following that

USAGE SUMMARY

"following that" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to link two ideas or sentences so that the ideas flow logically. For example, "The market was very busy; following that, I decided to get some groceries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm following that advice now".

Independent

"I was following that match in Russia".

The New Yorker

Other makers are following that strategy.

The New York Times

Have you been following that?

University of California, Berkeley

Lindros missed four games following that concussion.

The New York Times - Sports

I've been following that advice ever since.

The New York Times - Science

We were just following that trail.

The Guardian

Just keep on following that trail.

The New York Times

George W. Bush should think hard before following that course.

The New York Times

Because following that goal, Ajax limped, whereas Roda dashed.

The Guardian - Sport

The new strain of H1N1 is not following that pattern.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "following that" to clearly indicate a sequence of events or steps in a process, enhancing readability and logical flow. It works best when the sequence is directly related and the connection is clear.

Common error

Avoid starting too many consecutive sentences with "following that" in informal writing. Over-reliance can make the writing sound repetitive and stilted. Vary your sentence structure by sometimes incorporating the phrase into the body of the sentence or using simpler alternatives like "then" or "afterward".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "following that" functions as a transitional adverbial phrase, connecting clauses or sentences to indicate a chronological sequence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used to link ideas logically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "following that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for indicating chronological sequence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility in linking ideas. While versatile, it is most commonly found in News & Media contexts, with neutral formality, offering a clear and direct way to narrate events. While it can be used in a variety of context, be aware that overusing it, especially in short sentences, could cause writing to appear repetitive. Consider alternatives like "subsequently" or "after that" to diversify your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after that

A simpler and more direct way of indicating sequence.

then

A very common and versatile word to indicate the next step or event.

afterward

Similar to "after that" but slightly more formal, indicating a later time.

subsequently

A formal synonym emphasizing temporal sequence, often used in writing.

thereafter

Indicates a time frame after a specific event, more formal than "following that".

consequently

Highlights the logical conclusion or effect of what preceded.

as a result

Emphasizes the consequence of a previous action or event.

in the wake of that

Indicates events that directly follow and are influenced by a prior occurrence.

in its aftermath

Focuses on the period and consequences succeeding an event.

on the heels of that

Suggests that something follows very closely and immediately after another event.

FAQs

How can I use "following that" in a sentence?

Use "following that" to connect two related events in a sequence. For example, "The presentation concluded at noon; "after that", we had lunch".

What are some alternatives to "following that"?

Alternatives include "subsequently", "thereafter", or "after that", depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "following that" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "following that" is suitable for formal writing, but more sophisticated synonyms like "subsequently" or "thereafter" may be preferred to enhance the tone.

What's the difference between "following that" and "as a result"?

"Following that" indicates a sequence of events, while "as a result" indicates a cause-and-effect relationship. Use "following that" when simply narrating what happened next, and "as a result" when explaining the consequence of an action.