obey instructions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obey instructions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of following or adhering to given directions or commands. Example: "It is important to obey instructions during the safety drill to ensure everyone's well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Watch the robot obey instructions to retrieve a stapler.

MIT Technology Review

People are no longer prepared to obey instructions".

The Economist

My audience is my God". At Do It, visitors obey instructions left by artists from Ai Weiwei to Louise Bourgeois.

The Guardian - Music

Dr. Brown moved in when she had kids who just absolutely refused to obey instructions and suspended a third of the students at Northern High School.

The Washington Post

The officers maintained Tamir did not obey instructions to raise his hands, and that he seemed to be going for a weapon.

The Guardian

But this was mostly on paper, the police trying to obey instructions from above without risking another protest on the streets.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

For example, he can no longer wear clothes by himself, cannot obey instruction from parents/teachers, can no longer hold subjects tightly in hand, which were all things that he could do before 6 years of age.

BMC Medical Genomics

The new occupant is obeying instructions and the parent pigeons are in seventh heaven.

The New Yorker

Marjane insisted on using real animals, which was fine for the dog, which obeyed instructions.

Independent

In Sharp's "Storm of the Eye," she obeyed instructions to produce a harsh, feedback-like sonority.

The New Yorker

Does the ape using them, or obeying instructions from a trainer who uses them, really understand their meaning?

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions, clearly state the expected outcome of following them to motivate the reader to "obey instructions" effectively.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex language when providing instructions. Clear, concise instructions are easier to "obey instructions" and reduce the likelihood of errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obey instructions" functions as a verb phrase where "obey" is the verb and "instructions" is the direct object. It describes the act of adhering to or following a given set of directions or commands. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obey instructions" is grammatically correct and serves to highlight the importance of following directives across different contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively common, it is less frequent than alternatives like "follow directions". The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various settings, including news, academia, and general instructions. When writing, ensure clarity in the instructions to encourage compliance. Related phrases such as "comply with instructions" or "adhere to instructions" can provide a more formal tone, depending on the intended audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

follow directions

Replaces "obey" with the more common and slightly less formal "follow".

comply with instructions

Substitutes "obey" with the more formal "comply with", suitable for official contexts.

adhere to instructions

Uses "adhere to" instead of "obey", implying strict and faithful compliance.

heed instructions

Replaces "obey" with "heed", suggesting careful attention and subsequent compliance.

abide by instructions

Employs "abide by", which emphasizes adherence to a set of rules or guidelines.

carry out instructions

Focuses on the action of performing the instructions.

execute instructions

Implies a more deliberate and precise fulfillment of instructions, often in technical contexts.

fulfill instructions

Highlights the completion aspect of following instructions.

observe instructions

Emphasizes the act of watching and then acting according to the provided instructions.

respect instructions

Adds a layer of deference, implying that instructions are followed out of respect for authority.

FAQs

How can I use "obey instructions" in a sentence?

You can use "obey instructions" to indicate following a set of directions or commands. For example, "It's crucial to "obey instructions" during an emergency evacuation."

What is a more formal alternative to "obey instructions"?

A more formal alternative is to use "comply with instructions", which is suitable for professional or official contexts.

What does it mean to "obey instructions"?

To "obey instructions" means to follow the directions or commands that have been given to you, ensuring you act according to those guidelines.

Is there a difference between "follow instructions" and "obey instructions"?

While both phrases are similar, "follow instructions" is generally less formal. "Obey instructions" can imply a stronger sense of authority or a more critical need to adhere to the directions.