a follower of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a follower of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who supports or adheres to a particular belief, ideology, or leader. Example: "She is a follower of the environmental movement, actively participating in campaigns and initiatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A follower of rules.

The New York Times

Schmid considered himself a follower of Schoenberg.

The New York Times - Arts

Corbyn is a follower of Tony Benn.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was a follower of Bertrand Russell.

The New York Times - Magazine

He became a follower of Elijah Muhammad.

The New York Times

I'm not a follower of any religion.

The Guardian - Film

I asked if she considered herself a follower of fashion.

The New Yorker

Kierkegaard's father had been a follower of Grundtvig.

The New Yorker

Mr. Zeitlin is not necessarily a follower of Mr. Spielberg's.

The New York Times

I have been a follower of his for many years.

The Guardian

Mr. Reid acknowledged he was a follower of Al Qaeda.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific alternatives like "adherent", "disciple", or "supporter" to convey nuances in the type of following.

Common error

Avoid using "a follower of" when a more precise term would better describe the relationship. For example, instead of "a follower of fashion", consider "fashion-conscious" or "trendsetter" if appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a follower of" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a complement. It identifies someone who adheres to or supports a particular person, ideology, or system. Ludwig's examples showcase this usage across various contexts, such as religion, philosophy, and personal preference.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a follower of" is a versatile and frequently used way to describe someone who adheres to a particular person, idea, or system. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. While generally neutral in tone, the specific meaning can be shaped by the subject being followed. For more precise communication, consider using synonyms like "adherent", "disciple", or "supporter". Overall, it's a reliable phrase that offers clear identification through association.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an adherent of

A more formal alternative, emphasizing a firm and dedicated attachment to a belief or cause.

a disciple of

Suggests a close, often learning-based, relationship with a particular leader or figure.

a supporter of

Indicates active backing and promotion of someone or something.

a devotee of

Implies deep dedication and often admiration.

a believer in

Emphasizes faith or conviction in a concept or idea.

a partisan of

Indicates strong allegiance, often in a political context.

a member of

Implies formal affiliation with a group or movement.

an advocate for

Suggests active and public support for a cause or person.

an advocate of

Suggests public support and promotion of something

a proponent of

Highlights active support and advocacy for a cause or idea.

FAQs

How do I use "a follower of" in a sentence?

Use "a follower of" to describe someone who adheres to a particular person, philosophy, or system. For example, "He is "a follower of Christ"" or "She is "a follower of fashion"".

What are some alternatives to "a follower of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "an adherent of", "a supporter of", "a disciple of", or "a believer in".

Is it better to say "a follower of" or "an adherent of"?

Both are correct, but "an adherent of" is more formal and suggests a stronger, more committed association than "a follower of".

Can "a follower of" be used in a negative context?

Yes, it can. For example, "He was described as "a follower of radical Islam"". The connotation depends on what is being followed.