follow the template

USAGE SUMMARY

"follow the template" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to advise someone to use a pre-defined format or outline to complete a task or project. For example: "Please follow the template provided when writing your essay to ensure that you include all the required elements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Some of the new ones follow the template.

The Guardian - Music

Almost all, however, follow the template of the 914 paper path: feeder, printer, fuser, stacker.

The New Yorker

In combining music with the word, from the voice on down, you follow the template he laid out.

The New Yorker

One-third think about it but follow the template of how things were done in the past.

Harvard Business Review

Whenever you read stories about identical twins separated at birth, they tend to follow the template set by the most remarkable of them all: the "two Jims".

The Guardian

And Ritchie said the review would not be analysing his own decision-making but would follow the template set by previous Six Nations reviews that he has led.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Each followed the template Cesno offered for a good story — compelling characters overcoming obstacles.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Lagercrantz's continuation, while never formulaic, is a cleaner and tighter read than the originals, although he follows the template in building the plot slowly and methodically.

The Guardian - Books

Following the template of the best gothic romances, the grande dame of melodrama has been made redundant by a younger and more alluring rival.

The Guardian - Books

While TWPGAT13 slavishly follows the template set down by the first Tiger Woods games more than a decade ago, there are some updates and changes.

The Guardian - Tech

Contemporary politics follows the template of Vladimir Lenin's basic precept: kto-kogo, literally "who-whom," meaning who does what to whom.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "follow the template", ensure the template is readily available and clearly understood by the user to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid treating templates as immutable rules. Recognize that while templates provide structure, there may be room for necessary adaptations based on specific needs or contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "follow the template" functions primarily as an imperative, directing someone to adhere to a pre-defined structure or format. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase, making it suitable for clear and concise instructions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

28%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "follow the template" is a common and grammatically sound imperative used to instruct adherence to a pre-defined structure. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous examples indicates its primary function is to provide guidance and ensure consistency across various domains. While generally neutral to professional in register, it's frequently observed in contexts like news, scientific research, and general instructions. Users should be aware of the template's availability and intended flexibility, recognizing that strict adherence isn't always necessary. Related phrases offer alternative ways to express similar ideas, adjusting for formality or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhere to the template

Replaces "follow" with a more formal synonym, "adhere", making the phrase slightly more appropriate for formal contexts.

stick to the template

Substitutes "follow" with "stick to", implying a more rigid adherence to the given template.

conform to the template

Employs "conform", suggesting compliance with the template's requirements or standards.

comply with the template

Uses "comply" which highlights the obligatory aspect of adhering to the template.

use the template as a guide

Changes the focus to using the template as a directional tool rather than strictly adhering to it.

act in accordance with the template

Replaces "follow" with the more formal "act in accordance with", creating a more formal tone.

observe the template's guidelines

Shifts the focus to "guidelines" which suggests a less rigid and more advisory usage of the template.

mirror the template

Suggests replicating or reflecting the template's structure closely.

pattern after the template

Indicates using the template as a model or example to emulate.

model your approach on the template

Focuses on using the template to shape one's method or strategy, rather than direct adherence.

FAQs

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

You can use "follow the template" to instruct someone to adhere to a predefined structure. For example, "Please "follow the template" when submitting your report to ensure all required sections are included".

What is an alternative to "follow the template"?

Alternatives to "follow the template" include "adhere to the template", "stick to the template", or "use the template as a guide", depending on the desired nuance.

Is it always necessary to "follow the template" strictly?

While templates provide a useful framework, strict adherence may not always be necessary or appropriate. Consider whether deviations from the template may better suit the specific context or requirements of the task.

Which is correct: "follow the template" or "following the template"?

"Follow the template" is typically used as an instruction or imperative. "Following the template" might be used as a gerund or participial phrase, for instance, "Following the template ensures consistency across all submissions".