Are you confused about the difference between “abide” and “follow”? These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we will explore the nuances of these words and provide clarity on when to use each one.
Let’s define the terms. “Abide” means to accept or act in accordance with a rule, decision, or recommendation. It can also mean to tolerate or endure something. On the other hand, “follow” means to come after or go along with someone or something as a result of being influenced or guided by them. It can also mean to comply with or obey a set of instructions or rules.
So, which of these words is the proper one to use? The answer is that it depends on the context. If you are talking about adhering to a set of rules or guidelines, “abide” is the better choice. If you are talking about going along with someone or something, “follow” is the more appropriate word.
In the rest of this article, we will delve deeper into the meanings and uses of these words, and provide examples to help illustrate their differences.
Define Abide
Abide is a verb that can be defined as to accept or act in accordance with a rule, decision, or recommendation. It also means to remain or continue in a particular condition or state. The term is often used in a legal context to indicate compliance with a law or regulation.
For example, a company may be required to abide by certain environmental regulations in order to operate legally. In this case, the company must follow the rules set forth by the regulatory agency to ensure that it is not in violation of the law.
Abide can also be used to indicate a sense of endurance or persistence. For instance, one might say “I will abide by your decision” to indicate that they will accept and continue to adhere to a decision made by someone else.
Define Follow
Follow is a verb that can be defined as to come after in sequence, order, or time. It can also mean to conform to or comply with a set of rules, instructions, or expectations. The term is often used in a variety of contexts, from social situations to professional settings.
For example, one might say “I will follow your lead” to indicate that they will take direction from someone else. In a professional context, an employee may be required to follow certain procedures or protocols in order to ensure that they are performing their job duties correctly.
Follow can also be used to indicate a sense of loyalty or devotion. For instance, one might say “I will follow you to the ends of the earth” to indicate that they are willing to go to great lengths to support or assist someone else.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to the English language, it’s important to use words correctly to convey the intended meaning. Two words that are often confused are “abide” and “follow”. In this article, we’ll explore how to properly use these words in a sentence.
How To Use “Abide” In A Sentence
The word “abide” means to accept or follow a rule, decision, or recommendation. Here are some examples of how to use “abide” in a sentence:
- Employees must abide by the company’s code of conduct.
- As a citizen, it is your duty to abide by the laws of your country.
- The school has a strict dress code that all students must abide by.
It’s important to note that “abide” is often used in a formal or legal context. It implies a sense of obligation or duty to follow a specific rule or guideline.
How To Use “Follow” In A Sentence
The word “follow” means to come after or go along with someone or something. Here are some examples of how to use “follow” in a sentence:
- Can you please follow me to the meeting room?
- The dog followed its owner everywhere she went.
- The recipe is easy to follow, even for beginners.
“Follow” is a more general term that can be used in a variety of contexts. It can refer to physically following someone or something, or it can refer to following instructions or guidelines.
Overall, it’s important to understand the nuances of these two words to use them correctly in a sentence. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and effective.
More Examples Of Abide & Follow Used In Sentences
In order to fully understand the difference between “abide” and “follow,” it is helpful to see them used in various sentences. Below are some examples of how each word can be used in a sentence.
Examples Of Using Abide In A Sentence
- She promised to abide by the rules of the game.
- The company must abide by the laws and regulations set forth by the government.
- Despite the difficult circumstances, he chose to abide by his principles.
- We must abide by the terms of the contract.
- The judge will not tolerate any failure to abide by his orders.
- It is important to abide by the guidelines set forth by the medical community.
- He was willing to abide by the decision of the committee.
- The school expects all students to abide by the code of conduct.
- She was unable to abide the thought of leaving her family behind.
- The team captain made it clear that all players must abide by the rules or face consequences.
Examples Of Using Follow In A Sentence
- He decided to follow his dreams and pursue a career in music.
- The detective followed the suspect through the dark alleyways.
- The doctor’s orders were to follow a strict diet and exercise regimen.
- It is important to follow the instructions carefully in order to avoid mistakes.
- The group of tourists followed the guide through the crowded streets of the city.
- She always follows her intuition when making important decisions.
- The police officer instructed the driver to follow him to the station.
- He made a conscious effort to follow a more sustainable lifestyle.
- The team was able to win the game by following the coach’s strategy.
- She decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a teacher.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “abide” and “follow,” people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and should be used in the appropriate context. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using “abide” and “follow” in your writing:
Mistake #1: Using “Abide” Instead Of “Follow”
One common mistake is using “abide” when the correct word is “follow.” For example, saying “I will abide your instructions” instead of “I will follow your instructions.” This mistake occurs because both words imply compliance, but “abide” has a more passive connotation, while “follow” is more active.
To avoid this mistake, pay attention to the context in which you are using the word. If you are talking about complying with someone’s instructions, use “follow” instead of “abide.”
Mistake #2: Using “Follow” Instead Of “Abide”
Another common mistake is using “follow” when the correct word is “abide.” For example, saying “I will follow the law” instead of “I will abide by the law.” This mistake occurs because “follow” implies a more active role, while “abide” implies a more passive role.
To avoid this mistake, pay attention to the context in which you are using the word. If you are talking about complying with a rule or law, use “abide” instead of “follow.”
