Phrasal verb
follow on
Definitions
01to happen next
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.
“A short discussion will follow on from the main presentation.”
“The second phase of the project will follow on from the initial research findings once the budget has been approved.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'from'.
Antonyms
02cricket rule
C1 · Advanced Sports British English
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.
“The visiting team was forced to follow on after a very poor first innings.”
“The captain decided to enforce the follow on, hoping his bowlers could exploit the tiring batsmen and secure an early victory.”
Usage
Intransitive in this sporting context.
03a continuation or cricket term
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sports
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.
“The new policy is a follow-on from last year's successful pilot program.”
“After the home side failed to reach the required total, the umpire confirmed the follow-on would be enforced.”
Usage
Usually hyphenated as 'follow-on' when used as a noun.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “follow on” in context.
Verb
01. follow on from the discussion
“We need to follow on from the discussion we had yesterday regarding the budget.”
verb + prep + noun
02. follow on from the success
“The new product line will follow on from the success of their previous launch.”
verb + prep + noun
03. logically follow on
“The conclusion does not seem to logically follow on from the evidence provided in the report.”
adv + verb
04. naturally follow on
“The second chapter naturally follows on from the introduction, expanding on the core themes.”
adv + verb
Noun
05. follow on effects
“The rise in fuel prices had significant follow on effects for the entire transport industry.”
noun + noun
06. follow on questions
“After the presentation, the audience asked several follow on questions about the methodology.”
noun + noun
Teaching tip
contrast with the simple verb 'follow'; 'follow on' emphasizes the connection or continuity between the two events rather than just the order.
Phrasal verb
Particles
on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
follow + on (+ from + object)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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