be followed by a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be followed by a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a sequence or order in which something occurs, indicating that one thing comes after another. Example: "The instructions should be followed by a confirmation email to ensure everything is in order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It will be followed by a rebuttal from Ms. Sifton.

The New York Times

The discussion will be followed by a drinks reception.

The Guardian

Will it be followed by a "Quit iPad day"?

The Guardian - Tech

This will be followed by a panel debate.

The Guardian

Can a short vowel be followed by a single consonant?

The Guardian - Books

This winter could be followed by a turbulent period.

The New York Times

The talk will be followed by a wine tasting.

The New York Times

That will be followed by a 30-day comment period.

The New York Times

It will be followed by a craft activity.

The New York Times - Arts

The talk will be followed by a signing.

The Guardian

The programme will be followed by a live studio debate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be followed by a", consider the relationship between the two events. Is it a direct consequence, a natural progression, or simply a chronological order?

Common error

Avoid using "be followed by a" when describing events that are only loosely related or not causally connected. Ensure the sequence is logical and that the following event is directly related to the preceding one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be followed by a" functions as a passive construction indicating sequential order. As shown by Ludwig, it is used to describe events or actions that occur in a specific order, where one event comes after another. The phrase appears in numerous examples, indicating its widespread use and acceptance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Huffington Post

15%

The Economist

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be followed by a" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction to indicate a sequence of events or actions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it is particularly prevalent in News & Media and scientific writing, suggesting a neutral register. When using the phrase, ensure that the sequential relationship is clear and logical. While alternatives like "be succeeded by a" or "lead to a" exist, "be followed by a" remains a versatile and widely accepted choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be succeeded by a

Emphasizes the order of succession, implying a replacement or continuation.

be accompanied by a

Highlights the simultaneous occurrence of two things, where one follows the initial event.

be preceded by a

Indicates something that comes before, offering the inverse perspective.

be consequent to a

Formal term indicating a result or outcome that naturally follows.

give rise to a

Highlights the cause-and-effect relationship, where one event leads to another.

lead to a

Focuses on the result, indicating that one action or event results in a subsequent one.

bring about a

Suggests a causal relationship, implying that the first event causes the second.

result in a

Emphasizes the outcome or consequence of a prior action or event.

entail a

Highlights the necessary consequence of an action or decision.

incur a

Focuses on the action leading to a specific result, often negative or requiring action.

FAQs

How can I use "be followed by a" in a sentence?

The phrase "be followed by a" indicates that one thing comes after another in a sequence. For example, "The presentation will be followed by a question and answer session."

What are some alternatives to "be followed by a"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "be succeeded by a", "be accompanied by a", or "lead to a".

Is it correct to say "be followed by a"?

Yes, "be followed by a" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. It is used to describe a sequence or order of events.

What is the difference between "be followed by a" and "result in a"?

While both phrases indicate a sequence, "be followed by a" simply means something comes after, whereas "result in a" suggests a cause-and-effect relationship. The latter implies that the first event causes the second.