Phrasal verb
follow through
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
follow through
Past
followed through
Past participle
followed through
Definition
phrasal verb. to finish something you started or to do what you said you would do. You use this when you complete a plan or a promise.
phrasal verb. to continue an action or task to its completion, especially after a commitment has been made. The verb is typically intransitive or takes a prepositional object using 'on' or 'with'.
Examples
“You must follow through on your promise to help.”
“The manager proposed several great ideas but failed to follow through with a concrete plan.”
“The success of the diplomatic mission depends entirely on the government's willingness to follow through with the agreed-upon reforms despite significant domestic pressure.”
Examples
simple
“You must follow through on your promise to help.”
contextual
“The manager proposed several great ideas but failed to follow through with a concrete plan.”
complex
“The success of the diplomatic mission depends entirely on the government's willingness to follow through with the agreed-upon reforms despite significant domestic pressure.”
Usage
This phrase is often used intransitively or followed by the prepositions 'on' or 'with'.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'follow up', which focuses on checking progress rather than completing the initial action itself.
Pitfall
He followed through his promise.
He followed through on his promise.
The verb requires 'on' or 'with' before the object when used in this sense.
Phrasal verb
Particles
through
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
follow + through (+ on/with + object)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
PHRASAL VERB
PREPOSITION
Grammar
Domain
- 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 Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
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