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B1 adjective, preposition, noun #36 most common 11 min read

following

Top 36

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips following in 30 Seconds

Explanation following in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'following' as a word that means 'next' or 'after'. It is most often used with 'the' to talk about time. For example, 'the following day' means the day after today or the day after another day you mentioned. You might see it in simple instructions like 'Read the following words.' This means you should look at the words that come after this sentence. It is a very useful word for talking about order and sequence in a simple way. You don't need to worry about all its meanings yet; just remember it helps you know what comes next.

At the A2 level, you start to see 'following' used more often in stories and instructions. You might use it to describe a sequence of events: 'We went to Paris, and the following week we went to London.' Here, it acts as an adjective modifying 'week'. You also begin to see it as a preposition, which is a fancy way of saying 'after'. For example, 'Following dinner, we watched a movie.' This is a bit more formal than saying 'After dinner,' but it means the same thing. You might also notice it on social media, where people talk about 'following' someone, which means they want to see their new posts.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'following' as an adjective, a preposition, and a noun. You understand that 'the following' can introduce a list of items or ideas. You can use it as a preposition in more formal writing, like an email or a short essay: 'Following our discussion yesterday, I have attached the report.' You also recognize 'following' as a noun, meaning a group of supporters. For example, 'The band has a large following.' At this level, you are starting to distinguish between 'following' and 'next' based on the context of your story or report. You are also becoming more aware of how it helps to create cohesion in your writing by linking sentences and ideas logically.

At the B2 level, you use 'following' with greater precision and variety. You are aware of its role in news reporting and academic contexts, where it often introduces consequences or subsequent events. You can use it to structure complex arguments: 'Following the analysis of the data, it becomes clear that...' You also understand the nuance of using 'the following' as a pronoun to refer to a list that is about to be presented. Your vocabulary is rich enough to choose between 'following', 'subsequent', and 'ensuing' depending on the level of formality required. You are also familiar with common idioms and phrases like 'in the following' or 'the following is a summary'.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated command of 'following'. You use it to manage the flow of information in long, complex texts. You are aware of its subtle narrative functions, such as creating suspense or marking significant transitions. You can use it as a preposition to imply not just a temporal sequence but also a causal link: 'Following the collapse of the negotiations, the situation deteriorated rapidly.' You are also comfortable with the noun form in diverse contexts, from social media influence to historical movements. You can accurately use 'following' in participial phrases to provide background information without making your sentences feel cluttered.

At the C2 level, 'following' is a tool you use with complete naturalness and stylistic flair. You understand its historical development and how it functions in different registers, from legal documents to high literature. You can use it to create complex, multi-layered sentences that maintain perfect clarity. You are aware of the most obscure uses and can distinguish it from its closest synonyms with absolute precision. Whether you are writing a technical manual, a legal brief, or a novel, you use 'following' to ensure that your sequencing and social descriptions are both accurate and elegant. You can also use it rhetorically to emphasize the inevitability of a sequence of events.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

following in 30 Seconds

As an adjective, 'following' indicates the next item or period in a sequence, providing essential structure for lists and chronological narratives in both speech and writing.
As a preposition, it serves as a formal alternative to 'after', often used to link events and their consequences in news reports and professional documents.
As a noun, it refers to a group of supporters or fans, a concept that has become increasingly important in the context of social media and influence.
Correct usage involves understanding its grammatical role, such as using 'the' before the adjective form and placing the preposition before a noun phrase.

