were not followed

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The signs were there but were not followed".

The Guardian

"There were a number that were not followed".

The New York Times

"Rules about large risk exposures were not followed".

The Guardian - Business

So many basic police procedures were not followed with Trayvon.

The Guardian - Opinion

His concerns were not followed up, it has been claimed.

The Guardian

Either that equipment failed or correct procedures were not followed.

The Guardian

Spindler said the Met's call-handling procedures were not followed when the alarm went off.

The Guardian

Warnings about such risks were not followed up with any action, he added.

The Guardian - Business

But "blundering officers deleted valuable intelligence and many allegations were not followed up," the newspaper says.

The Guardian

And most of these grants and incentives were not followed up.

The New York Times

Over the years, letters got lost, notifications were not followed up, and these cases accreted.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were not followed", clearly state what specific rules, guidelines, or instructions were not adhered to. This provides clarity and context to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "were not followed" without specifying what exactly was not followed. This can lead to ambiguity and confusion. Always provide specific details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were not followed" functions as the predicate of a passive voice construction, indicating that a set of rules, procedures, or instructions was not adhered to. Ludwig confirms its validity and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were not followed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express the non-adherence to rules, procedures, or guidelines. As Ludwig highlights, it is commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. For clarity, it's crucial to specify what "were ignored" or not followed. While maintaining a generally neutral to formal tone, using alternatives such as "were not complied with" can adjust the level of formality or emphasis. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its directness and clarity, making it a valuable tool in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were disregarded

Emphasizes the act of ignoring or paying no attention to something.

were ignored

Highlights the lack of attention or notice given to something.

were not adhered to

Focuses on the failure to stick to or comply with rules or guidelines.

were not complied with

Stresses the lack of compliance or obedience to regulations.

were contravened

Indicates a direct violation or breach of a rule or law.

were violated

Similar to contravened, but can also imply a breach of trust or ethics.

were flouted

Suggests an open and contemptuous disregard for rules or conventions.

were breached

Implies a breaking of an agreement, law, or standard.

were not respected

Indicates a lack of regard or consideration for established protocols.

were evaded

Suggests an intentional avoidance of rules or responsibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "were not followed" in a sentence?

You can use "were not followed" to indicate that certain rules, procedures, or guidelines were not adhered to. For example: "The safety protocols "were not followed" during the event."

What's a more formal alternative to "were not followed"?

A more formal alternative could be "were not complied with", which emphasizes a lack of adherence to regulations or requirements.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "were not followed"?

Using the passive voice ("were not followed") emphasizes the action and what was not followed, rather than who failed to follow it. The active voice would require specifying who did not follow the rules (e.g., "The team did not follow the procedures").

What are common mistakes when using "were not followed"?

A common mistake is not specifying what exactly "were ignored" or not followed, leading to ambiguity. Always provide clear context.