following the guidelines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "following the guidelines" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of adhering to specific rules or instructions provided for a task or process. Example: "The project was completed successfully by following the guidelines set forth by the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are following the guidelines," said Fred Alverson of the United States attorney's office in Ohio.

The New York Times

Just before then, heat the oil to 180C/350F, following the guidelines in the recipe above.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

CNVs and SVs were used to assess chromothripsis following the guidelines by Korbel and Campbell59.

Nature

All experimental procedures were performed following the guidelines of the care and use of laboratory animals.

Nature

For large groups, using proper netiquette and following the guidelines becomes even more important.

Cornell University

No one knows what percentage of physicians who have recently begun to put in defibrillators are following the guidelines.

The New York Times

Finally, an example of the TLCD design is demonstrated by following the guidelines presented.

Engineering Structures

But a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that doctors are not following the guidelines.

The New York Times

AK stressed the importance of following the guidelines from the Shark Trust when around the animals.

Independent

To request an exemption, complete the "Request for Infrastructure Exemption" form, following the guidelines posted with the form.

Stanford University

Start by completing this risk tolerance assessment and following the guidelines for your risk profile.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "following the guidelines", ensure that the specific guidelines are clearly defined or referenced, to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "following the guidelines" without specifying which guidelines you are referring to. Always provide a clear reference to the specific guidelines to ensure clarity and avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "following the guidelines" functions primarily as a gerund phrase within a sentence. It often acts as a subject, object, or part of a prepositional phrase, indicating an action of adhering to a set of rules or recommendations. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

31%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "following the guidelines" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies adherence to established rules or recommendations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's applicable across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and academic settings. For clarity, it's best to specify the exact guidelines being referenced. Alternatives like "adhering to the guidelines" or "complying with the guidelines" can add nuanced emphasis. Avoiding vague references will ensure your writing remains precise and easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhering to the guidelines

Emphasizes a stricter, more rigid compliance.

complying with the guidelines

Focuses on meeting the requirements set by the guidelines.

observing the guidelines

Highlights the act of watching and adhering to the guidelines.

abiding by the guidelines

Implies a commitment to respect and follow the guidelines.

conforming to the guidelines

Stresses the alignment with the standards set by the guidelines.

acting in accordance with the guidelines

Suggests that actions are in harmony with the guidelines.

respecting the guidelines

Emphasizes showing consideration for the guidelines.

keeping to the guidelines

Focuses on maintaining adherence to the guidelines over time.

heeding the guidelines

Highlights paying careful attention to and following the guidelines.

implementing the guidelines

Focuses on putting the guidelines into action.

FAQs

What does "following the guidelines" mean?

The phrase "following the guidelines" means adhering to a set of rules, recommendations, or instructions. It implies compliance and can be used in various contexts, such as /s/medical+procedures, /s/legal+processes, or /s/company+policies.

What can I say instead of "following the guidelines"?

You can use alternatives like "adhering to the guidelines", "complying with the guidelines", or "observing the guidelines" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to follow guidelines?

While following guidelines is generally recommended for consistency, safety, and best practices, there may be situations where deviating from them is necessary. In such cases, it's crucial to have a valid justification and consider the potential consequences.

Which is correct, "following the guidelines" or "following the guideline"?

"Following the guidelines" is used when referring to a set of instructions or recommendations. "Following the guideline" is appropriate when referring to a single, specific instruction. Guidelines are typically plural, so the plural form is more common.