The word 'following' is a multi-faceted linguistic tool that serves as an adjective, a preposition, and a noun, making it indispensable for clear communication in English. At its most fundamental level, 'following' describes the relationship between two things in a sequence, where one comes after the other. When you use it as an adjective, you are pointing to the next item in a series or the next period in time. For example, if you speak about 'the following day,' you are referring to the day that comes immediately after the one currently being discussed. This usage is incredibly common in storytelling, scheduling, and academic writing because it provides a clear chronological anchor for the reader. As a preposition, 'following' acts as a more formal alternative to 'after.' It connects an event to its predecessor, often implying a causal or temporal link. If a news report states, 'Following the heavy rains, the river flooded,' the word 'following' tells us that the flooding happened as a direct result of or simply after the rain. In its noun form, 'following' takes on a social dimension, referring to a body of supporters, fans, or adherents. This could be a musician's fan base, a politician's supporters, or the subscribers to a social media account. The versatility of 'following' allows it to transition seamlessly from describing the order of a list to explaining the consequences of an action, and finally to defining the scope of a person's influence. In professional environments, 'following' is often preferred over 'after' because it sounds more precise and objective. In everyday life, we use it to organize our thoughts and plans, ensuring that everyone understands the order of operations. Whether you are a student listing points in an essay or a professional coordinating a project, mastering the word 'following' is essential for providing structure and clarity to your language.

Adjective Usage: Used to indicate the next item in a sequence, such as 'the following chapter' or 'the following year'.

Prepositional Usage: Used to mean 'after' or 'subsequent to', often in a formal or journalistic context.

Noun Usage: Refers to a group of people who support or follow the work of another person or entity.

The following items are required for the exam: a pen, a pencil, and an eraser.

Following the meeting, we will have a short lunch break.

following on social media.

Please answer the following questions carefully.

He resigned following a series of scandals.

Furthermore, the word 'following' plays a critical role in legal and administrative language. It is used to cite specific sections of a document or to outline procedures that must be adhered to in a particular order. For instance, a contract might state, 'The following conditions must be met before the transfer of funds.' This ensures that there is no ambiguity about which conditions are being referenced. In a literary sense, 'following' can create a sense of anticipation. When a narrator says, 'The following events changed everything,' the reader is immediately alerted that something significant is about to happen. This rhetorical device is powerful for maintaining engagement. In the realm of sports and entertainment, a 'following' is not just a group of people; it is often a community with shared values and interests. A football club's following might span generations, representing a deep cultural connection. Thus, the word 'following' is much more than a simple indicator of time; it is a bridge between ideas, a marker of consequence, and a descriptor of human connection. Its frequent appearance in news headlines—'Market crashes following interest rate hike'—demonstrates its utility in summarizing complex cause-and-effect relationships in a concise manner. For a learner at the B1 level, understanding these nuances allows for a transition from basic sentence structures to more sophisticated, cohesive discourse. By using 'following' correctly, you can signal to your audience that you have a firm grasp of logical progression and formal tone.

Using 'following' correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of its grammatical function at that specific moment. When you use it as an adjective, it usually comes before a noun and is often preceded by the definite article 'the'. This structure is used to point forward to something that is about to be mentioned or to refer to the next item in a known sequence. For example, 'The following day was even colder.' Here, 'following' modifies 'day'. If you are introducing a list, you might say, 'Please bring the following items: a passport, a ticket, and a visa.' In this case, 'following' acts as a pointer, directing the reader's attention to the list that follows. When 'following' acts as a preposition, it is placed before a noun phrase and functions similarly to 'after'. It is particularly useful for describing events that happen in quick succession or as a result of something else. For instance, 'Following the concert, the band met with fans.' This sentence structure is common in news reporting and formal writing because it sounds more integrated and sophisticated than simply using 'after'. It allows for a smoother transition between the cause (the concert) and the effect or subsequent action (meeting fans). As a noun, 'following' is usually preceded by an adjective or a possessive noun to describe the size or nature of a group of supporters. 'The singer has a loyal following' or 'The company's following grew rapidly after the product launch.' In these cases, 'following' is the object of the sentence, representing a collective group. It is also important to note the placement of 'following' in phrases like 'the following'. This can sometimes act as a pronoun, referring back to a list or a group of items previously mentioned or about to be mentioned. For example, 'The following is a list of our services.' Here, 'The following' serves as the subject of the sentence. Understanding these patterns is key to using the word naturally. You should also be aware of the difference between 'following' and 'next'. While they are often interchangeable, 'following' is frequently used when referring back to a point in the past from a narrative perspective, whereas 'next' is more common when looking forward from the present moment. For example, in a story set in 1990, you would say 'The following year, they moved to London,' rather than 'The next year,' although both are understood. This subtle distinction adds a layer of narrative precision to your writing. Additionally, 'following' can be used in participial phrases to provide background information. 'Following the map, we eventually found the hidden cave.' In this structure, 'following' is a present participle describing the action of the subject 'we'. This use is more related to the verb 'to follow' but is closely linked to the adjective and prepositional meanings of sequence and direction. By practicing these different structures, you will be able to use 'following' to create more complex and varied sentences, enhancing your overall fluency and ability to express chronological and causal relationships.

