follow this thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "follow this thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to adhere to or pay attention to a specific item or concept. Example: "If you want to succeed in this project, you need to follow this thing closely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"We must follow this thing through," he said.

Independent

"There's apparently this whole culture of people who follow this thing," he says.

The New York Times

You have to follow this thing step by step, inch by inch, if you want it to be handled right".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

SILK has been highly regarded by the guys that follow this sort of thing and is included in the most recent version of Skype for Windows (the Mac version with SILK will be coming in April).

TechCrunch

That was when Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, surprised the people that follow this sort of thing by calling for a thorough investigation of human rights offenses in the country.

Vice

In defiance of war and the death that follows, this ugly thing sprung two new leaves green specks of life on the naked branches that defy man's destruction.

Vice

I said to Sajad, 'If I'm going to follow this properly, the first thing I should sort out is my clothes.' I learned that a full Islamic scarf worn around the head and neck was the correct attire and I began to wear it".

The Guardian

It wasn't clear if Gates was aware that there is indeed a way to short bitcoin and that he finds it cumbersome or if he just doesn't really follow this whole crazy cryptocurrency thing at all.

TechCrunch

"And a lot of things follow this.

The New York Times

With no one to root for and no real story to follow, there's also no compelling reason, beyond the sheer trick of the thing, to follow this full circle even halfway.

Los Angeles Times

I've been trying to follow this notion that really interesting things can happen in fiction when you stay inside the limits the characters have apparently reconciled themselves to.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "follow this thing", ensure the context makes clear what "thing" refers to. Clarity is key to avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

While "follow this thing" is grammatically sound, it can sound too informal in professional or academic writing. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives like "monitor this process" or "investigate this matter".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "follow this thing" functions as a directive or instruction, urging the listener or reader to pay attention to, monitor, or understand a specific matter. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "follow this thing" is a grammatically correct phrase used to direct attention or encourage monitoring of a particular subject or matter. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, its informality makes it less suitable for formal contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, but also finds use in science and more formal writing. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "pursue this matter" or "monitor this development". Ensure clarity by explicitly defining the "thing" being referenced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pursue this matter

Focuses on actively investigating or working on a specific issue or subject.

track this item

Implies monitoring the progress or location of a particular object or subject.

monitor this development

Suggests keeping a close watch on how something evolves or progresses.

observe this phenomenon

Emphasizes the act of watching and studying a particular occurrence or event.

investigate this claim

Highlights the process of examining the validity or truth of a statement or assertion.

examine this issue

Focuses on a detailed inspection or analysis of a particular problem or concern.

adhere to this protocol

Stresses the importance of sticking to a set of rules or procedures.

stick with this plan

Encourages maintaining commitment to a course of action.

continue with this approach

Suggests persevering with a method or strategy already in use.

see this through

Encourages completing something despite difficulties or obstacles.

FAQs

What does "follow this thing" mean?

The phrase "follow this thing" generally means to pay attention to something, track its progress, or understand its implications. The specific meaning depends on the context.

What can I say instead of "follow this thing"?

You can use alternatives like "pursue this matter", "track this item", or "monitor this development" depending on the context.

Is "follow this thing" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "follow this thing" might be too informal for academic or professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives.

How can I make it clear what "thing" refers to when using "follow this thing"?

Ensure the context provides sufficient information about the "thing" you are referring to. Using a more specific term instead of "thing" can also improve clarity.