Obey/follow/keep the law

Question

Could you tell me which one sounds right and natural among 'obey', 'follow', and 'keep' in the following sentence?

We must [obey/follow/keep] the law.

Can I replace 'the' law' with 'law' or 'laws'? Which one of 'law', 'the law', and 'laws' is most suitable for the sentences?

GPY · Accepted Answer

lucas21cWe must [obey/follow/keep] the law.

"obey" is much the most common choice. "follow" makes sense; "keep" hardly makes sense.

lucas21cCan I replace 'the' law' with 'law' or 'laws'? Which one of 'law', 'the law', and 'laws' is most suitable for the sentences?

We must obey the law. -- normally "the law" refers to the whole body of laws applicable in a certain country or jurisdiction; depending on context, it may also refer to a single law that has been mentioned or can be inferred from context
We must obey laws. -- laws in general
We must obey the laws. -- some particular laws that have been mentioned or can be inferred from context
We must obey law. -- hardly possible

Teechr · Answer

I've heard "keep the law" used for religious contexts; look at meaning #4.2 here:
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/keep

Obey/follow/keep the law

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2 Answers

GPY

Teechr