following up

USAGE SUMMARY

"following up" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to taking further steps after an initial action. For example, "I followed up with the customer to confirm their order had been properly placed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Detectives are following up on leads.

The New York Times

I am following up with John Doerr/NewSchools Venture Fund".

The New Yorker

2. Create a schedule for following up.

The New York Times

Researchers began following up on 3M's studies.

The New York Times - Science

But there was nobody following up.

The Guardian - Sport

We're in the process of following up".

The New York Times - Health

We look forward to following up the contacts next year.

The Guardian

She said she was discouraged from following up.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Longitudinal descriptive study, following-up a cohort.

BMC Health Services Research

We are still following-up the patient.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

LWJ and ZS were responsible for IHC and following-up.

BMC Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "following up" to show continued action or contact after an initial interaction. It's useful in professional contexts to demonstrate diligence and maintain engagement.

Common error

While appropriate in professional and formal communications, "following up" can sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversation. Opt for more relaxed phrases like "checking in" or "seeing how it's going" when speaking with friends or family.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "following up" functions primarily as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle. It describes an ongoing action, indicating the continuation of a previous action or inquiry. Ludwig's examples show its use across different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science & Research

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "following up" is a versatile verb phrase commonly used to denote the continuation of an action, often in a professional or formal context. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. Its prevalence in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts, coupled with its appearance in authoritative sources, highlights its widespread applicability. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's crucial to consider the register and choose alternative expressions like "checking in" for more informal settings. Remember to use it thoughtfully to maintain a professional and diligent tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

checking in

Focuses on a brief communication to see if further action is needed; less formal.

touching base

Implies a quick communication for a status update or to maintain contact.

following through

Highlights the completion of an action or commitment.

pursuing further

Emphasizes the active continuation of an investigation or action.

investigating further

Specifically refers to continuing an inquiry or examination.

acting on

Implies taking action as a result of previous information or events.

keeping tabs on

Suggests monitoring something or someone closely over time.

following in the wake of

Describes actions that directly result from a preceding event or situation.

taking the next steps

Highlights a progression of actions after an initial phase.

progressing forward

Focuses on making advancement or headway in a process.

FAQs

How do you use "following up" in a sentence?

You can use "following up" to describe the action of continuing to pursue something after an initial action. For example, "I am "following up" on my application to ensure it was received".

What can I say instead of "following up"?

You can use alternatives like "checking in", "touching base", or "getting back to" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "following up"?

It is appropriate to use "following up" in professional settings, such as after a job interview or a business meeting, to demonstrate your continued interest or to ensure that tasks are completed. In casual conversations, consider using a less formal phrase.

What is the difference between "following up" and "following through"?

"Following up" refers to checking on something or someone to ensure progress or completion, while "following through" means completing a task or fulfilling a commitment.