follow the example of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'follow the example of' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when you are trying to encourage someone to do something similarly to what another person has done. For example, you could say, "Let's follow the example of other countries and reduce our carbon emissions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Maybe he'll follow the example of New Zealand.

The Guardian - Money

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

Bush has sought to follow the example of Major in his re-election efforts.

The New Yorker

I hope that Austria won't follow the example of Hungary or Poland in the future.

The Guardian

Do not follow the example of Kate Middleton's mother, who said "Pleased to meet you".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Republican whip said the president should follow the example of Nancy Reagan's efforts against drugs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "follow the example of", ensure the subject you're referencing is widely recognized as a positive role model or successful case to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "follow the example of" when the referenced subject has a controversial reputation. This can undermine your credibility and confuse your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "follow the example of" functions as an infinitive phrase introducing a suggestion, recommendation, or directive to imitate or emulate someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and wide usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Tech

3%

Huffington Post

3%

BBC

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "follow the example of" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to advocate for the imitation or emulation of successful behaviors, strategies, or models. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media. To effectively utilize this phrase, ensure that the subject being referenced is reputable and well-regarded, as misattribution can undermine the message. Consider alternatives like "emulate" or "take a cue from" to fine-tune the desired nuance. By following these guidelines, you can harness the persuasive power of "follow the example of" to inspire action and drive positive outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take as a model

Directly suggests adopting someone as a pattern or guide, emphasizing a deliberate choice to imitate.

emulate the actions of

Emphasizes direct replication of actions, differing by focusing solely on actions rather than broader examples.

adopt the practices of

Emphasizes implementing established methods or routines, differing by focusing on specific practices rather than overall conduct.

pattern after

Suggests using someone or something as a template for creation or behavior, differing slightly in its constructive connotation.

take a cue from

Implies learning and adapting from another's actions, presenting a more nuanced approach than direct imitation.

mirror the strategy of

Specifically refers to imitating a strategy, narrowing the scope to planned actions rather than overall example.

walk in the footsteps of

Metaphorically suggests following a path or legacy, adding a sense of historical or significant influence.

draw inspiration from

Highlights the inspirational aspect of following someone's lead, differing by suggesting a creative influence.

mimic the behavior of

Focuses on copying behavior, often implying a more superficial or less thoughtful imitation.

go by the book of

Implies adhering to established rules or standards, differing by suggesting a more rigid adherence to guidelines.

FAQs

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

You can use "follow the example of" to suggest emulation or imitation of a person or entity's actions. For instance, "We should "follow the example of" countries that have successfully reduced carbon emissions".

What are some alternatives to "follow the example of"?

Alternatives include "emulate", "mimic", "take a cue from", or "draw inspiration from", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "follow the example of" or "emulate"?

"Follow the example of" is more descriptive and explicitly references imitation, while "emulate" is a more concise, formal term for the same concept. The choice depends on your desired level of detail and formality.

What's the difference between "follow the example of" and "take inspiration from"?

"Follow the example of" implies a more direct copying or imitation of specific actions or behaviors. "Take inspiration from", on the other hand, suggests a more creative and transformative adaptation, where you are influenced by someone's work or approach but not necessarily replicating it exactly. You are encouraged to "draw inspiration from".