follow
verb (transitive)
UKˈfɒl.əʊUSˈfɑː.loʊ
to move or come after a person or thing; to act according to instructions or guidance
Example Sentences
Please follow me to the conference room.
We should follow the rules to ensure everyone’s safety.
She decided to follow her mother’s advice and rest for the day.
He told them to follow the instructions carefully to assemble the furniture correctly.
Hikers must follow the designated trail to protect the environment.
The detective tried to follow the suspect without being noticed.
When children follow their curiosity, they often make unexpected discoveries that spark a lifelong passion for learning and exploration.
Despite facing numerous obstacles, he resolved to follow his dream of starting a new business, convinced that every setback was another lesson on the path to success.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To proceed behind or comply with directions or a set path.The verb “follow” commonly indicates moving behind someone or something, or adhering to instructions or guidelines. You might say “I’ll follow you to the store,” suggesting you’ll walk or drive behind another person. It also captures the idea of compliance, such as following a recipe step by step to prepare a dish. In more figurative senses, you can “follow” an argument or storyline, meaning you understand or track its progression. In formal writing, “follow” can link parts of a process (“Next, we follow the protocol for data collection”). In everyday conversation, it might appear in directions (“Follow this road to the end and turn left”). Social media contexts also use “follow” for subscribing to someone’s updates or posts, showcasing the word’s adaptability in both physical and digital realms.
Alternatives
If you want to convey a similar idea to “follow,” there are several alternatives to consider. “Pursue” suggests active chasing or continuing a course of action—like pursuing a lead in research or investigation. “Trail” often implies maintaining some distance behind a person or object, perhaps in a detective scenario. “Adhere” works well when talking about rules or guidelines, focusing on conscientious obedience—such as adhering to a code of conduct. “Comply” also highlights obedience, particularly in formal or legal contexts. “Track” conveys methodically monitoring something, as in tracking progress or performance. “Keep up with” implies staying at the same pace, ideal for marathon runners or ongoing tasks. Each option offers a nuanced variation on the central notion of going after something or abiding by a specified set of instructions, so you can select the one that best fits your context and tone.
Writing
In writing, “follow” helps establish order, clarity, and coherence. Whether instructing readers—“Follow the steps provided in the appendix”—or guiding them through a logical progression—“In the next section, we follow the historical development of the policy”—the term indicates movement from one point to another. It can also direct attention to evidence, such as following a line of reasoning: “If we follow the argument presented by the researchers, we arrive at a new conclusion.” To keep your prose engaging, avoid overusing “follow” by mixing in synonyms like “pursue” or “proceed.” Doing so prevents repetitive phrasing and keeps your narrative or analysis flowing smoothly. Ultimately, using “follow” strategically can unify your text, steer the reader’s comprehension, and underscore how each part of your discussion connects to the next.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “follow” is a clear, direct word for telling someone to come after you (“Follow me to the kitchen!”) or to explain how they should proceed (“Follow the instructions on the box, and the cake will turn out great!”). It’s also common in social scenarios: you might encourage a friend to follow you on social media, or mention you’re following the latest TV show’s new season. When talking about compliance, saying “I’m just following the rules” casually communicates that you’re abiding by guidelines without sounding too formal. While “follow” fits effortlessly in many contexts, varying your vocabulary with words like “go after” or “stick to” can keep conversations fresh. Nonetheless, “follow” remains a go-to choice for directing others or describing how you stay in line with something.
Etymology
“Follow” derives from Old English “folgian,” stemming from Proto-Germanic roots that convey a sense of going after or coming behind. Over centuries, the word has retained its essential meaning of trailing someone or something physically, while also growing to encompass more abstract ideas—such as following a line of thought, obeying rules, or joining a social media account. Historically, the concept of following has been vital in hierarchical or structured societies, where individuals follow leaders, customs, or teachings. In modern usage, “follow” seamlessly bridges physical and virtual realms: people follow each other on foot, in cars, or online. This dual utility highlights both the timeless human tendency to align with a path or directive and the evolving ways we connect in contemporary life.
