follow instructions — do as told
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
to do what someone tells you to do, or to do something in the way you are told or shown.
Say it like a native
Textbook Please comply with the stipulated directives.
Native Just follow the instructions.
'Comply with the stipulated directives' is bureaucratic; 'follow the instructions' is plain.
Pattern: follow instructions (to do something)
In use
- 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
Common mistake
✗ Follow the instruction carefully.
✓ Follow the instructions carefully.
Usually plural — 'instructions'.
Common collocations
follow instructions— carefully, the, simple, step-by-step
Don't confuse it
Not the same as 'give instructions' (to tell someone what to do).