follows the format

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "follows the format" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that adheres to a specific structure or set of guidelines. Example: "The report follows the format required by the organization, ensuring all necessary sections are included."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It follows the format of the films, with all the instantly recognisable characters.

The Guardian

To some extent, it follows the format of a romance novel gone wrong.

The New York Times - Books

"Quiet Nights," which closely follows the format of her enormously successful 2001 album, "The Look of Love," has reversed the downward trajectory of Ms. Krall's record sales.

The New York Times - Arts

How can you distinguish between the two? 3. Explain to the class that they will prepare an encyclopedia of useful information that follows the format presented in the article.

The New York Times

That is the question raised in "How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon?" The book, written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Mark Teague, is a sequel to their very popular "How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?," and it follows the format and plot of the first story closely.

The New York Times - Books

This follows the format used in the OJJDP data.b Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 show age-crime charts for seven individual crime types.

Crime Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Karl followed the format of travel guides written by English writer John Murray.

The New Yorker

The new program will loosely follow the format of ABC's "Nightline", with taped news reports followed by interviews.

The New York Times

Following the format of a tabloid television show, the denouement is a typically sordid fall into ruin.

The New York Times - Arts

Following the format of this year's festival, Baker explains and demonstrates before giving a full lights-and-costumes performance.

The New Yorker

The latest revue to follow the format of Mr. Glover's post-"Noise-Funk" shows is "The Beat," performed on Thursday night at the Context Studios.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "follows the format", ensure that the specific format being referenced is clearly defined or easily understood by the audience. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity in communication.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the audience is familiar with the format being referenced. Always provide sufficient context or a brief explanation to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "follows the format" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase. It indicates that something adheres to a specific, pre-defined structure or set of guidelines. Ludwig provides examples from various domains confirming its use in describing adherence to standards.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

17%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "follows the format" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that indicates adherence to a specific structure or set of guidelines. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in contexts such as science, news media, and wikis, with a neutral to professional register. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to clearly define the format being referenced, avoiding assumptions about the audience's familiarity. While alternatives like "conforms to the format" and "adheres to the format" exist, the specific choice depends on the nuances of the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conforms to the format

Emphasizes adherence to a specific structure or set of rules.

adheres to the format

Highlights strict compliance with a prescribed structure.

complies with the format

Stresses obedience to specified format requirements.

is consistent with the format

Focuses on maintaining uniformity and alignment with the established format.

is in accordance with the format

Indicates alignment and agreement with the defined format.

matches the format

Highlights the similarity and correspondence to a given format.

mirrors the format

Suggests a close replication or imitation of the format.

resembles the format

Emphasizes similarity in structure and arrangement to the specified format.

is modeled after the format

Implies that something is designed or created based on a particular format.

is patterned after the format

Indicates that something is structured or organized according to a particular format.

FAQs

How can I use "follows the format" in a sentence?

You can use "follows the format" to describe something that adheres to a specific structure or set of guidelines. For example, "The report "follows the format" required by the organization, ensuring all necessary sections are included."

What can I say instead of "follows the format"?

You can use alternatives like "conforms to the format", "adheres to the format", or "complies with the format" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "follows the format" or "follow the format"?

The correct phrase depends on the context. "Follow the format" is an imperative or a general instruction, while "follows the format" is used to describe something that already adheres to a specific format. For example, "Please follow the format" (instruction) versus "The document follows the format" (description).

What's the difference between "follows the format" and "adopts the format"?

"Follows the format" implies adherence to an existing, established format, while "adopts the format" suggests a conscious decision to use and implement a particular format. The first implies a continuation of an established system whereas the second implies choosing a format from a list of possibilities.