# following

/ˈfɑɫoʊɪŋ/ (US) · /fˈɒləʊɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/following
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. after an event

preposition · CEFR B1

coming after something else has happened.

For teachers: subsequent to or after a specific event or time.

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

### 2. next in a sequence

adjective · CEFR A2

coming next in time or order.

For teachers: coming next in a sequence or time; ensuing.

- We spent the following day exploring the local museums.
- 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.

### 3. about to be mentioned

adjective · CEFR B1

about to be listed or described immediately after.

For teachers: referring to what is about to be specified or mentioned next.

- Please answer the following questions as honestly as possible.
- 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.

### 4. group of supporters

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The young singer has a huge following on social media.
- 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.

### 5. the things mentioned next

noun · CEFR B1

the things that are about to be listed.

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

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

## Examples

- The young singer has a large following on social media.
- After years of playing small clubs, the band finally built a loyal following that sells out every show.
- The philosopher's radical ideas gained a significant following among university students, eventually sparking a broader movement for social reform across the country.

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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.