follow the example

USAGE SUMMARY

"follow the example" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to encourage someone to mimic someone else's behavior (e.g. "If you want to make a successful presentation, follow the example of your successful colleague.").

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Now he can he follow the example.

The New York Times

Maybe he'll follow the example of New Zealand.

The Guardian - Money

The hope is that others will follow the example.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Hopefully other companies and football clubs will follow the example.

The Guardian - Business

Just follow the example of OKCupid from last week.

The Guardian - Opinion

This would follow the example of Italy's 1985 Marcora Law.

The Guardian - Opinion

It isn't always clever to follow the example of Americans.

The Guardian

He should follow the example of America's friends.

The Economist

She said that government and private institutions should follow the example of successful businesses.

The New York Times

Australian banks need to follow the example of overseas banks and say no".

The Guardian - Business

But Ms. Brown cautioned that regulators there were unlikely to follow the example soon.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "follow the example", specify whose example you are referring to for clarity. For instance, "Follow the example of successful entrepreneurs like Elon Musk."

Common error

Ensure your sentences clearly indicate whose example should be followed. Ambiguous statements like "Everyone should follow the example" lack specific direction and reduce the impact of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "follow the example" functions as an imperative, urging someone to emulate or imitate a particular behavior or action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. The phrase serves to guide or advise, drawing from established precedents.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

13%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

12%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "follow the example" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to advise or instruct someone to imitate a behavior or strategy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is adaptable across various contexts, from news and media to formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify whose example you're referencing for clarity. While alternatives exist, such as "emulate the precedent" or "mimic the model", the simplicity and directness of "follow the example" make it a versatile choice for guiding actions and promoting positive outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mirror the approach

Highlights a direct reflection or replication of a particular method or tactic.

emulate the precedent

Emphasizes formal imitation, particularly of a legal or procedural action. It is more formal.

adopt the practice

Focuses on incorporating a specific method or routine that has already been proven effective.

duplicate the process

Directs one to replicate a specific series of steps or procedures exactly.

mimic the model

Suggests a close and potentially detailed imitation of a specific design or prototype.

pattern yourself after

Implies a conscious and deliberate effort to align one's actions or qualities with another person.

take a page from someone's book

Implies adopting a specific strategy or method from another person's approach.

walk in someone's footsteps

Suggests following a path or career that someone else has already pioneered.

go by the book

This emphasizes adherence to rules and established practices, rather than emulating a specific person or action.

take after someone

Suggests that someone resembles or behaves like an older relative or mentor.

FAQs

How can I use "follow the example" in a sentence?

Use "follow the example" to suggest imitating a successful or positive behavior. For instance, "If you want to improve your writing, "follow the example" of established authors."

What does "follow the example" mean?

The phrase "follow the example" means to imitate or emulate someone's behavior, actions, or methods, typically because they are successful or admirable.

Is it better to "follow the example" or create your own path?

Whether to "follow the example" or create your own path depends on the situation. "Following the example" can provide a proven strategy, while creating your own path allows for innovation and originality.

What are some alternatives to "follow the example"?

You can use alternatives like "emulate the precedent", "mimic the model", or "take a page from someone's book" depending on the context.