GRAMMAR DETAIL

に沿って

in accordance with · along

Indicates acting without departing from a guiding object such as a route or policy.

Examples

案内図に沿って歩けば、迷わず会場に着ける。

If you walk according to the guide map, you can reach the venue without getting lost.

規則に沿って申請書を書いてください。

Please fill out the application form in accordance with the rules.

川に沿って細い道が続いている。

A narrow road continues along the river.

Structure: に沿って（にそって） describes proceeding or being arranged along a reference such as a route or policy.
Basic usage: 川に沿って細い道が続いている。 describes a narrow road continuing along the river's course.

A spatial line versus a guide for action
- 川に沿って uses the river as a spatial reference line, while 規則に沿って uses rules as a guide for action. The preceding noun distinguishes physical alignment from following instructions.
Sotta before a noun
- 方針に沿った説明 describes an explanation consistent with a policy. 方針に沿って説明する modifies how one explains, whereas 沿った connects before the noun.