Adjective Pattern: [The] + following + [Noun] -> 'The following week'.

Prepositional Pattern: Following + [Noun Phrase] -> 'Following the discussion'.

Noun Pattern: [Adjective] + following -> 'A large following'.

We will discuss this in the following section of the report.

Following his advice, I decided to invest in the company.

The cult leader had a small but devoted following.

The following is a summary of our findings.

She was exhausted following the long flight.

In the real world, you will encounter the word 'following' in a wide variety of contexts, from the highly formal to the very casual. One of the most common places to hear it is in news broadcasts and journalism. News anchors often use 'following' to link related stories or to describe the aftermath of an event. You might hear, 'Following the recent elections, the new prime minister has announced her cabinet.' This usage helps the news feel continuous and connected. In academic and professional settings, 'following' is a staple of instructions and reports. Professors might say, 'In the following lecture, we will explore the causes of the Industrial Revolution,' or a business manager might write, 'Please review the following data before our meeting.' It serves as a signpost, guiding the audience through a structured presentation of information. On social media, the word has taken on a new life. Influencers and content creators frequently talk about their 'following,' referring to their audience size and engagement. You might hear someone say, 'I’m so grateful for my following on Instagram,' or 'We need to grow our following to reach more customers.' This noun usage is central to the modern digital economy. In literature and storytelling, 'following' is used to build suspense or to clearly mark the passage of time. An author might write, 'The following morning, everything had changed,' creating a sense of transition and new beginnings. You will also hear 'following' in legal contexts, such as in courtrooms or in the text of laws and regulations. Lawyers might refer to 'the following evidence' or 'following the procedures laid out in the statute.' This ensures that the sequence of events and the specific items being discussed are legally clear. In daily conversation, while 'after' is more common, people still use 'following' when they want to sound a bit more precise or when they are talking about a sequence they have already established. For example, 'We went to the cinema, and the following day we went to the park.' It helps to distinguish between 'the next day from now' and 'the day after the event I just mentioned.' You might also hear it in the context of hobbies or interests, such as 'He has a following in the underground music scene.' This implies a niche but dedicated group of supporters. Understanding where 'following' appears helps you recognize the tone of the communication. If you see it in a formal document, it signals precision and structure. If you hear it on social media, it signals influence and community. By paying attention to these contexts, you can better understand the nuances of how the word is used to organize information and describe social groups.

News Media: Used to link events and describe consequences: 'Following the storm, thousands are without power.'

Social Media: Refers to the audience or fan base: 'She has a following of over a million people.'

Academic/Professional: Used for instructions and referencing: 'The following table shows the results of the study.'

'The following program contains scenes that some viewers may find disturbing.'

'He built a huge following by posting daily cooking videos.'

'Stocks rose following the positive earnings report.'

'The following is a public service announcement.'

'The band has a cult following in Europe.'

