the procedures followed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the procedures followed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the specific steps or methods that were taken in a process or task. Example: "The report outlines the procedures followed during the investigation to ensure transparency and accuracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the procedures followed by the Senate are to a great extent being made up as the trial goes along.

The Economist

Most judicial reviews are not based on a challenge to the merits of a government decision but the fairness and lawfulness of the procedures followed.

The Guardian

They also raise questions about the actions of doctors and the procedures followed by the hospital, which was charged with "egregious violations" by the Health Department.

The New York Times - Style

It is unclear exactly when the torture began, and whether the procedures followed stayed within the limits set forth by the Bush legal team.

The New York Times

Despite the predictable criticism of the procedures followed, even the opposition members admitted in their report that MacAskill's decision was made in good faith.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now the state must focus strongly on getting audits of the paper ballots right from start to finish, including the procedures followed when an audit detects a problem.

The New York Times

"I have asked for a report from customs and border protection on the procedures followed for the arrival of these aircraft and whether there was any deviation from accepted practice," the immigration minister said.

The Guardian - Film

The committee's inquiry is focusing on the way in which the Home Office reacted to the suspected leaks of information and the procedures followed by the Metropolitan police when they were asked to investigate further.

The Guardian

In London, the parties seeking leave for judicial review today will argue the procedures followed by the home secretary have been unfair, particularly with regard to the non-disclosure of the medical evidence and a failure to allow independent tests.

The Guardian

Landis, 32, has spent millions of dollars on a defense that tried to cast doubt on the scientific validity of doping tests and the procedures followed at antidoping labs.

The New York Times - Sports

It's arguing that the procedures followed were wrong and that TfL has subsequently failed to enforce the law.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal reports or news writing, use this phrase to justify the validity of an investigation or judicial review.

Common error

Avoid using the present tense 'the procedures follow' when you are describing a process that has already concluded. This is a common error in retrospective reporting where the writer forgets that the 'followed' acts as a reduced relative clause (e.g., 'the procedures [which were] followed').

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the procedures followed" serves as a noun phrase where 'procedures' is the head noun and 'followed' is a past participle acting as a reduced relative clause (short for 'the procedures that were followed'). Ludwig examples show this is the standard way to reference established workflows in the past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Social Media

2%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the procedures followed" is an essential tool for formal English writing, particularly in technical and reporting contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a Very common and grammatically Correct construction used to describe methodology with high precision. Its structure as a noun phrase with a reduced relative clause allows writers to efficiently link actions to results. Whether you are drafting a scientific paper for a journal like Nature or a legal defense, this phrase ensures that your description of the process is perceived as objective and professional. For those seeking more variety, alternatives such as "the methodology employed" or "the protocols observed" can be used to add nuance to specific methodological standards.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the processes followed

Highlights a series of operations or natural developments.

the methodology followed

Shifts focus to the systematic or theoretical framework of a study.

the methods employed

Focuses on the tools or techniques used to achieve a result.

the steps taken

Provides a more direct and active description of actions performed.

the protocols observed

Emphasizes strict adherence to formal or scientific rules.

the guidelines adhered to

Directly references conformity with external standards or advice.

the approach taken

Focuses on the conceptual strategy rather than just the tasks.

the sequence followed

Stresses the specific chronological order of the actions.

the measures implemented

Suggests specific actions taken to address a problem or regulation.

the path followed

More figurative, often used in narrative or non-technical contexts.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "the procedures followed"?

You can use alternatives like "the methodology employed", "the steps taken" or "the protocols observed" depending on your specific context.

How do I use "the procedures followed" in a formal report?

It is typically used to introduce a detailed list of actions, such as: "The report outlines "the procedures followed" during the audit to ensure total compliance."

Which is more professional: "the procedures followed" or "the ways used"?

"the procedures followed" is significantly more professional and precise than "the ways used", which is considered informal for academic or business writing.

Is "the procedures followed" grammatically correct?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. According to Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase modified by a past participle, common in formal English to describe past methodologies.