.

    In accordance with the law, every citizen must pay taxes.

    Word by Word: In-accordance with law, need to-pay of tax the each citizen.

    This demonstrates the most common use: following a legal mandate (batas).

  2. Ang proyektong ito ay isinagawa alinsunod sa hiling ng ating punong-guro.

    This project was carried out in accordance with our principal's request.

    Word by Word: The project this was-carried-out in-accordance with request of our principal.

    Here, it shows compliance with a specific request or directive from an authority figure.

  3. Alinsunod kay Pangulong Marcos, ang mga lungsod ay dapat magtakda ng curfew.

    Pursuant to President Marcos, the cities must set a curfew.

    Word by Word: In-accordance with President Marcos, the [plural] city should set of curfew.

    Note the use of 'kay' because it refers to a specific person (the President) as the source of the directive.

  4. Nagbago ang iskedyul alinsunod sa bagong patakaran ng kumpanya.

    The schedule changed in accordance with the new company policy.

    Word by Word: Changed the schedule in-accordance with new policy of company.

    This shows adherence to an organizational protocol or policy (patakaran).

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'alinsunod sa' for general information or news.

    Alinsunod sa balita, uulan mamaya.
    Ayon sa balita, uulan mamaya.

    Use 'ayon sa' for reporting what a source says. 'Alinsunod sa' implies you are following a rule, and the news is not a rule you obey.

  • Using the wrong marker for personal names.

    Alinsunod sa Juan, bawal pumasok dito.
    Alinsunod kay Juan, bawal pumasok dito.

    When referring to a person's specific instruction or authority, use the personal marker 'kay' instead of the common marker 'sa'.

  • 'Alinsunod sa' is correct but sounds legal.

    Different MeaningAlinsunod sa usapan natin, kita tayo sa mall.
    Gaya ng usapan natin, kita tayo sa mall.

    This sentence is fine. 'Alinsunod sa' is formal and often used for rules. With friends, 'gaya ng' or 'ayon sa' sounds more natural.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

alinsunod saLevel 4In Accordance with

Learn This First

To understand 'alinsunod sa', a learner must first be comfortable with the oblique marker 'sa', which links the preposition to its object. It is also helpful to understand how Filipino uses formal prepositional phrases to cite authority or rules, similar to the more common 'ayon sa'.

Words in This Pattern

alinsunod