gerund or present participle
Moving behind a person, animal, or vehicle in the same direction.
The cat is following the mouse.
We are following the car ahead.
American English
How to pronounce following
verb · preposition · adjective · nounA2Very common word
FAHlohihng
/ˈfɑ.loʊ.ɪŋ/
3 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of follow
Following is also common as an adjective meaning “next” and as a noun meaning a group of supporters.
Moving behind a person, animal, or vehicle in the same direction.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
gerund or present participle
Doing what instructions, advice, or rules tell you to do.
She is following the instructions carefully.
They are following the safety rules.
gerund or present participle
Going along a road, path, route, or set of signs.
We are following the path through the woods.
Keep following the signs to the airport.
gerund or present participle
Understanding what someone is saying or how a story or explanation develops.
I am following the discussion now.
Are you following what I am saying?
Useful expressions
to take more action about something after an earlier conversation or action
I'll follow up on your application tomorrow.
to do what you planned or promised until it is finished
She followed through on her promise.
to continue listening, reading, or watching while someone explains something
Follow along on page ten.