Cool MateFollow vs Obey
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Follow | Obey | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | To go after someone or something or do what they do. | To do what someone tells you to do. |
| CEFR level | A1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Usage notes | Use 'follow' when discussing tracking someone physically or conceptually (like ideas or trends). For social media, 'follow' often describes subscribing to someone's updates. Avoid using it in overly formal contexts. | Use 'obey' in contexts involving rules, laws, or authority figures. It's suitable for both formal and casual situations, but avoid using it with someone you know well unless discussing serious issues. |
Frequently asked questions: Follow vs Obey
What's the difference between "Follow" and "Obey"?
"Follow" means: To go after someone or something or do what they do. "Obey" means: To do what someone tells you to do.
When should I use "Follow" and "Obey"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Follow" and "Obey" the same CEFR level?
"Follow" is at A1, "Obey" is at B2 on the CEFR scale.