One of the most common mistakes learners make with 'following' is confusing it with 'next'. While they are similar, 'following' is often used to refer to a point in the past from a narrative perspective, while 'next' is used when looking forward from the present. For example, if you are telling a story about your childhood, you should say, 'The following year, we moved,' because you are describing the year after the one you just mentioned in your story. If you say 'next year,' it might sound like you are talking about the year after the current year (e.g., 2025). Another frequent error is using 'following' as a preposition in situations where it sounds overly formal or awkward. In casual conversation, saying 'Following lunch, let's go for a walk' can sound a bit stiff; 'After lunch' is much more natural. However, in a business report, 'Following the merger' is perfectly appropriate. Another mistake involves the use of the definite article 'the'. When using 'following' as an adjective to introduce a list or a specific item, you almost always need 'the'. Saying 'Please read following chapter' is incorrect; it must be 'Please read the following chapter.' Learners also sometimes confuse the noun 'following' with the verb 'following'. As a noun, it refers to a group of people ('He has a large following'). As a verb, it is the present participle of 'follow' ('He is following me'). While they look the same, their grammatical roles are very different. Another subtle mistake is using 'following' when 'subsequent' or 'ensuing' might be more precise in a highly technical or academic context, although 'following' is rarely 'wrong' in these cases. Finally, some learners use 'following' as a preposition without a noun phrase. 'Following, we went home' is incorrect. You must say 'Following the event, we went home' or 'Afterward, we went home.' 'Following' as a preposition must always be followed by the thing that happened first. Avoiding these common pitfalls will help you use 'following' with greater confidence and accuracy, ensuring that your meaning is always clear and your tone is appropriate for the situation.

Confusing 'Following' and 'Next': Mistake: 'In 1995, I started school. Next year, I moved.' Correct: 'The following year, I moved.'

Missing 'The': Mistake: 'Answer following questions.' Correct: 'Answer the following questions.'

Incomplete Prepositional Phrase: Mistake: 'Following, we ate.' Correct: 'Following the show, we ate.' or 'Afterward, we ate.'

Incorrect: We will see you following. Correct: We will see you afterward.

Incorrect: Please read following page. Correct: Please read the following page.

Incorrect: He has a big follow. Correct: He has a big following.

Incorrect: Following I went home. Correct: Afterward, I went home.

Incorrect: The following is my friend. Correct: The following is a list of my friends.

While 'following' is a very useful word, there are several alternatives that can be used depending on the context and the level of formality you want to achieve. The most common alternative is 'after.' As a preposition, 'after' is almost always interchangeable with 'following,' but it is less formal. For example, 'After the game' is more common in speech than 'Following the game.' Another alternative for the adjective use is 'next.' As mentioned before, 'next' is often used when looking forward from the present, while 'following' is used in narrative contexts. For example, 'Next week' vs. 'The following week.' In more formal or academic writing, you might use 'subsequent' or 'ensuing.' 'Subsequent' means coming after something in time or order, much like 'following,' but it sounds more technical. For example, 'Subsequent events proved him right.' 'Ensuing' is often used to describe something that happens as a direct result of a previous event, such as 'The ensuing chaos.' If you are referring to a group of supporters (the noun use), alternatives include 'fan base,' 'supporters,' 'adherents,' or 'audience.' 'Fan base' is common in entertainment, while 'adherents' is more common in religious or philosophical contexts. If you are using 'the following' to introduce a list, you could use phrases like 'the items below,' 'the list that follows,' or 'as follows.' 'As follows' is a very formal way to introduce a list or a statement. For example, 'The rules are as follows: ...' Understanding these alternatives allows you to vary your vocabulary and choose the word that best fits the tone of your writing or speech. For instance, using 'subsequent' in a scientific paper sounds more professional than 'following,' while using 'after' in a text message to a friend is more appropriate than 'following.' By learning these synonyms and their specific nuances, you can become a more flexible and effective communicator in English.

After vs. Following: 'After' is neutral and common in speech; 'following' is more formal and common in news/writing.

Next vs. Following: 'Next' often relates to the present moment; 'following' relates to a sequence already established in the text.

Subsequent vs. Following: 'Subsequent' is more formal and academic; 'following' is more versatile and common.

The subsequent chapters explore this theme in more detail.

The ensuing argument lasted for hours.

The band has a large fan base in Japan.

The results are as follows: 1st place, John; 2nd place, Mary.

We will meet after the show.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Following the conclusion of the study, the data were analyzed."

Neutral

"The following day, we went to the beach."

Informal

"He's got a huge following on TikTok."

