a following

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a following' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a group of people, an identified group or kind, or an item of information that is related to or comes after the one referred to previously. For example, "Our research has shown a following trend in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

They have a following.

The New Yorker

"He was getting a following.

The New York Times

It has a following.

The New York Times

Not that she lacks a following.

The New York Times - Sports

They have potential and a following.

Independent

His unique sound quickly gained a following.

Independent

A following thorough mouth rinse is recommended.

The New York Times - Health

Mr. Dundas has quite a following.

The New York Times

He might not have a following.

The New York Times

Meyers has got a following.

The New York Times

Manage to gain a following.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a following", ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what is being followed. For example, "The band has built a large following among teenagers."

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a following" automatically implies widespread popularity. The size and engagement level of a following can vary greatly. Always provide context to clarify the extent of the following.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a following" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to a group of people who support, admire, or are interested in a particular person, idea, product, or movement. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is commonly used to describe an identified group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a following" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to a group of supporters or admirers. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and adaptable to many situations. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it effectively conveys the idea of popularity or support for a person, brand, or idea. While generally positive, it's crucial to provide context about the scope and nature of the following. Alternatives such as "a fanbase" or "a support base" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fanbase

This alternative specifically refers to a group of fans, often in the context of entertainment or sports.

a support base

This phrase highlights the aspect of support and can be used in political or social contexts.

a group of admirers

This alternative emphasizes admiration and is suitable when the support is based on admiration.

a circle of devotees

This phrase implies a more dedicated and enthusiastic following, often with a religious or cult-like connotation.

a body of adherents

This alternative suggests a formal and organized group of followers, often in a political or religious context.

a constituency

This term is often used in a political context to refer to the group of people who support a particular politician or party.

a readership

Specifically refers to the audience of a publication or author.

a viewership

This term is specific to television or online video content and refers to the audience that watches a particular show or channel.

a public

This alternative refers to a general audience or the population at large.

a retinue

Refers to a group of advisors, assistants, or others accompanying an important person.

FAQs

How can I use "a following" in a sentence?

You can use "a following" to describe a group of people who support, admire, or regularly attend or consume something. For example, "The artist has "quite a following" on social media", or "The restaurant has developed "a loyal following" over the years".

What are some alternatives to "a following"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a fanbase", "a support base", or "a group of admirers".

Is it always positive to have "a following"?

While generally positive, having "a following" isn't always inherently good. It depends on the nature of the following and the context. A politician might have "a strong following", but their policies might be controversial.

What's the difference between "a following" and "followers"?

"A following" refers to the collective group of people, while "followers" is a more direct term for the individual people who make up that group. You might say "The guru has a devoted following", meaning a general group of supporters; on the other hand "The social media star has 1 million followers", referring to the individuals who specifically subscribe to his account.