What does "following" mean?

1. (after an event) coming after something else has happened. 2. (next in a sequence) coming next in time or order. 3. (about to be mentioned) about to be listed or described immediately after. 4. (group of supporters) a group of people who support or admire a person or idea. 5. (the things mentioned next) the things that are about to be listed.

How do you use "following"?

Often used at the start of a sentence to provide temporal context. Usually placed before the noun it modifies. Frequently used in formal instructions or academic writing. Usually used with a singular verb even though it refers to a group of people. Almost always preceded by 'the' and followed by a colon.

following

prep. · adj. · n.

US //ˈfɑɫoʊɪŋ// UK //fˈɒləʊɪŋ// fol·low·ing

1 after an event (prep.)
B1 Intermediate

coming after something else has happened.

subsequent to or after a specific event or time.

Example

Following the meeting, we all went out for a quick coffee.

Example

Following the sudden resignation of the chief executive, the board of directors convened an emergency session to discuss interim leadership.

Usage

Often used at the start of a sentence to provide temporal context.
- after
- subsequent to
- before
- prior to
2 next in a sequence (adj.)
A2 Elementary

coming next in time or order.

coming next in a sequence or time; ensuing.

Example

We spent the following day exploring the local museums.

Example

The researchers observed the subjects over the following months to determine if the initial results remained consistent.

Usage

Usually placed before the noun it modifies.
- previous
- preceding

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3 about to be mentioned (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

about to be listed or described immediately after.

referring to what is about to be specified or mentioned next.

Example

Please answer the following questions as honestly as possible.

Example

The following conditions must be met before the contract can be formally signed by both parties.

Usage

Frequently used in formal instructions or academic writing.
- below
- undermentioned
- above
- aforementioned
4 group of supporters (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a group of people who support or admire a person or idea.

a body of supporters, admirers, or devotees, especially in a professional or social media context.

Example

The young singer has a huge following on social media.

Example

Despite his controversial views, the philosopher maintained a loyal following among academic circles in Europe.

Usage

Usually used with a singular verb even though it refers to a group of people.
- audience
- fanbase
- supporters
5 the things mentioned next (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the things that are about to be listed.

the thing or things that are to be mentioned immediately after; typically used with 'the'.

Example

The price of the tour includes the following: transport, lunch, and a guide.

Example

To apply for the visa, you will need the following: a valid passport, two photos, and a bank statement.

Usage

Almost always preceded by 'the' and followed by a colon.
- list

Origin

By surface analysis, follow + -ing.