following directives

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "following directives" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of adhering to or executing specific instructions or commands. Example: "The team is responsible for following directives issued by the management to ensure project success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The number killed by the police has risen to 49, a sign that they are following directives that empower them to use deadly force to quell the violence.

The New York Times

Their involvement is the result of efforts by a committed group of alumni volunteers who are following directives from the Association's governing boards and the vision and energy of the Association's staff.

MIT Technology Review

A lawyer for Mr. Duncan, the Andersen partner who was fired yesterday, said his client had done nothing wrong but was just following directives on document retention and destruction that had been sent to Houston by a lawyer at Andersen's Chicago headquarters on Oct. 12.

The New York Times

Thanks to a review of sentencing guidelines in 2001, further beefed up following directives in the Sarbanes-Oxley legislation adopted after the scandalous collapses of Enron and WorldCom, even junior executives found guilty of perpetrating corporate frauds are receiving lengthy prison sentences of the kind normally reserved for murderers, serial rapists and armed robbers (see article).

The Economist

This strategy can be applied in most situations with the following directives: stop, breathe, reflect and chose.

Forbes

After that date, Microsoft agreed to reduce the rate to 0.4%, following directives from the Commission to charge a more "reasonable" rate.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

In sum, effective immediately, and until further notice, you and your staff must comply with the following directive: do not destroy, discard, alter or change any potentially relevant documents as defined above, even if such documents or materials would otherwise be routinely discarded or destroyed in the ordinary course of your business.

The New York Times

A complex legal approach in support of the chemical quality under the WFD is an assessment and management of flood risks, following Directive 2007/60/EC [13]; the special role of sediment-bound contaminants is due to the exponential increase of solid/pollutant loads with higher water flow velocities [23].

Environmental Sciences Europe

The psychological processor enters relationships with the following directive: "I'm willing to talk about our relationship but not fully be in it".

Huffington Post

Unlike other robots in the film, Auto is not influenced by WALL-E, instead following directive A113, which is to prevent the Axiom and the humans from returning to Earth because of the toxicity, and he works to prevent anyone from deviating from it.

Wikipedia

Animals were cared for according to a protocol approved by the Ethical Committee of our institution (following directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament).

Cell Death and Disease

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "following directives", ensure that the source and nature of the directives are clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify who issued the directives and what they pertain to.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of the passive voice when using "following directives" can obscure accountability. Instead of saying "Mistakes were made while following directives", specify who made the mistakes, e.g., "The team made mistakes while following the directives".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "following directives" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as part of a larger verb phrase to describe an action taken in accordance with specific instructions. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "following directives" is a commonly used phrase that describes the act of adhering to specific instructions or commands. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in various contexts, including news, science, and business. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it often implies a structured or hierarchical environment where compliance is important. When using "following directives", it's crucial to be clear about the source and nature of the instructions to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "obeying instructions" or "adhering to guidelines" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complying with orders

Highlights the act of conforming to commands, often in a formal setting.

obeying instructions

Emphasizes obedience and compliance, suggesting a hierarchical relationship.

executing commands

Implies carrying out specific orders or instructions with precision.

acting on instructions

Highlights the action taken as a result of receiving instructions.

adhering to guidelines

Focuses on sticking to established rules or recommendations.

implementing instructions

Focuses on putting instructions into action, often in a structured manner.

heeding instructions

Suggests paying careful attention and acting upon the advice given.

observing regulations

Stresses the importance of following official rules and laws.

abiding by rules

Emphasizes adhering to a set of established principles or regulations.

respecting guidelines

Implies showing deference to established recommendations or advice.

FAQs

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

You can use "following directives" to describe actions taken in accordance with specific instructions. For example, "The success of the mission depended on the team "following directives" precisely".

What are some alternatives to "following directives"?

Alternatives to "following directives" include "obeying instructions", "adhering to guidelines", or "complying with orders", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it better to say "following directives" or "implementing instructions"?

The choice between "following directives" and "implementing instructions" depends on the context. "Following directives" emphasizes obedience and adherence, while "implementing instructions" focuses on the action of putting instructions into effect.

What's the difference between "following directives" and "following procedures"?

"Following directives" refers to adhering to specific instructions or commands, while "following procedures" refers to adhering to a set of established steps or protocols. Directives are often specific to a situation, whereas procedures are standardized.