日本語道場 — Nihongo Dojo

～に沿って

~ni sotte

in line with, along

When to use it

Use ～に沿って when an action is carried out in accordance with a guideline, plan, policy, request, or agenda — anything that functions as a line to be followed. It is the standard choice in business writing for showing conformity to agreed standards (方針・要望・マニュアル・スケジュール), and literally for physical things stretching along a line (川・道路). Compare ～に基づいて (based on, grounded in evidence/rules) and ～に応じて (varying in response to each case).

Formation

Noun + に沿って — 方針に沿って、ご要望に沿って（the only productive pattern; verbs and adjectives cannot attach directly）
Noun + に沿った + Noun — attributive form: 趣旨に沿った提案、ご期待に沿った結果
Noun + に沿う — plain/dictionary form, common in negatives: 実情に沿わない規定
Nominalize clauses first: 決定した内容に沿って、上記のとおりに沿って（use ～という方針／～という趣旨 to bridge）
Slightly stiffer variant に沿いまして appears in keigo speech and email

Examples

We have revised the specifications in line with your request.
Today we will proceed in accordance with the agenda.
Please ensure responses strictly follow the manual.
Rules that don't fit conditions on the ground should be revised.
We'll roll out new stores along the main highway.