follow on
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
phr.v.to happen or come immediately after something else in a sequence.
phr.v.to occur or proceed in a logical or chronological sequence immediately following a prior event.
Simple“A short discussion will follow on from the main presentation.”
In context“The second phase of the project will follow on from the initial research findings once the budget has been approved.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'from'.
- 02 C1 Advanced
phr.v.in cricket, when a team has to bat again immediately because their first score was too low.
phr.v.to be required to bat a second innings immediately after the first because of a significant deficit in runs.
Simple“The visiting team was forced to follow on after a very poor first innings.”
In context“The captain decided to enforce the follow on, hoping his bowlers could exploit the tiring batsmen and secure an early victory.”
UsageIntransitive in this sporting context.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.something that continues from what happened before; also the name of the cricket rule.
n.an instance of following on, particularly the requirement for a team to bat twice in succession in cricket.
Simple“The new policy is a follow-on from last year's successful pilot program.”
In context“After the home side failed to reach the required total, the umpire confirmed the follow-on would be enforced.”
UsageUsually hyphenated as 'follow-on' when used as a noun.
Synonyms
contrast with the simple verb 'follow'; 'follow on' emphasizes the connection or continuity between the two events rather than just the order.