follow strictly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "follow strictly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone should adhere precisely to the established rules, regulations, or instructions without any exceptions. For example, "We must follow the school's regulations strictly in order to maintain safety for everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

However, the participants perceived the blame from the urologists to be a lack of empathy towards them, as indicated by the following recollection by one of the participants: It is not easy for me to follow strictly the treatment plan, because I have my commitment to my family, children, and work.

BMC Women's Health

The panels themselves follow strictly controlled lines of enquiry.

The Guardian

I don't want them to listen to me and follow strictly what I say.

The Guardian - Sport

"If you follow strictly the ritual, there will be no harm to the baby," he said.

The New York Times

Neo-Kantian influence led him to eliminate from his thought all psychological terms and to follow strictly the path of logical thinking to the end.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even lyric poems can possess plot in this sense, but by no means are all literary works so structured, nor does such structure ensure their merit it can be safely said that westerns, detective stories, and cheap melodramas are more likely to follow strictly the rules of Aristotle's Poetics than are great novels.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

And so we have serious doubts whether this advice can be followed, strictly speaking.

The New York Times - Health

A problem-solving algorithm is a procedure that is guaranteed to produce a solution if it is followed strictly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A street-level walk back took nearly 20 minutes, if lights were followed strictly; a third trip, with aggressive jaywalking, lasted over 16 minutes.

The New York Times

Finally, there was the matter of the schedule, which had to be followed strictly by every rider and maintained day and night, in all weather, without exceptions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This commitment has been carried out and followed strictly by our company.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "follow strictly", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being followed (e.g., rules, guidelines, procedures) to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "follow the safety guidelines strictly" rather than just "follow strictly".

Common error

Avoid using "follow strictly" in contexts where flexibility and adaptation are necessary. Using it inappropriately can convey an unyielding and potentially negative attitude.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "follow strictly" functions as a verb phrase, where "follow" is the main verb and "strictly" is an adverb modifying the verb. It indicates the manner in which something is to be followed or adhered to. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

27%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "follow strictly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys the necessity of adhering to rules or instructions precisely. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is commonly found in scientific and news contexts, as shown by Ludwig's examples, where adherence to protocols and regulations is paramount. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, especially in contexts where some degree of flexibility might be required. Remember to clearly define what is being followed to avoid any ambiguity. Alternatives like "adhere meticulously" or "comply rigorously" can be considered based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stick rigidly

Implies a firm and unyielding adherence, possibly lacking flexibility.

comply rigorously

Focuses on meeting requirements with strictness and precision, suitable for formal contexts.

maintain strict adherence

Highlights the act of keeping a strong and unwavering commitment.

adhere meticulously

Emphasizes careful and detailed adherence, slightly more formal.

act in strict accordance

Indicates acting according to a set of rules or guidelines in a formal or legal context.

fulfill precisely

Focuses on perfect execution of a task or a set of instructions.

observe scrupulously

Highlights ethical or moral adherence, adds a sense of conscientiousness.

execute faultlessly

Highlights error-free execution according to the instructions.

obey without fail

Highlights the importance of always following the rules, no exceptions.

keep to the letter

Focuses on literal compliance with instructions, often implying a lack of flexibility.

FAQs

What does it mean to "follow strictly"?

To "follow strictly" means to adhere closely and precisely to a set of rules, guidelines, or instructions without any deviation or exceptions.

Are there alternatives to the phrase "follow strictly"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "adhere meticulously", "comply rigorously", or "stick rigidly" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to "follow strictly"?

No, it's not always appropriate. "Follow strictly" implies a lack of flexibility. In situations that require adaptation or critical thinking, a more flexible approach might be necessary.

How do I use "follow strictly" in a sentence?

You can use "follow strictly" to emphasize the importance of adhering to rules or instructions. For example, "All employees must follow safety regulations strictly" or "Students are expected to follow the exam instructions strictly".