meticulously follow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meticulously follow" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to talk about following directions or instructions very carefully and with a lot of attention to detail. For example, "In order to achieve the desired results, we must meticulously follow the recipe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I don't really have a "process," per se, just a simple routine that I meticulously follow every day like a disciplined genius robot.

The New Yorker

Farmers' and other operators' own beliefs regarding the riskiness of an operation affect the likelihood that they will meticulously follow risk management protocols.

Environmental Sciences Europe

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Consider the many years that fans have meticulously followed baseball statistics.

The New York Times

"They had complete trust in her, they meticulously followed the instructions that they were given".

The New York Times

If, as it is frequently done, the strict rules are not meticulously followed, troublesome complications may arise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the bitter cold, relatives and friends gathered and meticulously followed the prescribed rituals for the dead.

The New York Times

The city and the development corporation, which is also a defendant, say their planning meticulously followed state law.

The New York Times

Herself a lawyer by background, she meticulously followed UN procedure, always citing its resolutions in her speeches.

The Guardian

Mr. Grand said he meticulously followed the patterns of Sir William Gilbert's effervescent rhymes and tightly meshed meters in translating the lyrics.

The New York Times

In a study published in Behavioral Ecology Yannick Auclair, of the University of Zurich, and colleagues, may have figured out why.Mr Auclair set up and then meticulously followed the progress of a mouse colony over three years.

The Economist

Displaying a sheaf of legal documents, Mr. Davies, who has no criminal record, insisted in an interview that he had meticulously followed California law in setting up a business in 2009 that generated $8 million in annual revenues.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "meticulously follow", ensure that the subject being followed has clear and detailed steps or guidelines. This emphasizes the care and precision involved.

Common error

Avoid using "meticulously follow" in contexts where a general or flexible approach is more appropriate. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound overly formal or unnecessarily rigid.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meticulously follow" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of adhering to guidelines, instructions, or procedures with extreme care and precision. Ludwig provides examples of how this phrase is used in context to emphasize thoroughness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "meticulously follow" is a verb phrase used to describe adhering to something with great care and precision. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples from sources like The New Yorker and Environmental Sciences Europe, indicating its use in both journalistic and scientific contexts. While not very common, the phrase effectively emphasizes the importance of accuracy and detail. Alternative phrases include "strictly adhere to" and "closely adhere to", each offering nuances in meaning. When using "meticulously follow", ensure the context warrants such a high degree of precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

closely adhere to

Suggests a tight and unwavering compliance.

strictly adhere to

Emphasizes a rigid and uncompromising adherence.

rigorously apply

Stresses the thorough and demanding nature of the application.

precisely execute

Highlights the exact and accurate performance of a task.

faithfully implement

Conveys a sense of loyalty and accuracy in carrying out instructions.

scrupulously comply with

Indicates a moral or ethical dimension to the adherence.

carefully observe

Focuses on the act of watching and implementing with attention to detail.

conscientiously fulfill

Highlights the diligent and responsible execution of a duty or instruction.

assiduously stick to

Focuses on consistent and diligent commitment to a plan or guideline.

doggedly pursue

Implies a persistent and determined approach to following something.

FAQs

What does "meticulously follow" mean?

The phrase "meticulously follow" means to adhere to something, such as instructions or a plan, with great care and attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect is considered and executed precisely.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "meticulously follow"?

Use "meticulously follow" when you want to emphasize the importance of precision and thoroughness in carrying out a task or adhering to a set of guidelines. It's suitable for situations where even small deviations could have significant consequences.

What are some alternatives to "meticulously follow"?

Alternatives to "meticulously follow" include "strictly adhere to", "carefully observe", or "closely adhere to" depending on the context.

How does "meticulously follow" differ from "closely follow"?

"Meticulously follow" implies a higher degree of detail and precision than "closely follow". While both suggest attentiveness, "meticulously follow" indicates that every minor aspect is carefully considered and executed.