not followed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not followed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has not been adhered to or complied with, often in the context of rules, instructions, or guidelines. Example: "The safety protocols were not followed during the event, leading to several issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Donner's suggestion was not followed.

The New Yorker

The recommendation was not followed.

The Economist

He has not followed procedure.

The Guardian - Opinion

Critical recognition has not followed.

The New York Times - Arts

This time, I was not followed.

The New York Times - Travel

But political openness has not followed.

The New York Times

Microsoft has not followed this route.

The New York Times

Sadly, other countries have not followed suit.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet those insights are not followed up.

The Guardian - Books

His mood has not followed his average.

The New York Times - Sports

That tip was not followed up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not followed", ensure the subject is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify which procedures were "not followed".

Common error

Avoid using "not followed" without a clear subject. This can confuse the reader about what was not followed. Clarify by specifying what guidelines or instructions were "not followed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not followed" primarily functions as a passive construction indicating that a certain rule, procedure, or guideline has been disregarded or unmet. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English, frequently appearing in similar contexts across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not followed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, to indicate that a rule, procedure, or guideline has not been adhered to. It typically functions as a passive construction and serves to highlight a deviation from an expected course of action. Its register is generally neutral, appearing in diverse contexts from news to scientific publications. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to specify the subject to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "not adhered to" or "not complied with" can be used for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not adhered to

Focuses on the lack of adherence to a rule or guideline.

not complied with

Emphasizes the failure to meet a requirement or standard.

not observed

Highlights the neglect of a practice or instruction.

not respected

Implies that a rule or agreement was disregarded due to lack of respect.

not heeded

Stresses that advice or a warning was ignored.

not honored

Indicates a broken promise or agreement.

not executed

Highlights the failure to implement a plan or instruction.

not fulfilled

Emphasizes the incompleteness of a task or obligation.

not carried out

Focuses on the lack of action or implementation of a task.

disregarded

Highlights a deliberate inattention or neglect of a rule or request.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not followed" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "not adhered to", "not complied with", or "not observed".

What does it mean when a procedure is "not followed"?

It indicates that the established steps or guidelines for a specific process were not adhered to, potentially leading to errors or inconsistencies.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing something that was "not followed"?

While both active and passive voice can be used, passive voice (e.g., "The procedure was "not followed"") often emphasizes the action itself rather than who didn't follow it. Active voice (e.g., "They did "not follow" the procedure") highlights the actor.

What are some common consequences when safety protocols are "not followed"?

Consequences can range from minor inconveniences to serious injuries, legal liabilities, and damage to reputation, depending on the context and severity of the breach.