proceed according to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proceed according to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when giving directions or instructions that should be followed based on a specific guideline or plan. Example: "Please proceed according to the outlined procedures to ensure safety during the operation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Dance and opera proceed according to different time schemes.

The New York Times - Arts

"We do proceed according to our own wish," he said.

The Economist

Account managers also manage the flow of work within the agency, making sure that projects proceed according to schedule.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The doctors would open the elbow and peek around inside, then proceed according to what they saw.

The New York Times - Sports

Witt was informed Nov. 8 of the need for a re-endorsement to proceed, according to the timeline.

The New York Times - Sports

Gawker's strategic review is in its early stages, and Mr. Denton has not decided on how to proceed, according to the people with direct knowledge of plans.

The New York Times

Washington's best course is to bide its time while inspections proceed according to the tight timetable adopted last month by the Security Council.

The New York Times

The board has also received threats of legal action from venture capitalists and is pondering how to proceed, according to Mike Travaglini, the state's deputy treasurer.

The New York Times

Germany and Japan after World War II were textbook examples of successful occupations, but they did not proceed according to a predetermined, consistently applied blueprint.

The New York Times

Once the premise has been established, though, the movie will proceed according to the same, tried-and-true comedy template that has existed for decades.

The Guardian - Film

Of the 524 defendants in New York State found unfit for trial last year, 470 were eventually judged fit to proceed, according to the Office of Mental Health.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "proceed according to", ensure that the plan, rule, or instruction you are referencing is clear to your audience. This avoids ambiguity and ensures actions are aligned with expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "proceed according to" without clearly stating what the procedure or standard is. For instance, instead of saying "We will proceed according to the plan", specify which plan you are referring to: "We will proceed according to the project management plan outlined in document A4."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proceed according to" functions as a prepositional phrase. It modifies a verb, indicating the manner in which an action is to be carried out, adhering to a set of rules, instructions, or a predetermined plan. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and widely usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "proceed according to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that specifies the manner in which an action should be carried out, aligning with particular rules or guidelines. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability. Its usage spans various contexts, including science, news media, and formal business settings. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to clearly state the referenced plan or standard. Related phrases include "act in accordance with" and "follow in compliance with". While highly versatile, remember to clearly specify the plan or guideline you are referencing to avoid vague or ambiguous statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act in accordance with

Indicates behaving in a way that complies with a specific rule or standard.

follow in compliance with

Highlights the act of adhering to regulations or guidelines.

abide by the guidelines of

Focuses on sticking to established guidelines or protocols.

go by the book

Emphasizes following rules and procedures strictly.

observe the dictates of

Refers to heeding instructions or principles meticulously.

adhere to the terms of

Focuses on complying with specific conditions or agreements.

keep within the bounds of

Implies staying within the limits of certain rules or laws.

conduct oneself per

Suggests behaving in alignment with a defined standard or expectation.

move in step with

Implies acting in coordination with established guidelines.

operate within the framework of

Indicates functioning according to a specific system or structure.

FAQs

How can I use "proceed according to" in a sentence?

You can use "proceed according to" to indicate that an action or process should follow a specific set of rules, guidelines, or instructions. For example: "The investigation will "proceed according to" established protocols."

What are some alternatives to "proceed according to"?

Alternatives to "proceed according to" include "act in accordance with", "follow in compliance with", or "abide by the guidelines of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "proceed according to plan"?

Yes, "proceed according to plan" is a common and correct usage of the phrase, indicating that actions are being taken as originally scheduled or intended.

What's the difference between "proceed according to" and "proceed with"?

"Proceed according to" implies following a specific set of instructions or rules, while "proceed with" simply means to continue or move forward with something. For example: "We will "proceed according to" the budget" versus "We will "proceed with" the construction project".