following directions

USAGE SUMMARY

"following directions" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to the act of obeying or carrying out instructions or guidance. You can use this phrase whenever you are talking about someone or something adhering to specific instructions or guidelines. Example: The students did a great job following directions and completed the assignment correctly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Knit openwork border, following directions as follows: 1st row: Knit 1 *thread over Knit 2 together.

WikiHow

By afternoon they have trouble sitting still and following directions.

The New York Times

The key in both is following directions and regulations".

The New York Times

Then it was time for the lesson in following directions.

The New York Times

In the quiet morning, we parked and continued on foot, following directions from our guidebook.

The New York Times - Travel

If the patient is following directions, they are taken off only for eating and tooth-brushing.

The New York Times

When some children wrote down only one, she concluded that they had trouble following directions.

The New York Times

She offered the following directions to women trying out their first trains.

The New York Times - Style

I keep failing with flowering sweet peas in spite of carefully following directions.

The New York Times

He often got into trouble for not following directions or for arguing or being disrespectful.

The New Yorker

Many travelers have a story about getting lost following directions from a Web site.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "following directions", ensure the context clearly indicates whose directions are being followed to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming understanding of unstated expectations. If directions are unclear, seek clarification to prevent errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "following directions" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the action of adhering to instructions or guidance, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "following directions" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of adhering to instructions. As confirmed by Ludwig, it finds frequent use across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Wiki, and Science. While generally neutral in register, the specific tone shifts with the surrounding text. To enhance clarity, ensure the directions' source is clear. While related phrases exist, such as "obeying instructions", the choice depends on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obeying instructions

Focuses specifically on the act of obeying, implying a level of compliance that "following directions" might not always emphasize.

adhering to guidelines

Emphasizes the act of sticking to a set of guidelines, often used in formal or professional settings.

complying with instructions

Highlights the act of compliance, often used when referring to rules or regulations.

acting according to guidance

Emphasizes that actions are guided by specific instructions.

heeding instructions

Emphasizes the act of paying attention to and acting upon instructions.

implementing instructions

Highlights the action of putting instructions into effect.

executing commands

Suggests a more formal or technical context, implying a structured or hierarchical process.

observing protocols

Focuses on the adherence to established protocols or procedures.

carrying out orders

Implies a hierarchical structure where orders are given and executed.

conforming to specifications

Focuses on meeting certain defined standards or specifications, often in a technical context.

FAQs

How can I improve my ability to "following directions"?

Improving your ability to "follow directions" involves active listening, note-taking, and asking clarifying questions when instructions are unclear. Practice focusing on the speaker and summarizing the directions in your own words.

What are some alternatives to saying "following directions"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "obeying instructions", "adhering to guidelines", or "complying with instructions".

In what contexts is "following directions" most important?

Following directions is crucial in various contexts, including emergency situations, professional tasks, and academic assignments, where accuracy and adherence to instructions are essential for success or safety.

What's the difference between "following directions" and "taking initiative"?

Following directions involves adhering to specific instructions, while "taking initiative" involves acting independently to solve problems or improve situations without explicit instructions. Both are valuable skills but are applied in different circumstances.