Following that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Following that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a sequence of events or actions that occur after a previously mentioned point. Example: "We discussed the project timeline in the meeting. Following that, we assigned tasks to each team member."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Following that path will lead to disaster.

The New York Times

Following that was "said", "then", and "after".

The Guardian

Following that notion, other questions arise.

The Guardian

Following that, the evergreen Goldfish bar in Kings Cross.

The Guardian

Following that arrest, Foley was released on $2,000 bond.

The New York Times - Sports

Following that incident, she became harsher with me.

The Guardian

Following that, he remained a constant in the national setup.

The Guardian - Sport

Following that success, she, of course, wanted to pedal.

The New York Times

Following that comment I give it about 30 seconds.

The Guardian - Sport

Following that warning, investor confidence dropped substantially.

Forbes

Following that recession, something remarkable happened.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Following that", ensure that the connection between the two events or actions is logically apparent to avoid confusing the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "Following that" when you actually mean 'because of that' or 'as a result'. "Following that" indicates sequence, not necessarily causation. Be sure the connection is temporal, not strictly causal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Following that" functions as an adverbial phrase or transitional phrase, indicating a temporal sequence in which one event or action occurs after another. As Ludwig mentions, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Following that" serves as a transitional marker to indicate a temporal sequence. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used, especially in news and media, and scientific writing. While it doesn't inherently imply causation, it's crucial to maintain a clear chronological order when deploying it. Remember to avoid using it in place of explicit causal phrases and consider alternatives like "subsequently" or "thereafter" for more formal tones. With an expert rating of 4.5, "Following that" is a reliable tool for clarity and cohesion in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Subsequently

Replaces "following that" with a single word emphasizing temporal sequence.

Thereafter

Similar to 'subsequently', offering a formal alternative to indicate what comes next.

After that

A more casual and direct alternative, suitable for less formal contexts.

Subsequently, this happened

A slightly more descriptive variation that clearly indicates the occurrence of a later event.

In the wake of that

Implies a consequence or result occurring after the initial event.

Resulting from that

Focuses on the causation aspect of the relationship between events.

As a consequence

Highlights the cause-and-effect relationship between the initial event and the subsequent one.

That being said

Introduces something after a previous statement, often with a contrasting or qualifying effect.

Moving on from there

Used to transition to the next topic or action after completing the previous one.

From that point onward

Emphasizes a continuous progression from a specific time.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "Following that" in a sentence?

"Following that" is best used to indicate a clear sequence of events where one action or event immediately follows another. For example, "The presentation concluded, "following that", we opened the floor for questions".

What words or phrases can I use instead of "Following that"?

Alternatives to "Following that" include "subsequently", "thereafter", "after that", or "in the wake of that". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference in formality between "Following that" and its alternatives?

Yes, "Following that" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. "Subsequently" and "thereafter" are more formal, while "after that" is more informal.

Can "Following that" imply causation, or does it strictly denote time sequence?

"Following that" primarily denotes a time sequence. While one event might influence another, "following that" does not inherently imply causation. For explicit causation, use phrases like "as a result" or "because of that".