following

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "following" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are listing items or referring to something that is coming later. For example: "The following items were discussed in the meeting: agenda, minutes, and new initiatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"East Coast is particularly sorry, too, for the inconvenience to its customers as a result on what we know is an already very busy travel day immediately following the Christmas break.

The Guardian - Business

They married the following year.

The Guardian - Business

The Guardian, which was first published in 1821, is most recently renowned for its agenda-setting NSA and GCHQ revelations following disclosures by whistleblower Edward Snowden, its globally acclaimed investigation into phone hacking and the launch of its groundbreaking digital-first strategy in 2011 and its trailblazing partnership with WikiLeaks in 2010.

The Guardian

Clinton first addressed the issue in March, shortly after transparency concerns were raised following reports that she used only a personal email account to conduct government business.

The Guardian

As the Italian senate was deciding to expel Berlusconi following his conviction for tax fraud, the man himself was addressing a rally of his supporters outside his home in Rome.

The Guardian - Opinion

The following Monday, 3 November, the principals re-assembled in Manchester's council chamber for the formal signing.

The Guardian

West first discussed Drake's recent outburst following the Rolling Stone magazine cover which was pulled to pay tribute to Philip Seymour Hoffman, following the actor's death.

The Guardian - Music

Bournemouth won their third game in a row after Brett Pitman scored a brace in the 3-0 victoveroveReadingng following Callum Wilson's opener.

The Guardian - Sport

The White House is attempting to cultivate new ties with Egypt's new Islamist rulers following the removal of the Hosni Mubarak, the hardline president who was formerly backed by Washington, last year.

The Guardian

The global success of its franchises – The Walking Dead is the biggest-ever cable show in the US and has a massive global following – has led AMC to make the $1bn bet on controlling its own content on channels internationally.

The Guardian

"There are a vast number of demands for change behind the scenes placed on any club following promotion to the Premier League, and we have to ensure we meet those demands in time for next season.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To maintain a formal tone, prefer "following" over "after" in academic or professional writing.

Common error

Avoid using "following" as a direct substitute for "after" in informal contexts where "after" sounds more natural and less stilted. "Following" often carries a more formal tone and should be reserved for appropriate settings.

How to use

Learn how to use "following" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The word "following" functions as a preposition, adjective, and noun, indicating sequence, consequence, or a group of followers. Ludwig AI confirms this versatility with examples showing its varied usage in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

25%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "following" is a versatile term that can function as a preposition, adjective, or noun. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is used to indicate sequence, consequence, or adherence and is especially common in news, formal business, and sports contexts. When writing, consider the context and desired tone, as "following" tends to be more formal than alternatives like "after". While "following" is generally grammatically correct, pay attention to how it's used to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subsequent to

Focuses on the temporal sequence, emphasizing that something happens after another event.

after

A simple and direct way to indicate that something happens in sequence.

in the wake of

Implies that something happens as a consequence of a preceding event.

pursuant to

Indicates that an action is taken in accordance with a set of rules or guidelines.

complying with

Focuses on adherence to rules, regulations, or standards.

in accordance with

Highlights the alignment or conformity with specific guidelines or instructions.

adhering to

Emphasizes a strict and consistent observance of rules or principles.

observing

Focuses on the act of watching or noticing something, often in the context of rules or customs.

conforming to

Indicates compliance with a set of established standards or norms.

as a result of

Highlights the causal relationship between two events, where one is a consequence of the other.

FAQs

How do I use "following" as a preposition in a sentence?

Use "following" to indicate something that happens after something else. For example, "Following the meeting, we discussed the next steps".

What are some alternatives to using "following" to indicate sequence?

You can use alternatives like "after", "subsequent to", or "in the wake of" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is there a difference between using "following" and "after"?

"Following" generally implies a more formal or official tone compared to "after", which is more commonly used in everyday conversation. The choice depends on the context and intended formality.

When is it appropriate to use "following" as an adjective?

Use "following" as an adjective to describe something that comes next in a sequence. For example, "See the "following section" for more details" or "The "following day", we resumed our work".