following commands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "following commands" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a set of instructions or directives that are to be executed or adhered to. Example: "Please execute the following commands to complete the installation process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This guy is still walking and following commands".

The New York Times

Sync usefully managed my iPod, following commands to play specific songs, albums, artists, genres or playlists.

The New York Times

The dogs, following commands and whistles, showed them how the job was done.

The New York Times

So don't be surprised if your Google Home or Amazon Echo begin to talk back, rather than simply following commands.

The Guardian - Tech

That Chris's friends and family saw him following commands was proof of their denial, not of Chris's recovery.

The New York Times - Magazine

The rest of the neurological exam was limited, as the patient was not following commands consistently.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

For their part, Tulsa cops have suggested Crutcher was behaving erratically and not following commands.

Vice

Although initially alert and oriented, within 4 h she became difficult to arouse and was not following commands.

Emerging Microbes and Infections

Upon arrival at an outside hospital, the patient was nonverbal, not following commands and without purposeful movements.

Acta neuropathologica communications

Enter the following commands below.

WikiHow

Again reward the dog for following commands.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a subject's cognitive abilities, use "following commands" to indicate a basic level of understanding and responsiveness, as opposed to more complex reasoning.

Common error

Be careful not to assume that a person or entity "following commands" necessarily possesses higher-level thinking or problem-solving abilities. The phrase indicates basic obedience, not necessarily comprehension or independent thought.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "following commands" functions as a participial phrase, often used adjectivally to describe a noun's action or state. Ludwig shows it frequently describes subjects acting in response to instructions, either literally as in "dogs" or figuratively as in "software".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "following commands" is a common and grammatically correct participial phrase used to describe the act of obeying instructions. As shown by Ludwig, it appears in various contexts, from scientific and news reports to general guides. The usage of the phrase is typically neutral, with a clear emphasis on obedience and responsiveness. Be mindful of overstating the level of cognitive function implied by simply "following commands". Ludwig AI analysis of real world English corroborates the acceptability and broad applicability of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obeying directives

Replaces "commands" with "directives", implying a more formal set of instructions.

adhering to instructions

Focuses on the act of sticking closely to the provided instructions.

complying with orders

Uses "complying" and "orders" to suggest a more hierarchical or authoritative context.

executing instructions

Emphasizes the action of carrying out the provided instructions.

carrying out orders

Similar to "executing instructions" but with a slightly different phrasing.

heeding instructions

Implies paying close attention to and acting upon the instructions.

responding to commands

Highlights the reaction or response to the given commands.

undergoing guidance

Shift the meaning to the general concept of being lead and mentored.

observing guidelines

Similar to "following commands" but applicable for broader and less imperative direction.

respecting authority

Represents a change in meaning that focus the attention from a set of command to a wider scope of influence.

FAQs

How can I use "following commands" in a sentence?

You can use "following commands" to describe someone or something that is obeying instructions. For example, "The dog was praised for "following commands" during the training session".

What are some alternatives to "following commands"?

Alternatives include "obeying directives", "adhering to instructions", or "complying with orders", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "following commands"?

"Following commands" is appropriate in contexts where instructions are being given and obedience is expected, such as in military, training, or software execution scenarios. The phrase can be used in scientific context too.

What does it mean when someone is described as not "following commands"?

If someone is not "following commands", it implies they are either disobeying instructions, unable to understand them, or physically incapable of carrying them out. The context determines the specific reason for non-compliance. The causes may vary widely, from confusion to rebellion.