follow instructions

Meaning

This phrase means to do exactly what you have been told or directed to do. It is commonly used in professional settings to emphasize accuracy, safety, or compliance with company procedures. The tone is neutral, but can become firm if someone is failing to do so.

Examples

• If you don't follow instructions carefully, the software might not install correctly.

  If you don't follow instructions carefully, the software might not install correctly.

• The new interns need to learn how to follow instructions without skipping steps.

  The new interns need to learn how to follow instructions without skipping steps.

• Please follow the instructions on the screen to reset your password.

  Please follow the instructions on the screen to reset your password.

• She was praised for her ability to follow instructions and complete tasks on time.

  She was praised for her ability to follow instructions and complete tasks on time.

• It is crucial to follow instructions during safety drills.

  It is crucial to follow instructions during safety drills.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ You need to follow the directions of the manual.

  ✓ You need to follow the instructions in the manual.

  While 'directions' is sometimes used, 'follow the instructions in the manual' is the standard, natural collocated phrase for written guidelines.

• ✗ He didn't make the instructions.

  ✓ He didn't follow the instructions.

  Using 'make' instead of 'follow' is a literal translation error from languages where the verb for 'do' or 'make' is used to describe complying with rules.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Please read the manual and ___ to set up the printer.

  💡 What do you do with guidelines when you read them?

  Show answer

  follow instructions

• He failed the training test because he didn't ___.

  💡 He didn't do what he was told to do.

  Show answer

  follow instructions