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Grammar fix

follow instructions

do as told

to do what someone tells you to do, or to do something in the way you are told or shown.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • If you follow the instructions carefully, the recipe will turn out perfectly.daily life
  • In my opinion, it's important to follow instructions at work because it helps avoid mistakes and keeps everyone safe.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: follow instructions (to do something)

WrongFollow the instruction carefully.

RightFollow the instructions carefully.

Usually plural — 'instructions'.

Patternfollow instructions (to do something)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Please comply with the stipulated directives.

Natural Just follow the instructions.

'Comply with the stipulated directives' is bureaucratic; 'follow the instructions' is plain.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • follow instructions
    carefullythesimplestep-by-step

Don't confuse it

Not the same as 'give instructions' (to tell someone what to do).

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