following

Coming next in time or in a series.

• We left the following morning.
• The following chapter explains the rules.
• She returned to work the following week.

Similar words: next, subsequent

Opposites: previous, preceding

Common phrases: the following day, the following week, the following chapter

Used for things that will be named or described immediately afterward.

• Please answer the following questions.
• Bring the following items: water, food, and a coat.
• The following names appear on our guest list.

Similar words: listed below

Common phrases: the following items, the following questions, the following information

After an event or action.

• We spoke following the meeting.
• Prices rose following the announcement.
• Following surgery, she needed several weeks of rest.

How to use it: following something (The road closed following the accident.)

Similar words: after, subsequent to

Opposites: before

Common phrases: following the meeting, following an accident, following surgery

As stated or required by instructions, rules, or advice.

• Following the recipe, add some salt.
• Following safety guidelines, workers wear protective glasses.
• The team acted following the doctor's advice.

How to use it: following something (Following the instructions, add two cups of water.)

Similar words: according to, in accordance with

Common phrases: following the instructions, following safety guidelines, following medical advice

The things or information presented immediately after these words.

• Please read the following carefully.
• Which of the following is correct?
• The following is a message from our manager.

How to use it: the following is/are… (The following are required: a passport and two photographs.)

Common phrases: read the following, consider the following, of the following

A group of people who admire and support a person, group, or activity.

• The band has a large following.
• Her videos attracted a loyal following.
• The writer gained a following among young readers.

Similar words: fans, supporters, fan base

Common phrases: a loyal following, a large following, gain a following

Coming later in time or after something else in a series.

• The following days were quiet.
• The following chapters describe her journey.
• We discuss those changes in the following sections.

Common phrases: the following chapters, the following days, the following sections