Dictionary monolingual
English
Follow
ˈfɑloʊ
Extremely common
200 - 300
200 - 300
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Follow -
To go or come after (a person or thing) in the same direction
Example: She asked me to follow her to the meeting room.
Usage: formalContext: professional settings, instructions
Note: Commonly used in formal contexts to indicate physical movement or adherence to instructions.
To pay attention to or be interested in what someone is saying or doing
Example: I couldn't follow his explanation of the new project.
Usage: formal/informalContext: conversations, presentations
Note: Can be used in both formal and informal settings to indicate understanding or comprehension.
To take action based on something that has been said or done
Example: The company decided to follow the recommendations of the consultants.
Usage: formalContext: business, decision-making
Note: Often used in professional contexts to indicate compliance or adherence to advice or guidelines.
To subscribe to updates or posts on social media
Example: I enjoy following her on Instagram for fashion inspiration.
Usage: informalContext: social media, online interactions
Note: Commonly used in informal contexts related to social media and online interactions.
Follow's synonyms
pursue
To pursue something means to actively work towards achieving or obtaining it.
Example: She pursued her dreams of becoming a doctor.
Note: Pursue implies a more proactive approach compared to simply following.
trail
To trail means to follow someone or something secretly or discreetly.
Example: The detective trailed the suspect through the city streets.
Note: Trail often implies following someone while trying to remain unnoticed.
chase
To chase means to run after someone or something in order to catch them.
Example: The dog chased the squirrel up the tree.
Note: Chase implies a more energetic and active pursuit, often involving speed.
shadow
To shadow someone means to follow and watch them closely, especially for protection or surveillance.
Example: The bodyguard shadowed the celebrity wherever she went.
Note: Shadowing involves closely monitoring someone's movements and actions, often for a specific purpose.
Follow expressions, common phrases
Follow up
To take further action or check on something that was started earlier.
Example: I need to follow up with the client to get more details.
Note: The term 'follow up' adds the idea of continued action after an initial interaction or event.
Follow through
To complete a task or promise that one has made.
Example: It's important to follow through on your promises.
Note: Unlike 'follow,' 'follow through' emphasizes the completion of an action or commitment.
Follow suit
To imitate or emulate what others have done.
Example: After the successful launch of the new product, other companies may follow suit.
Note: This phrase implies mimicking or copying actions, rather than just observing or monitoring.
Follow your nose
To navigate or find your way based on intuition or instinct.
Example: Just keep walking straight and follow your nose; you'll reach the bakery.
Note: It suggests relying on one's instincts or senses to guide oneself, rather than a literal act of following.
Follow the crowd
To do what everyone else is doing or to conform to popular opinion.
Example: She decided to follow the crowd and attend the concert.
Note: This phrase implies going along with the majority or group behavior, rather than making individual choices.
Follow in someone's footsteps
To do the same thing as someone else, especially a family member or role model.
Example: As a doctor, she followed in her mother's footsteps and pursued a career in medicine.
Note: It signifies taking a similar path or career trajectory as someone else, rather than simply observing or trailing behind.
Follow the leader
To imitate the actions or movements of a leader or someone in charge.
Example: The children played a game of follow the leader, taking turns leading the group.
Note: In this context, 'follow' implies directly copying or mimicking the actions of a designated leader.
Follow everyday (slang) expressions
Follow me
This term is used to indicate that someone should come along with the speaker or do as the speaker is doing.
Example: Let's head to the store. Follow me!
Note: It is a more casual and direct way of asking someone to accompany you or mimic your actions.
Follow-up
In spoken language, 'follow-up' is often used to refer to checking back in with someone after an initial interaction or to provide further information.
Example: I'll follow-up with you next week to see how the project is going.
Note: While 'follow-up' is a more formal term, it is commonly used in spoken language to refer to subsequent actions or communication.
Follow you
When someone says 'Can I follow you?' it usually means they want to understand or imitate the other person's actions or thought process.
Example: I don't understand this math problem. Can I follow you?
Note: This can refer to mimicking someone's approach or seeking guidance, usually in a more informal setting.
Follow on
Used to continue a discussion or expand on a previous point, often in a conversation or presentation.
Example: That was a great point you made. I'd like to follow on from that.
Note: It implies building upon or enhancing something already said, typically in a verbal exchange.
Follow the story
To 'follow the story' means to continue to watch or read a narrative (e.g., TV show, book, movie) to see how it unfolds.
Example: I watched the first few episodes of the new series. I can't wait to follow the story.
Note: It denotes ongoing engagement with a plot or sequence of events, indicating interest in a progressing storyline.
Follow back
Refers to the action of reciprocating a 'follow' on social media platforms by following the person who followed you.
Example: I liked your photos. Can you follow me back on social media?
Note: This term is specific to social media interactions and involves mutual online connections.
Follow on from
Indicates that something will happen or be done as a result of a previous action or decision.
Example: The new policy will follow on from the changes we made last year.
Note: It implies a direct sequence or consequence stemming from what has occurred before.
Follow - Examples
I always follow the latest news about technology.
She has a lot of followers on Instagram.
The hiker followed the trail through the forest.
Follow grammar
Follow - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: follow
Conjugations
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): followed
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): following
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): follows
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): follow
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): follow
Syllables, Separation and Stress
follow Contains 2 syllables: fol • low
Phonetic transcription: ˈfä-(ˌ)lō
fol low , ˈfä (ˌ)lō (The red syllable is stressed)
Follow - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
follow: 200 - 300 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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