Meaning
Used to ask someone to walk behind you.
Cultural Background
In the US, 'Follow me' is very direct. It is common in service, but adding 'please' is always recommended to avoid sounding rude. British English often uses 'This way, please' as a softer, more polite alternative to 'Follow me'. Direct commands are often avoided. A guide might use a gesture and say 'Please come this way' instead of a direct 'Follow me'. Germans value efficiency. 'Folgen Sie mir' is perfectly acceptable and not considered rude in a professional context.
Add 'Please'
Adding 'please' makes the command much softer and more polite.
Use Gestures
Always use a hand gesture when saying 'Follow me' to be clear and polite.
Meaning
Used to ask someone to walk behind you.
Add 'Please'
Adding 'please' makes the command much softer and more polite.
Use Gestures
Always use a hand gesture when saying 'Follow me' to be clear and polite.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
Please ____ me to the lobby.
The imperative mood requires the base form of the verb.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the best option.
Follow is a transitive verb and does not need a preposition.
Complete the dialogue.
Waiter: 'Your table is ready. ______.'
This is the standard phrase for guiding a guest.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are a tour guide leading a group.
This is the correct imperative for leading a group.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesPlease ____ me to the lobby.
The imperative mood requires the base form of the verb.
Choose the best option.
Follow is a transitive verb and does not need a preposition.
Waiter: 'Your table is ready. ______.'
This is the standard phrase for guiding a guest.
You are a tour guide leading a group.
This is the correct imperative for leading a group.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt depends on your tone. Use a polite tone and a gesture to ensure it sounds helpful, not bossy.
Only if you are the one showing the interviewer something. Otherwise, use 'Please, this way'.
It is a digital metaphor for 'subscribe to my content'.
'Follow me' is for physical movement; 'Follow along' is for keeping up with a process or story.
No, that is a common mistake. 'Follow' is a transitive verb.
Use 'Would you mind following me?' or 'Please, this way'.
Yes, it is universally understood.
Yes, it works for one person or a large group.
Grammatically, yes, it is an imperative. But socially, it is a request.
Then don't use it! Use 'Lead the way' instead.
Related Phrases
Right this way
synonymA polite way to guide someone.
Come with me
similarInviting someone to accompany you.
Lead the way
contrastAsking someone else to guide you.
Follow my lead
builds onCopy my actions.