Mistake #3: Using “Abide” As A Synonym For “Agree”
Another mistake people make is using “abide” as a synonym for “agree.” For example, saying “I will abide by your decision” instead of “I agree with your decision.” This mistake occurs because “abide” implies compliance, while “agree” implies a shared opinion.
To avoid this mistake, use “agree” when expressing your opinion, and “abide” when complying with someone’s decision.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can use “abide” and “follow” correctly in your writing and avoid any confusion or misinterpretation.
Context Matters
Choosing between the words “abide” and “follow” can be tricky, as both words have similar meanings but can be used differently depending on the context. Understanding the context in which these words are used can help you choose the appropriate word to use in your writing.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts in which the choice between “abide” and “follow” might change:
1. Rules and Laws
When it comes to rules and laws, “follow” is often the more appropriate choice. For example, you might say “I will follow the rules of the game” or “I will follow the law.” In this context, “abide” can also be used, but it may sound more formal or legalistic. For example, “I will abide by the rules of the game” or “I will abide by the law.”
2. Personal Values
When it comes to personal values or beliefs, “abide” is often the more appropriate choice. For example, you might say “I will abide by my principles” or “I will abide by my conscience.” In this context, “follow” can also be used, but it may sound more casual or less committed. For example, “I will follow my heart” or “I will follow my instincts.”
3. Relationships
When it comes to relationships, both “abide” and “follow” can be used, but they have slightly different connotations. “Abide” suggests a sense of loyalty or commitment, while “follow” suggests a sense of obedience or submission. For example, you might say “I will abide by my partner’s wishes” or “I will follow my partner’s lead.”
Choosing between “abide” and “follow” can depend on the context in which they are used. Understanding the nuances of each word can help you choose the appropriate word to use in your writing.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using abide and follow are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they may not apply. Here are a few examples:
Legal Usage
In legal contexts, the terms abide and follow may have specific meanings that differ from their everyday usage. For example, a court may order someone to abide by a certain decision, which means they must comply with it or face legal consequences. On the other hand, following a legal rule or regulation may simply mean adhering to it without any specific consequences for non-compliance.
Religious Usage
In religious contexts, the terms abide and follow may also have distinct meanings. For instance, abiding by a religious doctrine may involve a deeper commitment to its principles and teachings, whereas simply following them may be more of a surface-level adherence. Additionally, some religious traditions may use the terms interchangeably or have their own unique interpretations of the words.
Idiomatic Usage
Like many words in the English language, abide and follow also have idiomatic usages that may not follow the traditional rules. For example, the phrase “abide by” can be used to mean “tolerate” or “put up with” something, as in “I can’t abide by the smell of fish.” Similarly, the phrase “follow through” can mean to complete a task or see it to its end, as in “Make sure you follow through on that project.”
It’s important to note that while these exceptions may exist, they are not universal and may vary depending on the context and the speaker. As with any language, the best way to understand the nuances of abide and follow is to practice using them in a variety of situations and to pay close attention to how they are used by others.
Practice Exercises
Improving your understanding and use of abide and follow requires practice. Here are some exercises to help you:
Exercise 1: Abide Or Follow?
In this exercise, you will choose between abide and follow to complete each sentence. Choose the correct word from the options given in parentheses.
| Sentence | Options |
|---|---|
| 1. He always __________ by the rules. (abides, follows) | Abides |
| 2. Can you __________ my instructions? (abide, follow) | Follow |
| 3. She refused to __________ by their decision. (abide, follow) | Abide |
| 4. The company expects employees to __________ the dress code. (abide, follow) | Follow |
| 5. We must __________ by the laws of the land. (abide, follow) | Abide |
Answer Key: 1. Abides 2. Follow 3. Abide 4. Follow 5. Abide
Exercise 2: Using Abide And Follow In Context
In this exercise, you will use abide and follow in sentences to demonstrate your understanding of their meanings.
- Write a sentence using abide that demonstrates following rules or laws.
- Write a sentence using follow that demonstrates obeying instructions or guidance.
- Write a sentence using abide that demonstrates accepting or tolerating a situation.
- Write a sentence using follow that demonstrates adhering to a plan or schedule.
Example Answers:
- 1. I always abide by the speed limit when driving.
- 2. Please follow the recipe carefully to ensure the dish turns out correctly.
- 3. Although the weather was terrible, we had to abide by our camping reservation.
- 4. We need to follow the itinerary so we don’t miss any important activities.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Keep practicing using abide and follow in context to improve your writing and speaking skills.
Conclusion
After going through this article, it is evident that “abide” and “follow” are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. While “abide” means to comply with a rule or decision, “follow” means to come after or go behind someone or something.
It is essential to understand the difference between these words to avoid confusion and ensure proper communication. Using the wrong word can alter the meaning of a sentence, leading to misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
Key Takeaways
- Abide means to comply with a rule or decision, while follow means to come after or go behind someone or something.
- Using the wrong word can alter the meaning of a sentence, leading to misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
- It is essential to understand the difference between these words to ensure proper communication.
It is crucial to continue learning about grammar and language use to improve communication skills continually. There are various resources available, such as online courses, books, and workshops, that can help you enhance your language skills.
By continuing to learn and improve your language skills, you can communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings in both personal and professional settings.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.