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Meaning & use

follow the steps

phrase·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˌfɒləʊ ðə ˈsteps/
US/ˌfɑːloʊ ðə ˈsteps/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    To do each part of a set of instructions in the correct order.

    Grammar: The phrase is fixed with 'the'; for a general statement you can also say 'follow the steps' or 'follow these steps'.

    Patterns

    • follow the steps in something
    • follow the steps on a website
    • follow the steps carefully

    If you follow the steps in the manual, the printer will work again.

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

    She followed the steps carefully and the cake came out perfectly.

  2. phrasefixed phrase

    To copy a method or process that someone else has already used successfully.

    Grammar: Often used with 'of' to name the person or model being copied: 'follow the steps of a famous scientist'.

    Patterns

    • follow the steps of someone
    • follow the same steps

    The new company followed the steps of its biggest competitor.

    Young athletes often follow the steps of their heroes.

    If we follow the same steps as last year, we should get similar results.

Common combinations

follow the steps in a guide
Follow the steps in this guide to set up your new phone.
follow the steps carefully
Follow the steps carefully, or the experiment will fail.
follow the steps exactly
The recipe says to follow the steps exactly.
follow the steps below
To install the app, follow the steps below.

Synonyms and how they differ

follow the instructions
The most common general phrase; 'follow the steps' is used when the instructions are clearly divided into numbered stages.
follow the procedure
More formal and used for official or technical processes, such as in a laboratory or hospital.
follow the recipe
Used only for cooking, while 'follow the steps' works in any situation.

Opposites

ignore the stepsskip the steps

Word family

step noun
One action in a series of actions.
step-by-step adjective
Arranged so that each stage is explained in order.
follow verb
To go after someone or to do what instructions say.

Commonly confused: follow the steps or follow the step?

follow the steps vs follow the step

'The step' refers to only one action, so it sounds wrong when you mean a whole set of instructions. Use the plural 'the steps' for a process.

Practice

To assemble the desk, just follow the ______ in the instruction sheet.

Make it your own

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