Follow A Method

[learningspirit]

I have a question about difference between "follow a method" and "use a method":


1. During the experiment, he followed a new method.
2. During the experiment, he used a new method.


Could both be the same?

 

[Skrej]

In this context, yes.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I would use "used".

 

[learningspirit]

@MikeNewYork

Would "followed the steps of a new method" be better?

 

[MikeNewYork]

Not much.

 

[Eckaslike]

(I am not a Teacher. BrE first language speaker)

I would agree they mean virtually the same thing. However, to me, the first might imply that he was following a set of instructions, such as using a manual. The second sounds as though he already knew what he was doing, and so tried the new experiment using the knowledge he already had.