following a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "following a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is occurring after or as a result of a particular event or action. Example: "Following a thorough review of the documents, we decided to proceed with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She was following a tangent.

The New York Times - Magazine

FOLLOWING a Grand Prix is tricky.

The Economist

Pepsi would certainly be following a trend.

The Economist

He had difficulty following a conversation.

The New York Times

Yet LinkedIn is following a trend.

The New York Times

Tahira died following a long illness.

Independent

The strikes are following a pattern.

The New York Times

Each episode following a similar trajectory.

Independent

These people "are following a fad, essentially".

The New York Times

prospect following a big investment by HSBC.

The New York Times

They're not following a curriculum".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "following a", ensure the connection between the events is clear and logical. The phrase suggests a direct consequence or sequence, so the relationship should be easily understood by the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "following a" when there isn't a clear causal relationship. Using it loosely can weaken your writing and confuse your reader. If there's no direct link, consider using "after" or another more general temporal indicator.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "following a" functions as a prepositional phrase, introducing information about when or under what circumstances an event occurred. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it indicates that something happens after or as a result of something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "following a" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to establish a temporal and often causal link between events. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and wiki articles. While it is generally considered suitable for formal writing, ensure a clear and logical connection exists between the linked events. For alternative phrasing, consider using "after a" or "subsequent to a" depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after a

Indicates a temporal sequence, similar to "following a" but with a more direct chronological emphasis.

subsequent to a

A more formal way of saying "following a", emphasizing the chronological order of events.

in the wake of a

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

as a result of a

Highlights the causal relationship between two events, with a stronger emphasis on the cause.

pursuant to a

Indicates that an action is taken in accordance with a specific rule, law, or agreement.

consequent to a

Similar to "subsequent to a", but with a focus on the logical consequence of an event.

on the heels of a

Suggests that something happens immediately after another event, closely following it.

resulting from a

Emphasizes that the second event is a direct outcome or effect of the first.

on the back of a

Implies that something happens due to the momentum or success of a previous event.

stemming from a

Indicates that something originates or arises from a particular source or event.

FAQs

How is "following a" used in a sentence?

"Following a" is used to indicate that something happens after or as a result of something else. For example, "Following a brief illness, he passed away."

What are some alternatives to "following a"?

Alternatives include "after a", "subsequent to a", or "in the wake of a" depending on the context.

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

While both indicate a sequence, "following a" often implies a more direct consequence or connection than "after a". "After a" simply denotes a temporal sequence.

When is it appropriate to use "following a" in formal writing?

"Following a" is suitable for formal writing when you want to clearly indicate that one event directly results from another, such as "Following a review of the evidence, the committee reached a decision."