followed procedure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "followed procedure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has adhered to a specific set of guidelines or steps in a process. Example: "The technician followed procedure to ensure the equipment was safely repaired."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

He has not followed procedure.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lithuania insists it followed procedure exactly.

The Economist

He looked nervously at Bich. "I followed procedure".

The Guardian

That was what the higher ups trained them to do and they followed procedure.

University of California, Berkeley

"The other guys felt they'd followed procedure, done what they had to do, didn't get him, and they've moved on.

The New Yorker

If the trial shows anything it's that they're not guilty of any crime and that they followed procedure implicitly.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"Where I have not followed procedures, I can only say that I'm sorry".

The Guardian

"This student hadn't followed procedures," says Kinnison.

Science Magazine

In a statement, British Airways said that the pilots had become "unwell" and followed procedures properly.

Huffington Post

Subsequently we extracted plasmids and followed procedures described previously [23].

Plosone

Immunohistochemistry followed procedures described previously.

Annals of Neurology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal reports or legal documents, use "followed procedure" instead of more casual alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Avoid implying that "procedure" is a mere suggestion. Emphasize the importance of adherence to ensure clarity and avoid potential misunderstandings about the necessity of following protocol.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "followed procedure" functions as a verb phrase indicating adherence to a set of established guidelines or steps. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase denotes compliance in various contexts, reinforcing its function as a descriptor of actions taken in accordance with protocol.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

36%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "followed procedure" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to indicate adherence to established guidelines or protocols. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and wiki sources. While the phrase is generally neutral to professional in register, understanding its nuances and using related phrases like "adhered to protocol" or "complied with guidelines" can enhance clarity and precision in writing. Remembering that procedure is not merely a suggestion but a series of compulsory actions to be executed ensures precision and accuracy in conveying intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhered to protocol

Focuses more specifically on adhering to a formal set of rules or guidelines.

complied with guidelines

Emphasizes compliance with specific guidelines, often in a regulatory context.

acted according to regulations

Highlights acting in accordance with established regulations or rules.

observed the rules

Simple and direct, focusing on the act of observing or following rules.

conformed to standards

Stresses conformity to established standards, often in a professional or technical context.

executed the process correctly

Highlights the correct execution of a defined process or series of steps.

acted by the book

Informal, suggesting strict adherence to rules or regulations.

stayed within the lines

Figurative and informal, implying adherence to boundaries or limits.

remained compliant

Emphasizes the state of being compliant with rules or regulations.

maintained conformity

Focuses on the act of maintaining a state of conformity with established standards.

FAQs

How can I use "followed procedure" in a sentence?

You can use "followed procedure" to indicate that someone has adhered to a specific set of guidelines or steps in a process. For example, "The technician "followed procedure" to ensure the equipment was safely repaired."

What are some alternatives to "followed procedure"?

Alternatives include "adhered to protocol", "complied with guidelines", or "acted according to regulations", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "followed procedure" or "followed procedures"?

Both are correct, but "followed procedure" is often used when referring to a specific, well-defined set of steps. "Followed procedures" might be more appropriate when referring to multiple sets of guidelines or a more general adherence to protocol.

What does it mean when someone says they "followed procedure"?

It typically means they acted in accordance with established guidelines, rules, or protocols. This indicates that actions were taken systematically and in compliance with predetermined standards.