# follow through

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/follow-through
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He followed through his promise." but "He followed through on his promise." — The verb requires 'on' or 'with' before the object when used in this sense.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.