follow on action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "follow on action" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a logical result or outcome that follows from a certain event or decision, usually to suggest that more steps need to be taken or that something needs to be done next. For example: "We need to take follow on action to ensure this process runs more smoothly in the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Conceived as a follow on action to the Battle of Pozieres to advance the line towards Thiepval to exploit a salient that had developed in the line, the battle proved a costly, and ultimately unsuccessful, introduction to the Western Front for the 4th Division.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The act of recognition opens up follow on actions for the user, much like a returned search on the desktop invites a user to engage with a spider's web of additional information.

TechCrunch

Further fighting was experienced in late September at Polygon Wood during the Third Battle of Ypres, as part of follow on actions after the success at Menin Road.

Wikipedia

The ACLU, the plaintiff in the case the second circuit decided, is considering the implications of the new legislation for a follow-on action.

The Guardian

@mithika_mwenda Don't get distracted by geopolitics: The real danger is the talks [at the UN general assembly in September] either get bogged down in power games between different blocs of countries or that the escalating global security issues – Syria, Ukraine, extremism – push the talks down the agenda and we end up with warm words on paper and no follow-on action.

The Guardian

"The most remarkable aspect of the follow-on action with regard to the civilian casualties from the 19 November 2005 Haditha incident was the absence of virtually any kind of inquiry at any level of command into the circumstances surrounding the deaths...

The Washington Post

The Charity Commission for England and Wales - another regulator - said it was now investigating whether follow-on action needed to be taken against individual trustees.

BBC

In today's Internet, upon completing your date reservation, you may find a link that says, "send a gift" or some other relevant follow-on action.

TechCrunch

If it's not too forward you can even try for a follow-on action – perhaps getting together next time you're in town.

TechCrunch

And we work in close coordination through military, intelligence, law enforcement, and diplomatic channels to mitigate re-engagement and to take follow-on action when necessary.

Vice

"We take any indications of possible reengagement very seriously, and we work in close coordination through military, intelligence, law enforcement, and diplomatic channels to mitigate reengagement and to take follow-on action when necessary," the official said in the statement.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "follow on action", ensure it clearly connects to the preceding event or decision to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what prompts the need for the subsequent action.

Common error

Avoid using "follow on action" when a simpler term like "next step" or "subsequent action" suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "follow on action" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb. It identifies a specific action that occurs as a consequence or continuation of a preceding event or decision. Ludwig AI confirms this.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Academia

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "follow on action" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a subsequent action resulting from a prior event or decision. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for written English and suggests a logical outcome that requires additional steps. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears across various contexts, most notably in news, business, and scientific domains. When using this phrase, clarity and connection to the preceding event are essential to prevent ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "subsequent measure" or ""follow up step"" to avoid redundancy and ensure your writing remains concise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

follow-up step

Refers to an action taken to monitor or ensure the effectiveness of a previous action.

resulting action

Highlights that the action is a direct consequence of a previous event.

subsequent measure

Emphasizes the timing and nature of the action as coming directly after something else.

consequential step

Focuses on the importance and impact of the action as a result of what preceded it.

subsequent procedure

Specifies that the action is a formal or established way of doing something that comes after another.

ensuing activity

Indicates an activity that immediately follows and is connected to a prior event.

downstream effect

Implies a cascading effect where the action is a later stage development.

additional measure

Focuses on the idea of taking an extra step to supplement previous efforts.

next phase

Suggests that the action is part of a planned sequence or progression.

ancillary step

Highlights that the action is supportive and related to a primary action.

FAQs

How can I use "follow on action" in a sentence?

You can use "follow on action" to describe a step taken as a result of a previous event. For example, "The investigation revealed inconsistencies, requiring a "follow-on action" to verify the data".

What is a good alternative to "follow on action"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "subsequent step", "resulting action", or "follow up step".

What does "follow-on" mean in the context of "follow on action"?

In "follow on action", "follow-on" acts as an adjective indicating that the action is a direct consequence or continuation of a previous action or event.

Is "follow-up action" the same as "follow on action"?

While similar, "follow-up action" often implies checking on or ensuring the effectiveness of a previous action, whereas "follow on action" generally refers to any subsequent action taken.