Child friendly

"The following story is about a brave little rabbit."

Slang

"His following is cracked; they'll buy anything he sells."

Fun Fact

The use of 'following' as a noun to mean a group of supporters only became common in the 19th century, long after its use as a verb and adjective.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈfɒləʊɪŋ/

US /ˈfɑːloʊɪŋ/

The stress is on the first syllable: FOL-low-ing.

Rhymes With

hollowing wallowing swallowing borrowing sorrowing harrowing narrowing furrowing

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'ow' as 'ow' in 'cow'. It should be 'oh' as in 'go'.
Putting the stress on the second syllable.
Dropping the 'g' at the end (saying 'followin').
Confusing the vowel in the first syllable with 'u' (saying 'full-owing').
Making the 'i' in 'ing' too long.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to understand in context, though the prepositional use can be formal.

Writing 3/5

Requires care with the definite article and choosing between 'following' and 'next'.

Speaking 2/5

Commonly used, but 'after' is often a simpler alternative.

Listening 2/5

Clearly pronounced and usually easy to catch in news or lectures.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

follow after next day week

Learn Next

subsequent ensuing consequently sequence adherent

Advanced

succession posteriority sequentiality constituency progeny

Grammar to Know

Using 'following' as a preposition

Following the storm, the sky was clear.

The definite article with 'following'

The following chapter is the most important.

Participial phrases with 'following'

Following the path, we found the house.

Gerunds vs. Participles

Following the rules (gerund) is good. He is following (participle) the rules.

Using 'the following' as a pronoun

The following is a list of our members.

Examples by Level

The following day was sunny.

The next day was sunny.

Adjective modifying 'day'.

Read the following sentence.

Read the next sentence.

Adjective modifying 'sentence'.

Please bring the following items.

Please bring these things.

Adjective introducing a list.

The following week, we went home.

The next week, we went home.

Adjective modifying 'week'.

Look at the following picture.

Look at the next picture.

Adjective modifying 'picture'.

The following is my name.

This is my name.

Noun/Pronoun referring to what follows.

He is following the teacher.

He is walking behind the teacher.

Present participle of the verb 'follow'.

The following month is May.

The next month is May.

Adjective modifying 'month'.

Following the party, we cleaned the house.

After the party, we cleaned the house.

Preposition meaning 'after'.

She has a small following on her blog.

A few people read her blog.

Noun meaning 'group of supporters'.

The following morning, he felt better.

The next morning, he felt better.

Adjective modifying 'morning'.

Please answer the following questions.

Answer the questions that come next.

Adjective modifying 'questions'.

Following the map, they found the park.

By using the map, they found the park.

Participial phrase.

The following year, they moved to a new city.

The year after that, they moved.

Adjective modifying 'year'.

Following his lead, we all sat down.

After he sat down, we all sat down.

Prepositional phrase.

The following is a list of my favorite movies.

This is a list of movies I like.

Noun/Pronoun introducing a list.

Following the discussion, we reached an agreement.

After we talked, we agreed.

Prepositional phrase in a formal context.

The company has a loyal following of customers.

The company has many regular customers.

Noun meaning 'group of supporters'.

In the following chapters, we will examine the results.

In the next parts of the book, we will look at the results.

Adjective modifying 'chapters'.

The following is a summary of the main points.

This is a short version of the main ideas.

Noun/Pronoun used as a subject.

Following the instructions is very important.

Doing what the instructions say is important.

Gerund phrase.

He resigned following a disagreement with the board.

He quit after he argued with the leaders.

Prepositional phrase showing cause/effect.

The following week was the busiest of the year.

The week after that was very busy.

Adjective modifying 'week'.

We need to increase our following on social media.

We need more followers online.

Noun meaning 'audience'.

Following the success of the first film, a sequel was made.

Because the first film was successful, they made another one.

Prepositional phrase showing consequence.

The politician has a significant following in the rural areas.

Many people in the countryside support the politician.

Noun meaning 'political support base'.

The following criteria must be met for eligibility.

