followed the steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "followed the steps" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of adhering to a set of instructions or procedures. Example: "After I followed the steps outlined in the manual, the device started working perfectly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We followed the steps until we were under the bridge.

The Guardian - Books

On the Ethiopian Airlines flight, pilots appear to have followed the steps to disengage the system.

The New York Times

MOVING to the beat of the music blasting from a CD player, the 25 students, lined up in three rows, followed the steps of their dance teacher.

The New York Times

As I came off the ferry, I literally followed the steps he would have taken into the Beaux-Arts main building.

The New York Times - Arts

"I followed the steps of the doctors that were watching me and I made it back on the court, thankfully," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Republicans said the immigration agency was rushing the background checks and taking officers away from cases of foreigners who followed the steps to apply through the legal system.

The New York Times

If you followed the steps above, deselect the 4 July data by removing the text and clicking "OK" or by clicking on the "precipitation" link in the source bar.

Columbia University

Once the system kicked in, the report said, the pilots appear to have followed the steps in the checklist that Boeing issued after the crash of Lion Air Flight 302 in October.

The New York Times

If they have not proven accountable and you are reasonably certain that you followed the steps above, then they are not a good fit for the role, and you should release them from it (change roles, fire them, etc.).

Harvard Business Review

Peering with both eyes at the electrical outlet across the room (you see the ball better with two eyes than one, Albert Pujols says), I followed the steps on my crib sheet.

The New York Times - Sports

If you followed the steps to this point, then there's no need to overthink things.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "followed the steps", ensure the context clearly indicates which steps are being referred to. If not immediately obvious, provide a reference (e.g., "followed the steps outlined in the manual").

Common error

Avoid using "followed the steps" without specifying which steps you are referring to. This can lead to confusion. Be specific by including a source or description of the steps.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "followed the steps" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of adhering to and executing a series of actions or instructions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. It typically acts as the predicate of a clause, describing what the subject did.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

38%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "followed the steps" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe adherence to a series of instructions or a procedure. As Ludwig AI states, it's usable in written English. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, and its register is generally neutral, though the level of formality can vary with the surrounding vocabulary. When using this phrase, it's important to provide a clear reference to the steps being followed to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhered to the procedure

Implies a more formal and precise compliance with a set of actions.

complied with the guidelines

Focuses on conforming to a set of rules or recommendations.

executed the instructions

Highlights the act of carrying out specific directives.

observed the process

Suggests watching and then replicating a particular sequence of actions.

acted according to the plan

Emphasizes adherence to a pre-defined course of action.

conformed to the method

Indicates aligning with a standardized or accepted way of doing something.

stuck to the script

Suggests strictly following a predetermined sequence, often in a performance or presentation context.

kept to the schedule

Implies adherence to a time-bound sequence of actions.

maintained the order

Emphasizes keeping the proper sequence of steps.

respected the protocol

Highlights the importance of adhering to a set of rules, like medical protocols.

FAQs

How can I use "followed the steps" in a sentence?

You can use "followed the steps" to describe adhering to a set of instructions or a procedure. For example, "I "followed the steps" in the recipe, but the cake didn't rise."

What's a more formal alternative to "followed the steps"?

Formal alternatives include "adhered to the procedure" or "complied with the guidelines". These options are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What is the difference between "followed the steps" and "followed the instructions"?

"Followed the steps" refers to a sequence of actions, while "followed the instructions" is a broader term encompassing any type of direction. "Followed the instructions" might include non-step-by-step guidance, whereas "followed the steps" implies a specific order or sequence.

Is it correct to say "I followed the steps correctly"?

Yes, it's correct. It emphasizes that the steps were not only followed but also executed properly. A similar construction would be, "If it starts, then you "followed the steps" correctly."