Following
Noun, Adjective, Preposition
UK
/ˈfɒl.əʊ.ɪŋ/
US
/ˈfɑː.loʊ.ɪŋ/
Definition
(adj) : Coming after or next.
(n) : People who support or admire someone.
(prep) : After something in time or order.
(n) : People who support or admire someone.
(prep) : After something in time or order.
Example
"(adj) : The following chapter explains the story’s ending."
"(n) : The teacher built a strong following of students who admired her way of teaching"
"(prep) : Following the meeting, the team wrote a report and shared it with everyone."
Explanation
Following can describe something that comes after another thing in time, order, or place. For example, “The following day, it rained.” It can also mean people who support someone, like “He has a large following of supporters.” As a preposition, it means after something in time or order, such as “Following the meeting, the team wrote a report.” Following can be an adjective, noun, or preposition depending on how it’s used. It helps talk about order, sequence, or support.