to follow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'to follow' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer ahead to something that will be discussed or explained later in the text. For example: "We will now discuss the steps necessary for successful negotiations. Step one: determine your objectives. Step two: to follow..."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To follow Standard & Poor's?

The New Yorker

More to follow... PA    .

Independent

More information to follow".

Independent

Shiva to follow.

The New York Times

A reception to follow.

The New York Times

Reception to follow immediately.

The New York Times

Luncheon to follow.

The New York Times

Downtown reception to follow.

The New York Times

Private interment to follow.

The New York Times

Private cremation to follow.

The New York Times

Memorial service to follow.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to follow" to indicate that more information will be provided later, ensure that the subsequent information is clearly and concisely presented to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "to follow" simply as a placeholder without intending to provide additional information. This can frustrate readers and diminish your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to follow" primarily functions as an infinitive verb, often used to indicate a sequence of actions, instructions, or events. As Ludwig AI highlights, it can also express adherence to rules or understanding of concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to follow" is a versatile infinitive phrase widely employed to denote sequence, adherence, or subsequent information. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and highly adaptable to various contexts. The phrase's prevalence in "News & Media" and "Wiki" sources underscores its widespread use across both formal and informal communication styles. Remember to use "to follow" judiciously, ensuring that any promised subsequent details are provided to maintain clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to come next

Emphasizes sequential order, focusing on what happens immediately after.

to come after

A more literal and straightforward way to express sequence.

to ensue

More formal, suggesting a consequence or result that naturally follows.

to succeed

Highlights the act of coming after, especially in a position or role.

to comply with

Focuses on adhering to rules or instructions.

to obey

Similar to complying, but implies a hierarchical structure or authority.

to keep up with

Highlights the effort to stay abreast of developments or changes.

to act in accordance with

Focuses on behaving or operating in a way that is consistent with certain principles or guidelines.

to monitor

Emphasizes observation and tracking of something over time.

to shadow

Implies closely observing someone's actions or movements.

FAQs

How can I use "to follow" in a sentence?

You can use "to follow" in various contexts, such as indicating sequence (e.g., "Steps "to follow" for baking a cake"), understanding instructions (e.g., "Did you "follow" the instructions correctly?"), or indicating subsequent information (e.g., "More details "to follow"").

What are some alternatives to "to follow" when indicating a sequence?

Alternatives to "to follow" when indicating a sequence include "to come next", "to ensue", or "to succeed". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it formal or informal to use the phrase "to follow"?

The phrase "to follow" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, its specific impact depends on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

Which is more appropriate: "the steps to follow" or "the steps following"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "the steps "to follow"" is more common and generally preferred when referring to a set of instructions or guidelines. "The steps following" can be used to describe steps that naturally occur after a previous action.