following the notes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "following the notes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to actions or behaviors that are guided by or based on specific notes or instructions. Example: "The students were successful in their project by carefully following the notes provided by their teacher."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Dance music is the focus for this fun rhythm game, where you race against the clock following the notes.

The Guardian - Tech

Listening to the ­music and following the notes, I felt a direct connection with the young ­composer, as he prepared for the opera's first ­performance in Prague in 1787.

The Guardian

To return to my analogy for a moment, Davies isn't just following the notes, he's following all the dynamics as well: when Hollinghurst says fortissimo, he gives him fortissimo.

The Guardian

My six-year-old was initially entranced by both apps, although he wasn't so keen on Xylo, which gets Dash to play music by hitting a clip-on xylophone accessory (sold separately) following the notes set by the child on-screen.

The Guardian - Tech

It was described to have a "cod-reggae groove that smoulders like a barbecue", as a guitar and piano were used for the background music, following the notes Gm F as its basic chord progression.

Wikipedia

Following the notes — the scales — to which Sondheim's two- or three-syllable word clusters uneasily, often thrillingly, attach themselves requires a degree of concentration that is anathema to the form that Sondheim is remaking, even now, at the age of seventy-eight: musical theatre.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

After a couple of calls, she realized that she had not been following the typewritten notes.

The New York Times

The following day, the notes add, "Parents upset".

The New York Times

"We're following the Jacobite Army," she notes.

Huffington Post

Walk around the tree and note the following: Walk around the tree and note the following: The direction it leans.

WikiHow

John Spiegel's girlfriend emailed them the picture with the following note: "The launch of something great!!!;".

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "following the notes" in a musical context, ensure it's clear whether you're referring to literal musical notes or a metaphorical interpretation of guidance or instructions. For instance, clarify if someone is "following the notes" of a song or "following the notes" of a strategic plan.

Common error

Avoid using "following the notes" too frequently in non-musical contexts where more precise terms like "adhering to the instructions" or "implementing the plan" would be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound less professional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "following the notes" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe the act of adhering to musical instructions or, metaphorically, any set of guidelines. Ludwig provides examples where it describes both literal musical performance and adherence to instructions in other contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

40%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "following the notes" is grammatically correct and usable in written English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is primarily used to describe adherence to musical instructions, but can also be used metaphorically to represent strict adherence to any set of guidelines. Its frequency is rare, with common usage contexts being news and media and wiki sources. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its versatility in both literal and figurative senses. Related phrases include "adhering to the score" and "observing the instructions", offering alternative ways to express the concept of adherence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhering to the score

Focuses specifically on sticking to a musical composition as written.

observing the instructions

Broader application, referring to any set of instructions, not necessarily musical.

heeding the directions

Emphasizes paying attention to and following guidance.

conforming to the guidelines

Highlights compliance with established rules or recommendations.

keeping to the script

Implies sticking to a pre-written or predetermined plan.

sticking to the plan

Focuses on adhering to a predefined course of action.

abiding by the rules

Emphasizes adherence to a set of regulations or laws.

obeying the commands

Highlights compliance with direct orders or instructions.

walking the path

Metaphorical, suggesting following a set course or destiny.

marching to the beat

Implies conformity and rhythmic adherence to a set pattern.

FAQs

How can I use "following the notes" in a sentence?

You can use "following the notes" to describe adhering to musical instructions, as in "The orchestra was praised for perfectly following the notes of the complex symphony", or metaphorically, such as "The project succeeded because the team was diligently following the notes outlined in the initial proposal".

What does it mean to say someone is "following the notes"?

To say someone is "following the notes" means they are adhering strictly to a set of instructions or guidelines, similar to a musician playing a piece by adhering to the written musical notation. It implies precision and a lack of deviation from the prescribed path.

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

You can use alternatives like "adhering to the score", "observing the instructions", or "keeping to the script" depending on the context.

In what contexts is "following the notes" most appropriate?

"Following the notes" is most appropriate in contexts related to music, where it literally means playing or singing according to the musical notation. It can also be used metaphorically in other situations where strict adherence to a set of instructions or guidelines is required, such as in project management or strategic planning.