follow one another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "follow one another" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sequence or order in which things or people come after each other. Example: "In the relay race, the runners must follow one another closely to maintain their speed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Otherwise, the seasons follow one another on DVD.

The New York Times

The cell-based system allows trucks to follow one another on the ramp as long as the traffic is in one direction.

Visualization in Engineering

In a further nod to social, users can follow one another on Songdrop itself and/or import their Facebook friend-list.

TechCrunch

We follow one another on the internet.

Vice

The lounge also provides a space to bring together disparate dance companies that have never met before or have even seen one another's style of dance — much less follow one another in quick succession on the same stage.

The New York Times - Arts

"Teenagers follow one another," said Hawkins.

The Guardian

Design shocks follow one another up the building.

The Guardian - Arts

Minority rights, the army, domestic violence, homophobia – publications and discussions follow one another.

The Guardian - Books

Informal parties, barbecues and community fund-raisers follow one another in a continual round.

The New York Times

Social media has changed the way athletes get to know and follow one another.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Cage wanted sounds to follow one another in a free, artless sequence, without harmonic glue.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a logical flow of ideas or steps, "follow one another" can emphasize the structured nature of the progression.

Common error

Avoid using "follow one another" when you actually mean a mutual action. "Follow one another" indicates sequence, not necessarily a reciprocal relationship. Instead, use phrases like "interact with each other" or "reciprocate" if you are referring to actions that are mutual, not sequential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "follow one another" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a sequential relationship or order. Ludwig provides numerous examples where the phrase describes events, actions, or items that come after each other in a series.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "follow one another" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe sequential relationships across various contexts. As Ludwig highlights, it appears frequently in news, science, and encyclopedia articles, showcasing its broad applicability. The phrase is grammatically correct and generally considered neutral in tone. While "follow one another" indicates sequence, users should ensure they don't use it when a reciprocal relationship is intended. Alternatives like "succeed each other" or "come one after another" can provide nuanced meaning adjustments depending on the context. Ludwig confirms the expression to be proper in structure and meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

succeed each other

This alternative emphasizes the temporal sequence of events or items, suggesting a direct and immediate succession.

come one after another

This phrase highlights the sequential nature of events or actions, emphasizing that they happen in a series.

go after each other

This option emphasizes pursuit or following in a more active sense, often implying a chase or competition.

progress sequentially

This emphasizes the orderly and step-by-step nature of a progression, typically in a planned or structured manner.

act in sequence

This phrase is used to show that actions have a well-defined temporal order.

come in succession

This phrase often indicates a formal or structured order, highlighting a chain of events or items.

befall subsequently

This implies that events happen later or as a consequence of previous actions, indicating a cause-and-effect relationship.

ensue

This single word means to happen or occur afterward as a result, often carrying a sense of direct consequence.

result from each other

This emphasizes the causal link between two or more events, indicating that one directly causes the other(s).

stem from one another

This suggests that one event or idea originates from another, emphasizing a source or root cause.

FAQs

How can I use "follow one another" in a sentence?

Use "follow one another" to indicate a sequence or order in which events, actions, or items occur. For example, "The courses "follow one another" quickly in the tasting menu".

What's the difference between "follow one another" and "follow each other"?

"Follow one another" emphasizes a sequence or order, while "follow each other" often implies a mutual or reciprocal action. The nuance depends on the context.

Which is correct, "the events follow one another" or "the events follow themselves"?

"The events follow one another" is correct when describing a series of events. "The events follow themselves" doesn't make logical sense in most contexts.

What can I say instead of "follow one another"?

You can use alternatives like "succeed each other", "come one after another", or "act in sequence" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.