following suit

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "following suit" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe when someone does the same thing as what someone else did previously. Example: After his brother decided to join the Navy, he followed suit and did the same.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others are following suit.

Forbes

Detroit is following suit.

Forbes

America is following suit.

The Economist

Others should consider following suit.

The New York Times

More hotels are following suit.

The New York Times - Travel

Indeed, others are following suit.

The New York Times

Businessmen are following suit.

The Guardian - Travel

And many other manufacturers are following suit.

The New York Times

Many other countries are considering following suit.

The Economist

It seems the boys are following suit.

Independent

Many other countries are following suit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "following suit" to clearly indicate that a subsequent action is a direct result or imitation of a previous one, creating a sense of consequence or pattern. This is especially effective in describing trends or sequential decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "following suit" when the actions are merely coincidental. Ensure there's a clear link of influence or intention for the subsequent action to be considered a direct 'following' of the initial action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "following suit" functions as a predicate in sentences, indicating that a subject is performing an action in imitation or consequence of a prior action. Ludwig examples show how it connects the subject's behavior to a precedent set by others. It's an idiomatic way of describing imitation or conformity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "following suit" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to describe the act of imitating or conforming to a prior action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. Primarily found in News & Media, it effectively conveys the idea of subsequent actions being influenced by preceding ones. To enhance clarity, avoid using it when actions are merely coincidental, and consider alternatives like "taking a similar course of action" or "emulating the same behavior" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mirroring the actions

Implies a direct and often exact replication of actions.

taking a similar course of action

Focuses on the action itself being similar, rather than direct imitation.

adopting a similar approach

Highlights the method or strategy being copied.

emulating the same behavior

Emphasizes imitation, particularly in behavior.

going down the same path

Implies a journey or progression similar to another's.

walking in someone's footsteps

Implies following a predecessor's path or career.

doing the same thing

A more direct and simplistic way of expressing similar action.

conforming to the pattern

Stresses adherence to an established structure or model.

aligning with the trend

Suggests conformity to a current fashion or popular activity.

echoing the sentiment

Focuses on repeating or reflecting a feeling or opinion.

FAQs

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

You can use "following suit" to indicate that someone or something is imitating or doing the same thing that someone else has already done. For example, "After Apple launched its new phone, other companies began "following suit" by releasing similar models".

What does "following suit" mean?

The phrase "following suit" means to do the same thing that someone else has done, usually because it is advantageous or has been successful. It implies imitation or conformity in action or behavior.

What are some alternatives to "following suit"?

Some alternatives to "following suit" include "taking a similar course of action", "emulating the same behavior", or "adopting a similar approach". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "following suit" formal or informal?

"Following suit" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone than the phrase itself.