You must meet these rules to be chosen.

Adjective modifying 'criteria'.

Following the advice of experts, the government changed its policy.

After listening to experts, the government changed the rules.

Prepositional phrase.

The following is an excerpt from her latest novel.

This is a small part of her new book.

Noun/Pronoun introducing a quote.

Following the trail, they eventually reached the summit.

By staying on the path, they got to the top of the mountain.

Participial phrase.

The events of the following days were a blur.

The things that happened next were hard to remember clearly.

Adjective modifying 'days'.

He has built a following by consistently providing high-quality content.

He got many fans by always making good things.

Noun meaning 'audience'.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, many new nations emerged.

After the Soviet Union fell, many new countries were formed.

Prepositional phrase in a historical context.

The author’s following has grown exponentially over the last decade.

The number of people who like the author has increased very quickly.

Noun used with an adverb.

The following observations were made during the clinical trial.

These things were noticed during the medical test.

Adjective modifying 'observations'.

Following the logic of the argument, we must conclude that the theory is flawed.

If we follow the steps of the argument, we see the theory is wrong.

Prepositional phrase used for logical deduction.

The following is a detailed breakdown of the budget.

This is a full explanation of how the money is spent.

Noun/Pronoun introducing technical data.

Following the path of least resistance is not always the best strategy.

Doing the easiest thing is not always the best way.

Gerund phrase as a subject.

The following year’s harvest was the best in a generation.

The harvest the next year was very good.

Adjective modifying 'year's harvest'.

She has a cult following among fans of independent cinema.

A small but very dedicated group of people like her films.

Noun with a specific modifier ('cult').

Following the traumatic events, a period of profound introspection ensued.

After the bad things happened, there was a time of deep thinking.

Prepositional phrase with sophisticated vocabulary.

The philosopher’s following consists primarily of academic elites.

Mostly professors and scholars support the philosopher.

Noun with a restrictive modifier.

The following discourse aims to deconstruct the prevailing social norms.

This talk will try to explain and challenge common social rules.

Adjective modifying 'discourse'.

Following the thread of the narrative requires close attention to detail.

To understand the story, you have to pay very close attention.

Gerund phrase as a subject.

The following is an exhaustive list of the primary sources used.

This is a complete list of all the original books and papers used.

Noun/Pronoun introducing a comprehensive list.

Following the sudden market volatility, investors became increasingly risk-averse.

After the market started changing quickly, people didn't want to take risks.

Prepositional phrase in a financial context.

The following year’s fiscal policy was designed to curb inflation.

The government's money rules for the next year were made to stop prices from rising.

Adjective modifying 'year's fiscal policy'.

He maintains a following that transcends national and cultural boundaries.

People from all over the world and different cultures support him.

Noun with a relative clause.

Common Collocations

the following day

the following year

a large following

following the news

the following items

a loyal following

following a pattern

the following morning

following an investigation

the following is a list

Common Phrases

the following

— Refers to what is about to be mentioned or listed.

The following are the rules of the game.

in the following

— Used in writing to refer to the next part of the text.

In the following section, we will discuss the data.

as following

— Incorrect version of 'as follows'; avoid using this.

Incorrect: The rules are as following.

following on from

— Continuing from a previous point or event.

Following on from our last meeting, I have an update.

a cult following

— A small but very dedicated group of fans.

The movie has a cult following.

the following week

— The week immediately after the one mentioned.

I'll see you the following week.

following the rules

— Obeying the established regulations.

Following the rules is mandatory.

following a trend

— Doing what is currently popular.

Many companies are following this trend.

following orders

— Doing what you are told by a superior.

He was just following orders.

the following page

— The page that comes next in a book or document.

Please turn to the following page.

Often Confused With

following vs next

'Next' usually looks forward from now; 'following' looks forward from a point in a story.

following vs after

'After' is less formal; 'following' is more common in professional writing.

following vs subsequent

'Subsequent' is more technical and formal than 'following'.

Idioms & Expressions

"hard act to follow"

— Someone or something that is so good it is difficult for the next person to be as good.

