follow the example vs follow the lead

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Follow the example' is used when someone wants you to imitate a specific action or behavior, while 'follow the lead' is used when someone wants you to take direction or guidance from someone else.

Last updated: March 21, 2024 • 917 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"follow the example"

This phrase is used when someone wants you to imitate a specific action or behavior that is being demonstrated.

Examples:

When learning a new dance, it's helpful to follow the example of the instructor.
Follow the example of successful entrepreneurs to achieve your goals.

Show examples from the web [+]

Synonyms for follow the example of. verb copy the actions of. follow suitstar · imitatestar · mimicstar · mirrorstar · challengestar · competestar · contendstar · ditto ...
It were good, therefore, that men in their innovations would follow the example of time itself; which indeed innovateth greatly, but quietly, by degrees scarce to be ...
New International Version Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. New Living Translation And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1New International Version (NIV). 11 1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. Cross references: 1 Corinthians 11:1 : S 1Co 4:16 ...

Alternatives:

emulate the example
imitate the example
mimic the example
copy the example
mirror the example

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"follow the lead"

This phrase is used when someone wants you to take direction or guidance from someone else, usually in a leadership position.

Examples:

The team decided to follow the lead of their captain.
In times of uncertainty, it's best to follow the lead of experienced individuals.

Show examples from the web [+]

The government needs to follow the lead of people like Eliza and not seek to ... The challenge is to follow the lead of the young whites who "will wage all- out ...
Discussions du forum dont le titre comprend le(s) mot(s) "follow the lead of" : Aucun titre ne contient le(s) mot(s) 'follow the lead of'. Poser la question dans les ...
Follow the Lead: An FTC Workshop on Lead Generation. Oct 30, 2015. Constitution Center 400 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20024 | Directions & Nearby ...
In the case of mixed-sex couples, the male is traditionally the lead and the female is the follow. The lead is responsible for guiding the couple and initiating ...

Alternatives:

take the lead
follow the guidance
take direction
emulate the leader
imitate the leader

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follow the example vs follow the lead