follow out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "follow out" is not commonly used in standard written English and may be considered incorrect.
It is typically intended to mean to carry out or execute a plan or instruction, but the more accepted phrase is "follow through." Example: "It's important to follow out the steps outlined in the project plan to ensure success."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

MORE Follow out Fifa presidential election liveblog.

Independent

To try and follow out a very different kind of fantasy life.

The New Yorker

Then, if you ask, "Where did the commands come from?" the answer is, "When they were built, they were built in such a way as to have certain instructions that they begin to follow out". Just like people have a genetic code, perhaps, that gives us various instructions that we begin to follow out, or certain innate psychology or what have you.

Yale University

As Lowry's Firmin contemplates: "Accept it; one is a sentimentalist, a muddler, a realist, a dreamer, coward, hero, an Englishman in short, unable to follow out his own metaphors".

The Guardian - Books

It's not unlike the way Wallace turned a major problem with distraction — you will be amazed by his television watching — into an ability to follow out a thought or topic farther than almost anyone else.

The New York Times - Books

His hopes of forcing his way back into the first-team reckoning looked unlikely even though Cesc Fabregas completed his protracted move to Barcelona today, while Samir Nasri is also expected to follow out the exit door soon.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

A paradigm shift from growth to sustainability might result either from suffering painful consequences of continuing to follow out-moded paradigms or by discussing what sort of ecosystems will be available to future generations.

Environmental Health Perspectives

The speakers agreed on the importance of compressions, on the fact that ventilation interrupts perfusion, and on the 'abysmal' survival rates (somewhere between 2% and 12%) that still follow out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Critical Care

It follows out into the community.

The New York Times - Sports

"We followed out, because everybody was wanting to get out.

The New York Times

A second optimization for inoculation rate was followed out by steepest ascent method (SAM).

Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Substitute "follow out" with established idioms like "see something through" when conveying the idea of completing a task, particularly when emphasizing dedication and perseverance.

Common error

Avoid using "follow out" interchangeably with established phrasal verbs. The lack of standardization can cause confusion. Instead, consider using phrases like "carry out", "follow through", or "implement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "follow out" functions as a phrasal verb, although it's not considered standard English. It often attempts to convey the idea of completing or executing a task, similar to more established phrasal verbs. Ludwig AI indicates that is grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

15%

Science

26%

Less common in

Wiki

18%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "follow out" appears in various contexts, it's not considered standard English. As Ludwig AI reports, it's grammatically incorrect. For clearer and more accurate communication, especially in formal settings, it is advisable to substitute "follow out" with more established alternatives such as "carry out", "follow through", or "implement". These alternatives ensure better understanding and grammatical correctness. Using "follow out" can lead to confusion; therefore, opting for recognized phrases will enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carry out

Focuses on the execution of a task or plan, similar to completing something initiated.

follow through

Implies completing something despite challenges, emphasizing perseverance.

execute

Highlights the formal and precise implementation of a plan or order.

complete

Stresses the act of finishing something that was started.

finish up

Suggests bringing something to a final state, often casually.

go through with

Emphasizes the decision to proceed with something planned, often despite potential difficulties.

leave

Indicates a departure from a place or situation.

exit

Implies a formal or official departure.

depart

Suggests a more formal or permanent leaving.

walk out

Denotes a sudden or emphatic departure, often due to disagreement or dissatisfaction.

FAQs

What does "follow out" mean?

"Follow out" is not a standard English phrase. It is often intended to mean to complete something or "carry out" instructions.

How to use "follow out" in a sentence?

While "follow out" is used in some contexts, it's better to use standard English alternatives like "carry out", "follow through" or "complete".

What can I say instead of "follow out"?

Instead of "follow out", use alternatives like "carry out", "follow through", "execute", or "implement".

Which is correct, "follow out" or "follow through"?

"Follow through" is the correct and more widely accepted phrase. It means to complete something as planned or promised, while "follow out" is considered grammatically incorrect.