following these steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "following these steps" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to adhere to a specific sequence of actions or guidelines. Example: "To complete the project successfully, make sure you are following these steps carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm following these steps as we speak and will post screenshots shortly.

TechCrunch

Thus, following these steps, a 3D beam structure is automatically derived from TO results.

Computers & Structures

(A) Aligned the TEM by following these steps in order: i. Gun alignment.

Biophysics Reports

By following these steps, you can heal from love addiction.

Huffington Post

By following these steps, my life became rich and full with all the goodness I deserve.

Huffington Post

But you can strengthen your finances, manage debt and rebuild your credit by following these steps.

Huffington Post

It's not a comprehensive guide, but following these steps will create a sufficient baseline for a great local experience.

Huffington Post

Our research has shown that following these steps is a powerful way for children to change their behavior.

Huffington Post

Not following these steps is called recurrence or relapse.

BMC Public Health

Practice following these steps multiple times.

WikiHow

Ask your parents before following these steps!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, clearly define each step and use the phrase "following these steps" to guide the reader through the sequence. This ensures clarity and reduces potential for errors.

Common error

Avoid using "following these steps" when the instructions are not comprehensive or when additional considerations are necessary. Be precise about what the steps cover and their limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "following these steps" functions as an instructional marker, guiding the reader to adhere to a specific sequence of actions. As shown by Ludwig, it is used across various domains to provide clear direction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

39%

News & Media

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "following these steps" is a widely used and grammatically correct expression for providing instructions. As confirmed by Ludwig, it’s applicable across various contexts, from informal guides to scientific procedures. While versatile, clarity is key: always ensure the steps are well-defined and suitable for the intended audience. Remember also to consider alternatives to avoid repetition and maintain a professional tone where necessary. Overall, using "following these steps" effectively enhances clarity and guides readers toward successful task completion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhering to these instructions

Replaces 'steps' with 'instructions', emphasizing a more formal or directed approach.

carrying out these actions

Replaces 'following' with 'carrying out' and 'steps' with 'actions', highlighting the active performance of the process.

observing these guidelines

Substitutes 'steps' with 'guidelines', implying a more advisory or recommended course of action.

abiding by these rules

Replaces 'following' with 'abiding by' and 'steps' with 'rules', emphasizing compliance and adherence to established standards.

implementing this procedure

Replaces 'following' with 'implementing' and 'steps' with 'procedure', suggesting a formal and systematic execution.

performing these operations

Substitutes 'steps' with 'operations', often used in technical or procedural contexts.

executing these directives

Changes 'following' to 'executing' and 'steps' to 'directives', indicating a more authoritative or mandatory approach.

applying this methodology

Replaces 'following' with 'applying' and 'steps' with 'methodology', framing the process within a structured or scientific framework.

going through this process

Replaces 'following' with 'going through' and 'steps' with 'process', indicating a sequential and often documented progression.

enacting these measures

Substitutes 'following' with 'enacting' and 'steps' with 'measures', suggesting a formal implementation of specific actions.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "following these steps" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "adhering to these instructions" or "implementing this procedure", which convey a sense of structured adherence.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state "following these steps" when giving instructions?

No, it's not always necessary. You can imply the sequential nature of instructions through clear and ordered presentation. However, using "following these steps" can enhance clarity, especially in complex procedures.

What's a simpler way to say "following these steps" in informal contexts?

In informal settings, you can use phrases like "doing this" or "if you do this". These are more conversational and less prescriptive.

How does "following these steps" compare to "following this guide" in terms of usage?

"Following these steps" is specific to sequential actions, while "following this guide" is broader and encompasses all the information and recommendations within the guide, not just the steps.