not following

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not following" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to indicate that someone doesn't understand or is having difficulty understanding a particular idea or concept. For example: "I'm sorry, I'm not following - could you explain what you mean?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I'm not following you".

The New York Times

"I'm not following fashions.

The New York Times

It's about leading, not following.

The New York Times - Sports

Not following my intuition.

The Guardian - Music

They're not following a curriculum".

The New York Times

European sport is not following this lead.

The New York Times - Sports

Are they not following the procedure?

The New Yorker

WikiLeaks was not following them.

The Guardian

They are not following the script, though.

The New York Times

Not following their court cases responsibly.

The New York Times

Britain is not following suit.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not following", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is not being followed, whether it's a set of instructions, a line of reasoning, or a particular trend. Using it with a specific object or pronoun clarifies the meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "not following" without a clear reference point. For instance, instead of saying "I'm not following", specify "I'm not following your argument" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not following" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of comprehension or adherence. It can be used in various tenses and forms to express the inability to understand a concept, instruction, or sequence, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not following" is a very common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate a lack of understanding or adherence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in various contexts, primarily in news and media. To ensure clarity, provide a specific reference when using "not following", and be mindful of the context to maintain an appropriate tone. When searching for alternatives, consider options such as "failing to grasp" or "unable to follow" to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not understanding

A straightforward expression of a lack of comprehension.

unable to follow

Highlights the inability to keep up with a train of thought or instructions.

not comprehending

Similar to "not understanding", but carries a slightly more formal tone.

not getting it

An informal way of saying that one does not understand something.

failing to grasp

Emphasizes a failure in understanding a concept or idea.

losing the thread

Indicates a disruption in understanding a sequence of events or reasoning.

missing the point

Highlights a failure to recognize the central or most important aspect of something.

not adhering to

Focuses on the lack of compliance with rules, guidelines, or instructions.

deviating from

Highlights a departure from a prescribed path or plan.

out of sync with

Indicates a lack of alignment or coordination with a particular process or idea.

FAQs

How can I use "not following" in a sentence?

You can use "not following" to express a lack of understanding, such as, "I'm sorry, I'm "not following" your explanation of the new policy." It can also indicate non-compliance, as in, "The company is "not following" the environmental regulations."

What is a more formal alternative to "not following"?

In more formal contexts, you can use phrases like "unable to comprehend", "failing to grasp", or "not understanding". For example, instead of saying "I'm not following", you could say "I am unable to comprehend the rationale behind this decision."

Is it correct to say "I am not following you"?

Yes, "I am "not following you"" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that you don't understand what someone is saying or implying.

What's the difference between "not following" and "disagreeing"?

"Not following" indicates a lack of understanding or comprehension, while "disagreeing" implies an understanding of the subject matter but a difference in opinion or perspective. You can be "not following" an explanation without disagreeing with it, and you can disagree with something you fully understand.