The previous CEO was a hard act to follow.

Informal

"follow in someone's footsteps"

— To do the same thing as someone else did before you, especially a parent.

She followed in her father's footsteps and became a doctor.

Neutral

"follow suit"

— To do the same thing as someone else has just done.

When one company lowered prices, the others followed suit.

Neutral

"follow your nose"

— To go straight ahead or to act according to your instinct.

Just follow your nose and you'll find the station.

Informal

"follow the crowd"

— To do what most other people are doing.

He doesn't like to follow the crowd; he has his own style.

Neutral

"follow through"

— To complete an action that you have started.

You need to follow through on your promises.

Neutral

"follow up"

— To take further action after a previous action.

I will follow up with an email tomorrow.

Neutral

"follow the money"

— To look at who is paying for something to find out the truth about a situation.

If you want to find the source of the corruption, follow the money.

Neutral

"follow the letter of the law"

— To obey the exact words of a law or rule very strictly.

They followed the letter of the law but ignored its spirit.

Formal

"follow a lead"

— To investigate a piece of information that might help solve a problem or crime.

The police are following a new lead in the case.

Neutral

Easily Confused

following vs next

Both refer to something coming after.

'Next' is often relative to the present moment, while 'following' is relative to a sequence already established in the text or story.

I'm going next week. vs. In 2010, they moved; the following year, they had a child.

following vs after

Both can be prepositions meaning 'subsequent to'.

'After' is the standard, everyday word. 'Following' is more formal and often used in news to show a direct link between events.

After the movie, we ate. vs. Following the earthquake, the city was in ruins.

following vs ensuing

Both mean coming after.

'Ensuing' specifically implies that the following thing happened as a result of the first thing, often in a negative or chaotic way.

The following day was quiet. vs. The ensuing riot lasted all night.

following vs subsequent

Both are formal adjectives meaning 'coming after'.

'Subsequent' is almost exclusively used in formal, academic, or legal writing. 'Following' is more versatile.

The following chapter is easy. vs. Subsequent research confirmed the findings.

following vs below

Both can refer to items coming later in a document.

'Following' refers to the sequence; 'below' refers to the physical position on the page.

Read the following list. vs. See the chart below.

Sentence Patterns

The following [noun] is [adjective].

The following day is sunny.

Following [noun], [sentence].

Following lunch, we went out.

[Subject] has a [adjective] following.

The band has a loyal following.

The following [noun] must be [verb].

The following rules must be obeyed.

Following the [noun] of [noun], [sentence].

Following the analysis of the data, we concluded the study.

The following [noun] aims to [verb] the [noun].

The following discourse aims to deconstruct the theory.

The following is a [noun] of [noun].

The following is a summary of the report.

Following [gerund] [noun], [subject] [verb].

Following the map carefully, they found the treasure.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both written and spoken English, especially in media and academic contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'next' instead of 'following' in past narratives. → The following year, he moved.
In a story set in the past, 'following' is used to refer to the next point in that timeline.
Omitting 'the' before the adjective 'following'. → Please read the following page.
The adjective 'following' almost always requires the definite article 'the' when identifying a specific item.
Using 'following' as a standalone adverb. → Afterward, we went home.
'Following' cannot be used alone like 'afterward'. It must be followed by a noun phrase.
Confusing 'following' (noun) with 'followers'. → He has a large following.
'Following' is the collective noun for the group; 'followers' refers to the individual people.
Using 'as following' to introduce a list. → The rules are as follows:
'As follows' is a fixed idiom. 'As following' is grammatically incorrect in this context.

Tips

Always use 'the' with the adjective

When you use 'following' to mean 'next' before a noun, always put 'the' before it. Say 'the following week', not 'following week'.

Use 'following' for formal links

In professional writing, use 'following' to connect an event to its result. It sounds more sophisticated than 'after'.

Distinguish from 'next'

Use 'next' for things coming after the present moment and 'following' for things coming after a point in a story or past sequence.

Use a colon with lists

When 'the following' introduces a list, it is standard practice to use a colon (:) before the list begins.

