following
- 01 B1 Intermediate
prep.coming after something else has happened.
prep.subsequent to or after a specific event or time.
Simple“Following the meeting, we all went out for a quick coffee.”
In context“Following the sudden resignation of the chief executive, the board of directors convened an emergency session to discuss interim leadership.”
UsageOften used at the start of a sentence to provide temporal context.
- 02 A2 Elementary
adj.coming next in time or order.
adj.coming next in a sequence or time; ensuing.
Simple“We spent the following day exploring the local museums.”
In context“The researchers observed the subjects over the following months to determine if the initial results remained consistent.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun it modifies.
Synonyms - 03 B1 Intermediate
adj.about to be listed or described immediately after.
adj.referring to what is about to be specified or mentioned next.
Simple“Please answer the following questions as honestly as possible.”
In context“The following conditions must be met before the contract can be formally signed by both parties.”
UsageFrequently used in formal instructions or academic writing.
SynonymsbelowundermentionedAntonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a group of people who support or admire a person or idea.
n.a body of supporters, admirers, or devotees, especially in a professional or social media context.
Simple“The young singer has a huge following on social media.”
In context“Despite his controversial views, the philosopher maintained a loyal following among academic circles in Europe.”
UsageUsually used with a singular verb even though it refers to a group of people.
Synonyms - 05 B1 Intermediate
n.the things that are about to be listed.
n.the thing or things that are to be mentioned immediately after; typically used with 'the'.
Simple“The price of the tour includes the following: transport, lunch, and a guide.”
In context“To apply for the visa, you will need the following: a valid passport, two photos, and a bank statement.”
UsageAlmost always preceded by 'the' and followed by a colon.
Synonyms
Usage following the earthquake · following analysis · following area
By surface analysis, follow + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.