following the example of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'following the example of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that has been influenced by or done in the same way as something else. For example, "She looked to successful business women like Oprah Winfrey for inspiration, following the example of their success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One of Nutt's recommendations is to make drug testing available to the public, following the example of the Netherlands, to prevent further deaths.

Vice

They're following the example of our puritanical cousins in the US.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the press, there was talk of following the example of the Chinese.

The New Yorker

Clan-based guerrilla opposition groups multiplied rapidly, following the example of the SSDF and SNM.

Britannica

The method will be illustrated following the example of an HGHG scheme for the SPARX project.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

Was I really following the example of the sudden friends who came to stay in Rome but not in Lusaka?

The New York Times - Travel

Gurpreet warned against people blindly following the example of Qin and Cerullo with making their own proposals a public spectacle.

The Guardian - Sport

In 1973, House bomb-throwers, following the example of the Democratic Study Group, formed the Republican Study Committee.

The New Yorker

He first made his name as a composer for percussion, following the example of Cowell and Edgard Varèse.

The New Yorker

For starters, too many [permanent] stadiums were built instead of following the example of Sydney and making temporary installations".

The Guardian - Sport

There is nothing to stop Birmingham city council following the example of Transport for London and launching a "Brummie bond".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "following the example of", ensure that the subject you are describing actually mirrors key aspects of the original example, otherwise, the comparison may seem inaccurate or misleading.

Common error

Avoid using "following the example of" when the connection to the original example is tenuous or based on superficial similarities. Ensure that the influence is direct and demonstrable, not just a vague resemblance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "following the example of" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the noun or pronoun serving as the model or precedent being imitated. It specifies the origin or inspiration for a particular action or behavior, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "following the example of" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate direct influence or imitation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It's essential to ensure a clear and demonstrable connection between the subject and the example being followed, as using this phrase inaccurately can mislead. While versatile, its neutral register makes it suitable for news, informative writing, and general communication. By avoiding misattribution and varying sentence structures, you can effectively employ this phrase to enhance clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modeling oneself after

Indicates a conscious effort to behave or develop in a way similar to someone else.

adopting the approach of

Focuses on using a similar method or strategy.

mirroring the actions of

Suggests a close and direct imitation of someone's specific actions.

patterning after

Similar to modeling, but may imply a more structured or formal approach.

emulating the style of

Focuses on replicating a particular style or manner, often in art or performance.

copying the model of

Implies a more direct and possibly less creative form of imitation.

taking a cue from

Implies using someone else's actions or ideas as a hint or suggestion.

taking as a precedent

Suggests using a previous case or decision as a guide for current actions.

drawing inspiration from

Highlights the role of inspiration in the imitation process.

in the manner of

Indicates similarity in style or method, often in a broader sense.

FAQs

How can I use "following the example of" in a sentence?

Use "following the example of" to show direct influence or imitation, as in, "The company is "adopting sustainable practices", following the example of Patagonia".

What are some alternatives to "following the example of"?

You can use phrases like "emulating the style of", "modeling oneself after", or "drawing inspiration from" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "following the examples of"?

Yes, "following the examples of" is correct when referring to multiple instances. For a single instance, "following the example of" is appropriate.

What's the difference between "following the example of" and "taking a cue from"?

"Following the example of" suggests a more comprehensive imitation, while "taking a cue from" implies using something as a hint or suggestion, often for a specific action.