following your orders

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "following your orders" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that you are obeying someone's commands, instructions, or requests. For example, "I am following your orders and will have the presentation finished by tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

You can't claim to have it today because they are following your orders and adhere to a ceasefire you imposed, and then say you didn't have it yesterday because they were fighting".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Please leave your empty carbonator outside by your front door beginning on the morning of the weekday following your order.

TechCrunch

This will help you ensure that you're following your doctor's orders.

WikiHow

With these easy steps for organizing your medications, you can be confident that you are following your doctor's orders properly.

WikiHow

You should start following your doctor's orders and take your medication if you have severe symptoms, a CD4 count under 500, are pregnant, or have kidney disease.

WikiHow

Look at such issues as: if you have been following your doctor's orders, if you are exercising regularly and safely, if you have maintained your weight, if you are taking time for yourself to relax and if you have been being careful with joint protection techniques.

WikiHow

Sew together in following order: If your butt/front pattern is "rounded" after you cut it off, then make small slits on your duct tape pattern to "flatten" it out, then use these "slits" as indicators for darts on your finished product.

WikiHow

It's a game where you're manipulated into following orders, and where your willingness to commit violence is characterized as ugly and misled.

Vice

Just following orders -- even God's orders -- is no defense.

Huffington Post

In Experiment 2, we asked three follow-up questions in the following order: 1) In your opinion what does Addison need to do to reduce crime?

Plosone

Prioritize - if school is important to you, then do your homework before following orders.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "following your orders", ensure the context clearly indicates a hierarchical relationship or a situation where instructions are expected to be obeyed.

Common error

Avoid using "following orders" as an automatic justification for unethical actions. While it explains compliance, it does not excuse moral responsibility. Context and intent are critical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "following your orders" functions as a verbal phrase indicating adherence to instructions or commands. It typically appears in contexts involving hierarchy or authority, as highlighted by Ludwig's examples. It serves to explain actions taken in compliance with someone else's directives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "following your orders" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate compliance with instructions or commands. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Wiki. It is crucial to use this phrase thoughtfully, recognizing that while it explains compliance, it doesn't automatically justify actions, especially if they are unethical. Alternatives like "obeying your commands" or "complying with your instructions" can offer varying degrees of formality and emphasis. When using "following your orders", always ensure the context clarifies the hierarchical dynamic or expectation of obedience involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obeying your commands

This alternative emphasizes direct obedience and authority, which may be used in military or hierarchical contexts.

complying with your instructions

This phrase suggests a more formal and process-oriented adherence to guidelines, often found in business or regulatory settings.

adhering to your directives

This implies a strict and precise following of specific orders, which may be relevant in structured environments.

executing your commands

This alternative focuses on the action of carrying out orders effectively, often used in strategic or operational contexts.

acting on your orders

This phrase emphasizes the immediate response and action taken based on instructions received.

carrying out your instructions

This suggests a detailed and thorough implementation of specific guidelines or procedures.

doing as you say

This is a simpler, more direct way to express compliance, which may be appropriate in informal settings.

taking direction from you

This alternative highlights the guidance and leadership role of the person giving the orders.

submitting to your authority

This indicates deference and acceptance of hierarchical power, which may be relevant in formal or authoritarian environments.

under your command

This implies a subordinate position within a structured organization, emphasizing the authority relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "following your orders" in a sentence?

You can use "following your orders" to describe a situation where someone is complying with instructions or commands. For example, "The soldiers were "following your orders" to secure the perimeter."

What is a more formal way to say "following your orders"?

A more formal alternative to "following your orders" is "complying with your instructions", which suggests a structured and process-oriented adherence to guidelines.

Is it always appropriate to use "following your orders" as a defense?

No, using "following your orders" as a defense may not always be appropriate, especially if the orders were unethical or illegal. It's crucial to consider the moral implications of the actions taken.

What's the difference between "following your orders" and "taking your direction"?

"Following your orders" implies strict compliance with specific commands, whereas "taking your direction" suggests a more general guidance and mentorship role, allowing for some autonomy in implementation.