follow your example

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "follow your example" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it as an exhortation to someone to imitate the behavior that you have demonstrated. For example, you might say, "You've always been so generous and kind. Please, follow your example and pass on the goodwill to others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"We should follow your example," Beth said.

The New Yorker

What advice would you give to younger women keen to follow your example?

The Guardian

Q. Do you think publishers who follow your example are guaranteed some measure of commercial success?

The New York Times - Arts

You set such high standards for yourself in every area of your life and we will strive to follow your example of excellence.

The New York Times

However, it's perfectly all right for you to pick up an occasional pair of Goodwill jeans, because few people of means will follow your example, and so there will be pants at Goodwill for all who need them.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sorry, but this party wasn't about cleaning green, but about being able to make gestures that cost little while enabling you to feel good about yourself, and morally superior to those who don't follow your example.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

A lot of us believed in you, followed your example.

The New York Times - Magazine

I would love it if people followed your example and read the book if not twice then at least one and half times because, yes, the Venice part does change in the light of the Varanasi part, i.e., it's not just sex and coke and party banter!

The New Yorker

"If they followed your example of combining quality with fair pricing and good customer service, the economy would rebound".

Huffington Post

I encourage others to follow your fine example and shed their burdens by taking on the burdens of others.

Los Angeles Times

"When you release yours, will you follow your father's example?" John King, the moderator asked.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When encouraging someone, be specific about the aspect of the "example" you want them to emulate. For instance, "Follow your example of resilience" offers more clarity than a general statement.

Common error

Don't use "follow your example" as a generic compliment. Provide context about the specific qualities or actions that make the example worth following to give it more meaning and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "follow your example" serves as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to imitate the actions, behaviors, or principles demonstrated by the speaker or someone else. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is indeed commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

28%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "follow your example" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to encourage imitation of someone's behavior or principles. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is indeed commonly used in written English. It is versatile, fitting into various contexts from news and media to academic discussions. The phrase carries a neutral tone, suitable for both formal and informal communication, with a primary function of motivation and inspiration. While widely accepted, it's important to use it with specificity, highlighting the particular aspects of the "example" that are worth emulating to maximize its impact and avoid vague praise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Follow in your footsteps

Emphasizes progressing along a similar path or career as someone else.

Model myself after you

Implies a deliberate and comprehensive imitation of someone's character and behavior.

Emulate your behavior

Focuses on imitating specific actions or conduct.

Adopt your approach

Concentrates on imitating a specific methodology or way of doing things.

Mirror your actions

Highlights a direct and often conscious imitation of someone's behavior.

Be guided by your principles

Stresses the importance of adhering to someone's moral or ethical standards.

Take a page from your book

Suggests adopting a successful strategy or method from someone.

Take inspiration from you

Focuses on being motivated and influenced by someone's achievements or qualities.

Use you as a benchmark

Suggests using someone as a standard for comparison and aspiration.

Walk the path you've paved

Highlights following a trail or direction someone has created through their efforts.

FAQs

How can I encourage someone to "follow your example"?

Be specific about the behavior or quality you admire and want them to emulate. For instance, you might say, "I hope others will "adopt your method" of problem-solving" or "Mirror your actions when facing challenges."

What are some alternatives to "follow your example"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "emulate your behavior", "follow in your footsteps", or "take a page from your book" to convey a similar meaning.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "follow your example"?

It's appropriate when you want someone to imitate positive behaviors, successful strategies, or admirable qualities you've demonstrated. It's especially effective when offering guidance or encouragement.

Is "follow your example" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, the specific context and your relationship with the person will influence how it's perceived. In very formal situations, consider more sophisticated alternatives.