follow exactly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "follow exactly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to emphasize that something should be done precisely, without deviation. For example, you could say: "Please follow the instructions exactly to ensure the best results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I didn't follow exactly what he was getting at.

The New Yorker

Did anyone follow exactly how he was killed?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I follow exactly the artist's brush strokes and perspective," Mr. Johnson said.

The New York Times

Her grandparents didn't speak much English and so couldn't follow exactly what was going on.

The New York Times - Books

Unfortunately for Romney, Obama's campaign team is planning to follow exactly the same strategy in reverse.

The New Yorker

(In fact, for large networks it can be extremely difficult to follow exactly how an output was determined).

Encyclopedia Britannica

For the first time, a donor could follow exactly what happened to the donation - see the budgets and the progress reports.

The Guardian

BME associations follow exactly the same rules on housing allocation as today's mainstream associations; there are no racial qualifications for tenancies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Still, no two trips along the trail follow exactly the same path, thanks to the constantly shifting coastline and the tides.

The New York Times - Travel

(Not even Europe and America follow exactly the same tactics: America bans all financial transactions with Myanmar, but European banks continue to provide an economic lifeline).

The Economist

These developing economies will not follow exactly the same path as the OECD countries have done, but most people see a continued rise in global demand for oil and gas, before it reaches a downward turning point.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, use "follow exactly" to ensure the recipient understands the importance of precision. For example, "To assemble the device correctly, follow exactly the steps outlined in the manual".

Common error

Avoid using "follow exactly" when some degree of adaptation or creativity is expected. Instead, use phrases like "follow closely" or "use as a guideline" to allow for necessary adjustments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "follow exactly" functions as a directive, urging the audience to adhere strictly to a set of instructions or a specific procedure. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and examples demonstrate its use across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "follow exactly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used directive. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it emphasizes the importance of precision and adherence to specific instructions or procedures. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, including science, news and media, and formal business settings, reflecting its versatility and relevance. However, it's crucial to consider the context and avoid its use when flexibility is required. Alternatives such as "adhere precisely" or "implement strictly" can provide nuanced options depending on the intended emphasis. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively employ "follow exactly" to convey the need for accuracy and consistency in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhere precisely

This alternative highlights strict adherence and precision but is slightly more formal.

implement strictly

Emphasizes the strictness of the implementation process.

keep to rigorously

This option stresses the importance of sticking to something without deviations.

execute faithfully

Focuses on the faithful execution of instructions, implying a sense of duty or commitment.

duplicate accurately

Focuses on creating an accurate copy or replica, emphasizing accuracy.

replicate precisely

Focuses on creating an exact copy or reproduction.

mimic perfectly

Focuses on achieving a perfect imitation or likeness.

observe meticulously

Highlights careful and detailed observation, shifting focus slightly from action to observation.

emulate closely

Implies striving to match a model or example as closely as possible.

obey scrupulously

Indicates a strong sense of moral or ethical obligation in following instructions.

FAQs

How can I use "follow exactly" in a sentence?

You can use "follow exactly" to emphasize the need for precision when giving instructions. For example, "Please "follow exactly" the recipe to ensure the cake rises properly."

What are some alternatives to "follow exactly"?

Some alternatives include "adhere precisely", "implement strictly", or "execute faithfully", depending on the specific context.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "follow exactly"?

Yes, it can be inappropriate if flexibility or creativity is required. In such cases, consider using phrases like "follow closely" or "use as a guideline".

What's the difference between "follow exactly" and "follow closely"?

"Follow exactly" implies a need for strict adherence to every detail, while "follow closely" suggests a need to generally adhere to the instructions but allows for some minor deviations or adaptations.