follower

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'follower' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person who emulates or admires someone or something else, or to someone who subscribes to a particular idea, belief, or religion. Example sentence: The celebrity has millions of followers on social media.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

2. Maria calls Malvolio "a time-pleaser, an affectioned ass" - a follower of fashion and a pretentious idiot in Twelfth Night.

The Guardian

Alison Phipps is director of gender studies at Sussex University – you can follower her on Twitter @alisonphipps This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional.

The Guardian

You would never guess: he became a spy for them too, but told Australia's immigration department he remained a "secret follower" of the Ahmadis.

The Guardian

All that appeared in the morning papers was a thirty-one word message from the New York correspondent of the official Soviet Tass Agency saying that according to the American papers an attempt to assassinate Trotsky was made on August 20 by an intimate friend and follower.

The Guardian

Sam Farley is a doctoral researcher at the Institute of Work Psychology (IWP), Sheffield University Management School – follower him on Twitter: @sam_farley3 Christine Sprigg is a lecturer in occupational psychology at IWP, Sheffield University Management School Join the Higher Education Network for more comment, analysis and job opportunities, direct to your inbox.

The Guardian

He channelled the spirit of John Maynard Keynes, telling a follower "in the long run we are all dead" – but that in the medium term he is going nowhere.

The Guardian

Varoufakis then told one follower that, as John Maynard Keynes put it, "in the long run we are all dead", but "in the medium run, those nostalgic of the troika days are stuck with me".

The Guardian - Business

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 8.16pm AEST11:16 First tweet of the night comes from Todd Baker of Melbourne, as astute follower of technology: "Is the rumour true that the pre- game 'entertainment' cost twice as much as buying High Definition cameras?

The Guardian - Sport

With only nine months to make her mark, she doesn't have the luxury of time, but she will have to decide pretty quickly whether she wants to be a Gove follower or tread a different path.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

In other words, it can be a base-load producer that runs all the time, a "load-follower" that operates during the day and into the early evening, or even a "peaking power" plant that ramps up quickly to meet sudden spikes in demand.

The Economist

Both comparisons emphasise the great size and seriousness of India's state, relative to its more chaotic neighbours.In even bolder terms, Manipur's multiple conflicts recall some in Africa, where AIDS is also a camp-follower; or even, in the murderous efficiency of those killers near Bishnupur (where African rebels would have fired wide and scarpered), the latest fiasco in Afghanistan.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "follower", consider the specific context to choose the most accurate synonym, such as "supporter" or "adherent", to convey the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "follower" repetitively in formal contexts; instead, diversify your language by using more precise terms like "supporter", "adherent", or "disciple" to enhance clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "follower" is as a noun, referring to a person or thing that comes after or supports another. Ludwig shows various examples in which "follower" is used in this capacity, such as describing a supporter of a political figure or a religious leader.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "follower" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun, as affirmed by Ludwig. It denotes someone who supports or adheres to a particular person, idea, or movement. It's very commonly used in different contexts, including News & Media and Formal & Business, as Ludwig examples demonstrate. While versatile, it's important to consider synonyms like "adherent" or "supporter" for more precise meaning. Ludwig provides a wide array of examples showcasing its usage in various contexts, making it a valuable resource for understanding the nuances of "follower".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adherent

Emphasizes dedication and loyalty to a particular belief or leader.

supporter

Highlights active backing and advocacy for a cause or individual.

disciple

Implies a student or pupil closely following a teacher or mentor.

devotee

Suggests a strong admiration and commitment to someone or something.

partisan

Indicates strong allegiance to a particular party or cause.

admirer

Focuses on the positive regard and appreciation for someone or something.

believer

Highlights faith and conviction in a particular idea or system.

adopter

Implies actively embracing and implementing a new practice or technology.

emulator

Focuses on imitating or copying someone's actions or behavior.

attendant

Emphasizes the action of accompanying or being present with someone.

FAQs

How can I use "follower" in a sentence?

You can use "follower" to describe someone who supports a leader, idea, or movement. For example: "He was a loyal follower of the Dalai Lama."

What's the difference between a "follower" and an "adherent"?

While both terms refer to someone who supports something, "follower" often implies a more passive role, while "adherent" suggests a stronger, more active commitment.

What are some alternatives to using the word "follower"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "supporter", "adherent", "disciple", or "devotee".

Is it appropriate to use "follower" in academic writing?

Yes, but consider the specific nuance you want to convey. In some cases, a more precise term like "researcher", "student", or "proponent" may be more suitable.