Follow the authorities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Follow the authorities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to adhere to the guidance or directives provided by official figures or organizations. Example: "In times of crisis, it is crucial to follow the authorities to ensure your safety and well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Other charges may follow, the authorities added.

The New York Times

More arrests might follow, the authorities said.

The New York Times

"If we follow the authorities' orders, we will have these authorities for ever," says Tatsyana Revyaka, of the Viasna human-rights centre (which, legally, no longer exists).

The Economist

Aid workers talk nervously of creeping Afghanisation, and follow the authorities in blaming the Taliban for a lethal wave of bombings.

The Economist

Then, to compel the population to follow the authorities' recommendations and to adopt the suitable behaviour in case of a disaster, the information needs to be targeted, in order to take into account (a) the individuals' representation of the risk they incur and (b) the level of legitimacy received from the authorities in charge of risk management.

Geoenvironmental Disasters

Then, to compel the population to follow the authorities' recommendations and to adopt the appropriate behaviours in case of a disaster, the information should take into account the level of legitimacy they get for the authorities in charge of risk management (Cvetkovich 1999).

Geoenvironmental Disasters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Of these, the theory advanced by Vasumitra, a 1st 2nd-century-ce Sarvastivadin, viz., that temporal predicates are determined by the function of a dharma, is accepted by the Vaibhashikas—i.e., those among the Sarvastivadins who follow the authority of the texts known as the Vibhasha.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The classification system used (Additional file 1) follows the authorities in Kristensen [ 5], with exceptions as noted, including the following: in Pyraloidea we follow the more recent classification of Solis and Maes [ 16]; in Geometridae we update the classification following Hausmann [ 17], Holloway [ 18], Scoble [ 19] and Young [ 20].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The resurgence of the movement, which has now entered its third month, follows the authorities' clearance of some protest areas.

The Guardian

In the months that followed, the authorities would find his attaché case in a police cruiser and his body in the rubble.

The New York Times

Albertus distinguished the way to knowledge by revelation and faith from the way of philosophy and of science; the latter follows the authorities of the past according to their competence, but it also makes use of observation and proceeds by means of reason and intellect to the highest degrees of abstraction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "Follow the authorities" in safety instructions, clearly specify which authorities you are referring to (e.g. "local police", "fire department", "medical personnel") to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "Follow the authorities" without context. It can be seen as blindly advocating for obedience, which may not always be appropriate or safe. Always consider the specific situation and whether the authorities' directives are ethical and sound.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Follow the authorities" functions as an imperative, issuing a command or recommendation. It's used to urge individuals to comply with directives from official sources, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples across news, science, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Follow the authorities" is a grammatically correct imperative used to advise adherence to official guidance. Ludwig AI affirms its usability and relevance across diverse contexts, especially in safety instructions and official announcements. Although relatively uncommon, the phrase appears most frequently in news and media, science, and wiki sources. When employing this phrase, specify which authorities are referenced and ensure the directive is ethically sound. Alternatives like "obey the authorities" or "comply with official directives" can be used depending on the desired tone and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Obey the authorities

This alternative emphasizes direct obedience and compliance.

Heed the official advice

This emphasizes paying attention to and acting upon the counsel provided by authorities.

Comply with official directives

This phrase is more formal and focuses on adhering to specific instructions.

Follow the official recommendations

Similar to adhering to the guidelines, but emphasizing the recommended nature of the advice.

Be guided by official instructions

This implies relying on official sources for guidance and support.

Adhere to the guidelines

This focuses on sticking to recommended procedures or standards.

Respect the rules

This conveys a sense of deference and acceptance of established regulations.

Abide by the regulations

This suggests a legal or formal obligation to follow the rules.

Take direction from leadership

This is a broader term applicable to leadership positions, not necessarily legal authorities.

Listen to the powers that be

This is more informal and metaphorical, referring to those in control.

FAQs

How can I use "Follow the authorities" in a sentence?

You can use "Follow the authorities" when advising someone to adhere to the instructions or guidance provided by official entities. For example, "In case of a natural disaster, it is crucial to "follow the authorities" to ensure your safety".

What is the difference between "Follow the authorities" and "Obey the authorities"?

"Follow the authorities" implies adhering to guidance and instructions, while "Obey the authorities" suggests a more direct and potentially unquestioning compliance. The former allows for more nuanced understanding, while the latter is a stronger command.

What can I say instead of "Follow the authorities"?

You can use alternatives like "comply with official directives", "adhere to the guidelines", or "heed the official advice" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "Follow the authorities"?

It's appropriate to use "Follow the authorities" when providing general safety instructions, especially in emergency situations or when referring to established protocols. However, ensure that the context warrants such advice, as blind obedience isn't always advisable.