follow it up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "follow it up" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that someone should take additional steps after completing a task. For example, "I emailed the client, so I'll follow it up with a phone call tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

We'll follow it up next week".

The New Yorker

"They just don't follow it up".

The Guardian

Now I have got to follow it up".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If they don't respond, follow it up – be persistent!

The Guardian

Follow it up with some TV and chocolate and call it a healthy night.

The New York Times

We will follow it up and we will do this ourselves.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

And Chris followed it up with action.

The Washington Post

And he follows it up with another!

The Guardian - Sport

And the Norwegians followed it up with card-perfect defense.

The New York Times

Ryan Ludwick than follows it up with a base hit.

The Guardian - Sport

He followed it up with a detailed indictment.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "follow it up", ensure that the context clearly indicates what action is being followed up on. Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "follow it up" without a clear reference to the initial action or event. Vague references can confuse the reader and diminish the effectiveness of your communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "follow it up" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the act of pursuing something further after an initial action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and serves to suggest taking additional steps. This includes actions like reinforcing a message, investigating a claim, or continuing a process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "follow it up" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe taking further action after an initial step. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki, indicating its widespread usage. To use it effectively, ensure clear context and avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "investigate further" or "look into it" to fine-tune your message. By using "follow it up" thoughtfully, you can enhance the clarity and impact of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

follow through

Highlights the completion of a task or commitment.

look into it

Suggests a more casual investigation or inquiry.

investigate further

Emphasizes a more formal or in-depth examination.

proceed with it

Indicates the continuation of an action or plan.

pursue the matter

Highlights continued effort and determination in addressing a topic.

take action on it

Focuses on the active steps taken after an initial event.

act upon it

Focuses on taking decisive steps based on available information.

check it out

Implies a quick and informal review or inspection.

delve deeper

Emphasizes a more thorough and profound exploration.

keep tabs on it

Suggests monitoring or tracking the progress of something.

FAQs

How to use "follow it up" in a sentence?

You can use "follow it up" to describe taking further action after an initial step. For example, "After sending the email, I'll "follow it up" with a phone call."

What can I say instead of "follow it up"?

You can use alternatives like "investigate further", "look into it", or "follow through" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "follow it up" or "followed it up"?

"Follow it up" is the base form, while "followed it up" is the past tense. Use the appropriate form based on the time frame you're describing.

What's the difference between "follow it up" and "act upon it"?

"Follow it up" implies taking further action to reinforce an initial action, whereas "act upon it" suggests taking action as a result of something.