A2adjective1K

Following

UK /["/ˈfɒləʊɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈfɑːləʊɪŋ/"]/

Definition

that is/are going to be mentioned next

In simple words: To come after something or someone.

Examples

  • Answer the following questions.
  • The following article was written in 2017.
  • the following afternoon/month/year/week
  • They arrived on Monday evening and we got there the following day.
  • In the following nights, Lucy slept poorly.
  • With a generous following wind, we sped across the lake.
  • With a bit of luck and a following wind, the project will be completed on schedule.

Usage notes

Use 'following' to indicate something that comes next in time or order. It's appropriate in various contexts, including writing and conversation, but avoid using it in overly casual settings when referring to people.

Grammar pattern

follow + object

Memory hint

Think of 'following' as the line of people following a parade.

Collocations

  • following instructions
  • following someone
  • following a trend

Synonyms

  • subsequent
  • ensuing
  • after
  • succeeding

Antonyms

  • preceding
  • leading

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'preceeding' - using 'following' incorrectly to describe something that comes before.
  • Using 'follow' instead of 'following' in adjective form.