only following

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only following" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is limited to what comes next or is a result of what has been previously mentioned. Example: "I am only following the guidelines provided by my supervisor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They are only following the trend.

The New York Times

They said they were only following orders.

The Economist

Everyone was angry, but I was only following orders.

The Guardian - Books

The train companies plead they are only following orders.

The Guardian - Business

Gurbaksh Chahal, occurred only following allegations of serious misconduct.

The New Yorker

Shaw is only following current practice here, in providing a scene-setting tableau vivant.

The Guardian - Music

Only following their father's death did they begin to feel the loss of not having known.

The New Yorker

(He is only following Fox Talbot, the pioneer of early photography who used the same technique).

The Guardian - Arts

"The gendarmes say they are not responsible and were only following orders.

The Guardian

Their claim that they were only following orders finds its chilling echoes in postwar Nuremberg.

The Guardian

Perhaps I was only following the gentrification model I've absorbed from real-life London.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "only following", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being followed, whether it's a rule, a trend, or an order. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "only following" as a blanket excuse without acknowledging responsibility. While it explains the action, it doesn't absolve the actor of ethical considerations or potential consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only following" functions as a modifier, often clarifying that an action is performed solely because of adherence to a guideline, instruction, or trend. Ludwig AI indicates the expression is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "only following" is a common and grammatically sound way to explain that an action results from adherence to a rule, order, or trend. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and usable in various contexts. While versatile, it is crucial to use it judiciously, ensuring the context is clear and avoiding its use as a means to evade responsibility. Alternatives such as "merely adhering to" or "just complying with" may offer a more formal or nuanced approach depending on the situation. Remember that while "only following" explains the motivation behind an action, it does not always justify it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strictly adhering to

Emphasizes a more rigid and uncompromising obedience.

merely adhering to

Focuses on strict adherence, reducing emphasis on sequence or consequence.

just complying with

Highlights compliance, downplaying volition or deeper understanding.

simply obeying

Emphasizes obedience, removing any implication of choice or interpretation.

merely observing

Highlights the act of observation as the sole action, rather than active participation or alteration.

faithfully implementing

Emphasizes loyalty and accuracy in putting something into effect.

solely consequent to

Highlights that something is exclusively a result of a preceding action or event.

precisely executing

Highlights the accuracy and faithfulness in carrying out instructions or plans.

purely a result of

Emphasizes the exclusive nature of the consequence.

exclusively subsequent to

Emphasizes the temporal sequence and exclusivity of the relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "only following" in a sentence?

You can use "only following" to indicate adherence to a rule, order, or trend. For example, "The employee was "only following procedure" when they processed the transaction."

What's a more formal alternative to "only following"?

For formal contexts, consider using phrases like "strictly adhering to" or "precisely executing" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "only following"?

It may be inappropriate to use "only following" when attempting to evade responsibility for actions that have negative consequences. The phrase can be perceived as dismissive or lacking empathy.

What is the difference between "only following orders" and "taking responsibility"?

"Only following orders" implies obedience without personal judgment, while "taking responsibility" indicates acknowledging the consequences of one's actions, even if instructed by someone else. The two concepts are often at odds when considering ethical behavior.