follow

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'follow' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that one thing happens after or as a result of another, or to refer to someone who is following someone or something else. Example sentence: I followed the instructions and made a delicious cake.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The series will follow the "turbulent process of separating [in] the incredibly private world of the mediation room, following couples who once adored each other end up tussling over assets.

The Guardian

We hope that his fellow executives will now follow suit and announce they will also be giving up their large bonuses as well".

The Guardian

For more recipe ideas, see agirlcalledjack.com or follow @MsJackMonroe on Twitter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The extended scope of the bill may follow some of the recommendations of the intelligence and security committee (ISC), which suggested in March that the entire existing surveillance legal framework should be replaced by a single new act of parliament.

The Guardian

To get the latest media news on your desktop or mobile, follow MediaGuardian on Twitter and Facebook.

The Guardian

To get the latest media news to your desktop or mobile, follow MediaGuardian onTwitter and Facebook.

The Guardian

You can follow all the scores, statistics, live player and team ratings with the new free-to-downloadWhoScored iOS app Follow WhoScored on Twitter and Facebook Follow Guardian Football on Facebook.

The Guardian - Sport

Keep up with the latest on Guardian Students: follow us on Twitter at @GdnStudents – and become a member to receive exclusive benefits and our weekly newsletter.

The Guardian

He will be a hard act to follow.

The Economist

To get the latest media news to your desktop or mobile, follow MediaGuardian on Twitter and Facebook.

The Guardian

For more recipe ideas, including using up remaining ingredients, see agirlcalledjack.com or follow @MsJackMonroe on Twitter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions, use "follow" to clearly direct someone to perform steps in a specific order.

Common error

Avoid using "follow" when a more precise term like "implement", "apply", or "consider" would better convey the intended meaning in abstract or conceptual situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "follow" is as a verb, indicating actions like pursuing, adhering to, or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it can also function as a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "follow" is a versatile term primarily used as a verb, meaning to go after, adhere to, or understand. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It's frequently found in news articles, business communications, and general instructions, showcasing its adaptability across diverse contexts. Remember to use precise language in abstract contexts and consider alternatives like "pursue" or "adhere to" depending on the intended meaning. As exemplified by Ludwig, "follow" is a very common word, making it a fundamental part of effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go after

Replaces "follow" with a more active sense of pursuit.

pursue

Implies a determined effort to "follow" or achieve something.

keep up with

Emphasizes maintaining pace or awareness of something that is changing.

adhere to

Focuses on compliance with rules or guidelines instead of physically "following".

obey

Implies following commands or instructions.

ensue

Highlights that something happens after as a result.

come next

Indicates sequential order, similar to "follow" in a series.

succeed

Focuses on coming after someone in a role or position.

keep abreast of

Implies keeping up-to-date with the latest information.

come after

Simply denotes coming in sequence after something else.

FAQs

How can I use the word "follow" in a sentence?

You can use "follow" to mean to go after or come after someone or something in a sequence. For example, "follow the instructions" or "B follows A in the alphabet".

What are some alternatives to the word "follow"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "follow" can include "pursue", "adhere to", or "obey".

Which is correct, "follow" or "following"?

Both "follow" and "following" are correct, but they are used in different grammatical contexts. "Follow" is the base verb form, while "following" is the present participle or gerund form.

What's the difference between "follow" and "keep up with"?

"Follow" often implies going after or adhering to something, while "keep up with" suggests staying informed or maintaining pace with something that is changing, such as "keep up with the news".