Noun vs. Verb

Remember that 'your following' (noun) is your audience, but 'following someone' (verb) is the action of subscribing.

Don't leave it hanging

As a preposition, 'following' needs a noun after it. Don't just say 'Following, we left'. Say 'Following the talk, we left'.

Create suspense

Use 'the following events' or 'the following morning' to signal to your reader that something important is about to happen.

Referencing

Use 'the following' to refer to tables, charts, or quotes that appear immediately after your sentence.

Business Emails

'Following our call' is a great way to start a follow-up email to summarize what was discussed.

Check for 'after'

If you aren't sure if 'following' is correct as a preposition, try replacing it with 'after'. If it works, 'following' is likely correct.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'following' as a 'flow' of things or people coming one after another. F-L-O-W: Following Leads Other Words.

Visual Association

Imagine a line of ducklings following their mother. The one right behind her is the 'following' duckling.

Word Web

next after fans sequence followers subsequent list order

Challenge

Try to write a paragraph using 'following' as an adjective, a preposition, and a noun all in the same context.

Word Origin

The word 'following' comes from the Old English word 'folgian', which means to accompany, pursue, or obey. This root is common to many Germanic languages, such as the German 'folgen'.

Original meaning: To go after or accompany someone.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'following' to describe groups that might be seen as cults; it can sometimes have a negative connotation if the support is seen as blind or extreme.

In the UK and US, 'following' is very common in news headlines to save space and sound professional.

The movie 'Following' (1998) by Christopher Nolan. The TV show 'The Following' starring Kevin Bacon. The concept of 'Twitter followers' or 'Instagram following'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Time and Scheduling

the following day
the following week
the following month
the following year

Social Media

grow your following
loyal following
social media following
massive following

Academic Writing

the following table
the following section
the following evidence
in the following pages

News and Events

following the incident
following the announcement
following the disaster
following the report

Instructions

the following steps
the following instructions
the following questions
the following items

Conversation Starters

"What do you think is the best way to build a following on social media these days?"

"If you had to move to a new city the following year, where would you go?"

"Following a long day at work, what is your favorite way to relax?"

"Do you think having a large following makes a person more responsible for what they say?"

"In the following decade, what major changes do you expect to see in technology?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision following a major life event.

Write about a person you admire who has a large following and explain why people support them.

Imagine your life the following year. What goals do you hope to have achieved by then?

Reflect on a book or movie that had a 'cult following' and why it appealed to you.

List the following three things you want to learn this year and explain why they are important.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, in most cases you can use 'following' as a preposition instead of 'after'. However, 'following' is more formal. For example, 'Following the meeting' sounds more professional than 'After the meeting'. In casual speech, 'after' is usually better.

When used as an adjective to mean 'next', it is almost always 'the following'. For example, 'the following day' or 'the following items'. As a preposition, you don't use 'the': 'Following the game, we went home'.

This means a person or organization has many supporters, fans, or followers. It is very common to use this when talking about celebrities, politicians, or social media influencers.

Yes, 'following' is the present participle of the verb 'follow'. For example, 'He is following me'. In this case, it describes an action happening right now.

'The following' is usually used as a noun or adjective to introduce a list (e.g., 'The following are the rules'). 'As follows' is a fixed phrase used after a statement to introduce a list (e.g., 'The rules are as follows:').

Yes, 'following' can be a preposition meaning 'after'. For example, 'Following the storm, there was a rainbow'. It is followed by a noun phrase.

No, this is incorrect. 'Following' as a preposition must be followed by a noun. You should say 'Following the event, we went home' or use 'Afterward, we went home'.

Use it to show the passage of time. For example, 'He arrived on Monday. The following day, he met the king'. This makes the sequence of events very clear to the reader.

Yes, 'following' refers to the group of people who subscribe to an account. It can also be the list of people that you are subscribed to.

Common synonyms include 'next', 'after', 'subsequent', 'ensuing', and 'succeeding'. The best one to use depends on how formal you want to be.