as follows

USAGE SUMMARY

"as follows" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when you need to make an introductory statement to list a series of items. For example, "The steps required to complete this task are as follows: Step 1, Step 2, Step 3, etc."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Deets are as follows:.

The New Yorker

It goes as follows.

The Economist

It went as follows.

Independent

The gist is as follows.

The Economist

One version is as follows.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The tale goes as follows.

The Economist

The dangers are as follows.

Independent

His argument goes as follows.

The Economist

The scenario goes as follows.

The Economist

Those numbers are as follows.

The Guardian

They are as follows: 1.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as follows" to clearly signal that a list, explanation, or detailed information is about to be presented. Ensure the information that follows is well-organized and directly relevant to the preceding statement.

Common error

Avoid using "as follows" if you are not actually providing a structured list, detailed explanation, or sequential information. Instead, use transitional phrases like "for example" or "in particular" if you're only providing examples or elaborations.

How to use

Learn how to use "as follows" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as follows" functions as an introductory adverbial phrase. It signals that a list, explanation, or detailed information is about to be presented. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as follows" is a grammatically correct and very common introductory phrase used to signal that a list, explanation, or detailed information is about to be presented. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. While versatile, it is most frequently encountered in scientific and news contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal register. To use it effectively, ensure that you are indeed providing a structured list or detailed explanation. Alternatives like "namely" or "specifically" can be used depending on the context, while remembering that you should avoid the incorrect form "as follow".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the following manner

Replaces "as follows" with a more formal tone by using "in the following manner".

the following is

Alters the structure by placing "the following" as the subject.

to wit

Provides a more archaic and formal alternative to introduce specifics.

namely

Introduces specific items or details but may not always imply a structured list.

that is

Used for clarification or specification, similar to introducing an explanation.

specifically

Highlights that the following information will be particular and detailed.

in detail

Indicates that a more comprehensive explanation will be given.

the details are

Focuses on presenting the specific details of a matter.

here are the specifics

Emphasizes that specific points are about to be enumerated.

the breakdown is

Emphasizes that the subsequent information will be an analysis or categorization.

FAQs

How do I use "as follows" correctly in a sentence?

Use "as follows" to introduce a list, explanation, or detailed information. For example: "The requirements are "as follows": a bachelor's degree, 3 years of experience, and excellent communication skills."

What are some alternatives to "as follows"?

Alternatives include "namely", "that is", or "specifically", depending on the context. Each has a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

Is "as follow" grammatically correct?

No, the correct form is "as follows". "Follows" is used because it refers to what 'follows' or comes after the introductory statement, treating it as a singular concept or unit.

When should I use "as follows" versus "for example"?

"As follows" introduces a comprehensive list or detailed explanation, while "for example" introduces one or more examples to illustrate a point. Use "as follows" when you intend to provide a complete enumeration and "for example" when you're providing illustrations.