follow the signs

Meaning

This phrase means to look at and obey the directions shown on posters, boards, or indicators in public spaces. It is a very common phrase used when giving or receiving directions in places like airports, highways, and tourist attractions.

Examples

• When you get off the plane, just follow the signs to baggage claim.

  When you get off the plane, just follow the signs to baggage claim.

• To find the subway station, follow the signs near the exit.

  To find the subway station, follow the signs near the exit.

• If you get lost in the museum, follow the signs to the main lobby.

  If you get lost in the museum, follow the signs to the main lobby.

• Drivers should follow the signs for detour routes during road construction.

  Drivers should follow the signs for detour routes during road construction.

• We followed the signs to the city center and arrived there in ten minutes.

  We followed the signs to the city center and arrived there in ten minutes.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ You should follow the signals to find the exit.

  ✓ You should follow the signs to find the exit.

  In public spaces, written directions or symbols are called 'signs', not 'signals' (which usually refers to traffic lights or electronic indicators).

• ✗ Follow to the signs for the parking lot.

  ✓ Follow the signs for the parking lot.

  The verb 'follow' is transitive and takes the direct object 'signs' without the preposition 'to'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Once you exit customs, ___ to the taxi stand.

  💡 Look at the direction boards.

  Show answer

  follow the signs

• It is easy to find the restroom; just ___.

  💡 Look at the indicators on the wall.

  Show answer

  follow the signs