followed his example

USAGE SUMMARY

'followed his example' is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, you could say "Many of his colleagues followed his example and also began learning a new language."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Lesser officials followed his example.

The Economist

Jesús soon followed his example.

The New Yorker

But no other Mets followed his example.

The New York Times - Sports

I should have followed his example.

The Guardian - Opinion

Other officials later followed his example.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The important thing is that Mexico has not followed his example, Chile has not followed his example, Peru has not followed his example, Colombia has not followed his example, Brazil has not followed his example.

The New York Times

One by one, later nominees followed his example.

The New York Times

Many other monks followed his example as the war intensified.

The New York Times

Everywhere people followed his example and mass arrests followed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Kangxi Emperor's grandson, the Qianlong Emperor, followed his example and also made six southern tours.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Students follow his example.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing widespread imitation, consider using "followed his example" to emphasize the impact and influence of the original action.

Common error

While "followed his example" is a useful phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "emulated", "imitated", or "mirrored" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "followed his example" serves as a verbal phrase indicating imitation or emulation of someone's behavior or actions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It highlights a causal relationship where one person's actions serve as a model for another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "followed his example" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that someone has imitated or emulated another person's actions. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English. It frequently appears in news and media, as well as in encyclopedic and academic contexts, marking its versatility across diverse writing styles. When using this phrase, remember to vary your language with synonyms to prevent redundancy. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively incorporate "followed his example" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imitated his actions

Focuses on the act of copying specific actions, suggesting a more direct and perhaps less comprehensive form of emulation.

emulated his behavior

Suggests a conscious effort to match someone's conduct, often implying admiration or respect for the person being emulated.

mirrored his approach

Implies a close resemblance in method or style, as if reflecting an image.

took a leaf out of his book

This idiomatic expression suggests adopting a specific tactic or strategy from someone.

walked in his footsteps

Suggests a deliberate attempt to follow someone's path or career, often with the intention of achieving similar success.

modeled themselves after him

Indicates that someone has used another person as a pattern or ideal for their own development or behavior.

acted in accordance with his example

Highlights that actions were consistent with the principles.

replicated his methods

Focuses specifically on duplicating a set of procedures.

patterned their conduct on his

Implies that conduct was designed to be like his.

did as he did

This is a more simple and direct way of saying someone followed another person's actions.

FAQs

How can I use "followed his example" in a sentence?

You can use "followed his example" to indicate that someone has imitated or emulated another person's actions or behavior. For instance, "After the CEO donated to charity, many employees "followed his example"."

What's a good alternative to "followed his example"?

Alternatives include "imitated his actions", "emulated his behavior", or "mirrored his approach". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "followed his example" in formal writing?

Yes, "followed his example" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its clarity and common usage make it versatile across various contexts.

Can "followed his example" be used in a negative context?

Yes, depending on the context. For example, "Despite warnings, the new recruit "followed his example" of cutting corners, leading to serious repercussions."