following the

USAGE SUMMARY

"following the" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that comes after a specified time, event, action, etc. For example, "Following the end of the holiday season, stores began offering sales on winter clothing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm following the law".

The New Yorker

following the ticker.

The New Yorker

We're following the law".

The New York Times

Try following the seasons.

The New York Times

FOLLOWING The Hartman Group.

The New York Times

I've been following the Ashes.

Independent

"We are following the law".

The New Yorker

Dartmouth, MA following the burial.

The New York Times

He's just following the law".

The New Yorker

You're following the policeman's order".

The New York Times

I'm following the poem, following the language.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "following the", ensure the sequence of events is clear to maintain logical flow. For example, "Following the presentation, we will have a Q&A session" provides a clear temporal order.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly specifying what precedes the action or event "following the". For example, instead of saying "Following the decision, actions were taken", specify "Following the board's decision, actions were taken" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "following the" functions as a prepositional phrase, introducing information that specifies when or how something occurs in relation to a previous event or condition. This phrase introduces a temporal or logical sequence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "following the" is a versatile prepositional phrase that serves to indicate sequence, consequence, or adherence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is frequently found in News & Media sources, as well as encyclopedias and scientific articles, suggesting a neutral to formal register. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to explicitly state what is being followed or what event precedes the subsequent action. Alternatives such as "subsequent to the" or "in accordance with the" may offer slightly different nuances depending on the intended meaning. Being mindful of these nuances will enhance the precision and effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subsequent to the

Emphasizes the temporal sequence, indicating something happening directly after a specific event.

in accordance with the

Highlights compliance with a set of rules, guidelines, or laws.

pursuing the

Focuses on the action of chasing or striving for something.

observing the

Stresses the act of watching or paying close attention to something.

next in the

Implies a sequential order, indicating the subsequent item or step.

coming after the

Directly refers to a temporal relationship where something happens after something else.

based on the

Indicates that something is derived from or influenced by a particular source or foundation.

as a result of the

Highlights the consequence or outcome of a specific cause or action.

in the wake of the

Suggests that something happens in the aftermath or consequence of an event, often with a sense of disruption or change.

adhering to the

Similar to "in accordance with", but with a stronger emphasis on sticking closely to the specified rules or guidelines.

FAQs

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

You can use "following the" to indicate a sequence of events or actions. For example, "Following the meeting, a decision was made", or "Following the instructions carefully ensures success".

What are some alternatives to "following the"?

Some alternatives to "following the" include "subsequent to the", "in accordance with the", or "after the", depending on the specific context.

Is "following the" formal or informal?

"Following the" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability largely depends on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.

What's the difference between "following the" and "in accordance with"?

"Following the" typically indicates a sequence of events, while "in accordance with" suggests adherence to rules or guidelines. For example, "Following the storm, cleanup efforts began" versus "Actions were taken "in accordance with the law"".