following
following — preposition
1. happening after a particular event or time; used to say that one thing comes lat
happening after a particular event or time; used to say that one thing comes later than another thing
Following the earthquake, the government sent food and tents to the damaged areas.
prepositional phrase: following + noun (event)
The athletes held a press conference following their victory at the tournament.
Following a long discussion, the board agreed to Yuna's proposal for the new project.
Following heavy rain, several roads in Putri's neighborhood were closed to traffic.
- after
more common in everyday speech; less formal sounding than 'following'
- subsequent to
very formal; used mainly in legal or academic writing
- before
indicates something happens earlier in time
文法句型
following + noun phrase (event or time period)
用法筆記
This prepositional use is more common in formal writing and news reports than in everyday conversation. In casual speech, 'after' is usually preferred.
常見錯誤
following — adjective
1. the next one in a series of events, items on a list, or pieces of information th
the next one in a series of events, items on a list, or pieces of information that are about to be given
Ezra called the office the following morning to confirm his appointment.
attributive: the following + time noun
Please read the following pages carefully before you sign any documents.
The following chapters explain how the human heart pumps blood through the body.
Imani moved to Taipei the following year to study Chinese literature at the university.
文法句型
the following + noun
用法筆記
Always used before a noun (attributive position). Cannot be used predicatively — you cannot say 'The day is following' to mean 'the next day'.
常見錯誤
2. blowing from behind a moving ship, aircraft, or land vehicle, which adds extra f
blowing from behind a moving ship, aircraft, or land vehicle, which adds extra forward speed and reduces travel time
A strong following wind helped the yacht reach the harbour before the storm arrived.
term: following wind — tailwind for ships
The pilot reported a following wind that cut the flight time by almost twenty minutes.
Sailing with a following wind is much easier than sailing directly against the wind.
The truck driver enjoyed a following wind that helped save fuel on the highway journey.
文法句型
following + wind/sea/current
用法筆記
Primarily a technical term used in sailing, aviation, and meteorology. In everyday contexts, 'tailwind' is the more common term for aircraft.
following — noun
1. the people, things, or information that come next and that the speaker or writer
the people, things, or information that come next and that the speaker or writer is about to mention, show, or write down — commonly employed to open a list or section
The following is a list of items you will need for your camping trip.
the following + is/are — introducing a list
Please bring the following: a valid passport, two recent photos, and the completed form.
In the following, we explain how the new recycling system will operate each week.
The following outlines the steps that Andrés took to start his own small business.
文法句型
the following + is/are
the following
用法筆記
Takes a singular verb when referring to a single item or block of information ('The following is…'), but a plural verb when clearly referring to multiple items ('The following are the results…').
常見錯誤
2. people who are fans of a particular celebrity, artist, athlete, or public figure
people who are fans of a particular celebrity, artist, athlete, or public figure and regularly take an interest in their work or activities
The singer's following has grown rapidly since she appeared on national television last month.
possessive + following — someone's fans
Henrik's cooking blog has earned a loyal following among home cooks across Europe.
The basketball team has a dedicated following that travels to every away game.
Although it is a small theatre group, the company has a strong local following.
文法句型
a following
someone's following
a + adjective + following
用法筆記
Focuses on admiration and interest in a person's work or talent, rather than ideological or political support. The group is not necessarily organised or formally committed.
3. people who believe in, support, or stay loyal to a particular political leader,
people who believe in, support, or stay loyal to a particular political leader, religious teacher, organisation, or set of core ideas
The politician's following includes many young voters who strongly support her education plans.
following + of supporters — ideological commitment
The environmental movement gained a large following after the documentary was broadcast worldwide.
Tariq's ideas about sustainable farming have attracted a devoted following across the entire region.
The charity organisation has built a faithful following through years of honest community service work.
- supporters
more direct; 'supporters' is plural countable, 'following' is usually singular
- followers
strongly implies a leader-follower relationship; can suggest discipleship
- adherents
formal; used for members of a movement, religion, or political party
文法句型
a following
a + adjective + following
following + of + people
用法筆記
Unlike sense 2 (FANS), this sense emphasises belief, loyalty, and ideological commitment rather than simple admiration or entertainment interest. The group is often united by shared values or goals.