follow the text

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "follow the text" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to adhere to or reference a specific written document or passage. Example: "To complete the assignment accurately, please follow the text provided in the guidelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Footnotes follow the text; headnotes precede it.

The New York Times - Books

So what I've learned is: follow the text".

The New York Times

In any case your defense counsel can follow the text and will be able to verify it.

Yale University

Across the divide, the women, all wearing hats (except for the one or two unmarried ones) follow the text in their own books.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even when an American company performs an English-language work, titles are typically employed to help the audience follow the text.

The New York Times - Arts

There were no surtitles or text in the free programme, but audience members were encouraged to download an app and follow the text on their phones.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Discomfort over the delicacy of lieder usually vanishes if you follow the texts of the greatest songs.

The New Yorker

Lay people can of course pray privately in a church in whatever way they wish, and are not required to follow the texts of official prayer books.

The Guardian - Music

Did you follow the "Texts From Hillary" meme when it was popular?

Huffington Post

Have I followed the text?

The Guardian - Music

However, the practical implementation of Scrum in companies rarely follows the text book ideals, as companies often deviate from the proposed Scrum practices for various reasons.

Information and Software Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to perform a task, use "follow the text" to ensure they adhere strictly to the provided instructions or information.

Common error

Avoid assuming "follow the text" means simply reading it. It often implies a need to act according to the instructions or information presented in the text.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "follow the text" functions primarily as an instructional directive, urging the reader or listener to adhere to the content of a written material. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

28%

Science

24%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "follow the text" is a grammatically correct phrase that serves as a directive to adhere to written material. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. While not exceedingly common, it finds frequent use in news, academic, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, remember that it implies more than just reading; it suggests acting in accordance with the text's content. Alternative phrases include "adhere to the text" or "refer to the text". Overall, "follow the text" is a useful phrase when clear and precise adherence to written instructions or information is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhere to the text

This alternative emphasizes strict compliance with the written material.

refer to the text

This alternative suggests consulting the text for information or guidance.

consult the text

Similar to "refer to the text", but implies a more thorough examination.

read the text carefully

This emphasizes the act of reading and understanding the text in detail.

study the text

This suggests a deeper engagement with the text, often for academic purposes.

understand the text

This focuses on the comprehension aspect of engaging with the text.

interpret the text

This implies analyzing and explaining the meaning of the text.

analyze the text

This suggests a detailed examination of the text's structure and content.

take the text as a guide

This emphasizes using the text as a source of direction or instruction.

be guided by the text

Similar to "take the text as a guide", highlighting the text's influence.

FAQs

What does "follow the text" mean?

"Follow the text" generally means to adhere to the instructions, information, or arguments presented in a written document or passage.

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

You can use it to instruct someone to adhere to written instructions. For example, "To assemble the furniture correctly, "follow the instructions" in the manual" is very similar.

What can I say instead of "follow the text"?

You can use alternatives like "adhere to the text", "refer to the text", or "consult the text" depending on the context.

Is "follow the text" formal or informal language?

"Follow the text" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the communication.