is following

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is following" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something is happening after something else. For example, "The photos from the picnic are followed by a series of videos from the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Advertising is following eyeballs.

The Economist

Detroit is following suit.

Forbes

America is following suit.

The Economist

A bird is following us.

The New York Times

That riff is following me.

Independent

America is following our lead".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Everyone is following soccer.

The New York Times - Sports

Kimberly Davis is following her brother's exhortation.

The Guardian

He is following him on Twitter.

The New York Times - Sports

The lower middle class is following suit.

The Economist

Yet LinkedIn is following a trend.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is following", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being followed, whether it's a trend, a person, a rule, or a sequence of events. Clear context helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is following" when you actually mean "is caused by". "Following" implies a sequence, not necessarily a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Use causal connectors like "because of" or "due to" for causation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is following" functions as a present continuous verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action or process. It denotes that someone or something is currently in the act of adhering to, pursuing, or coming after something else. Ludwig provides several examples where the phrase depicts ongoing actions in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

24%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is following" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe an ongoing action, sequence, or adherence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. It is prevalent in News & Media and Science, making it suitable for both formal and informal writing. Remember to use "is following" when you want to emphasize that something is happening in sequence or that someone is adhering to a specific path. Be cautious not to confuse sequence with causation, and choose more appropriate phrases when indicating direct cause-and-effect relationships. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig showcase the phrase's diverse applications, reinforcing its importance in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is adhering to

Emphasizes compliance or sticking to a set of rules or guidelines.

is complying with

Focuses on meeting specific requirements or regulations.

is acting upon

Highlights the immediate response or action taken based on something.

is keeping up with

Indicates an effort to stay current or at the same level as something else.

is coming after

Suggests a direct succession or pursuit.

is resulting from

Focuses on the outcome or consequence of a particular event.

is arising from

Highlights the origin or source of something.

is subsequent to

Emphasizes the chronological order, indicating something happens after.

is in accordance with

Indicates alignment or agreement with a particular standard.

is consequential to

Highlights the importance of the sequence of events.

FAQs

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

You can use "is following" to indicate that something is happening after something else, or to describe someone adhering to a particular path or guideline. For example, "The team is following the coach's instructions carefully."

What are some alternatives to "is following"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "is adhering to", "is complying with", or "is keeping up with".

When is it appropriate to use "is following" versus "is leading"?

"Is following" is used when someone or something is coming after or imitating another, while "is leading" implies being at the forefront and directing others. The choice depends on whether the subject is in a reactive or proactive role.

Is there a difference between "is following" and "will follow"?

"Is following" describes a present action, while "will follow" indicates a future action. For example, "The second phase is following the first phase now" versus "The second phase will follow the first phase next week."