After vs Following: When To Use Each One? What To Consider

Have you ever found yourself wondering whether to use “after” or “following” in a sentence? These two words may seem interchangeable, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we will explore the differences between after and following, and when to use each one.

We should clarify the definitions of these two words. “After” means later than or in the time following something. “Following” means coming after or as a result of something.

So, which one is the proper word to use? The answer is that it depends on the context. If you are referring to the time that comes directly after something, then “after” is the correct choice. For example, “After I finish this task, I will take a break.” In this sentence, “after” is used to indicate that the break will happen immediately after the task is completed.

On the other hand, if you are referring to something that comes as a result of something else, then “following” is the appropriate word to use. For example, “Following the success of their first album, the band went on tour.” Here, “following” is used to show that the tour happened as a result of the success of the first album.

It’s important to use the correct word in order to convey your intended meaning clearly. Throughout the rest of this article, we will explore different scenarios where one word may be more appropriate than the other.

Define After

After is a preposition that refers to something that comes later in time or order. It is often used to indicate a sequence of events or actions. For example, “After I finish my work, I will go for a walk.” In this sentence, “after” indicates that the walk will happen later than the completion of work.

Define Following

Following is also a preposition that refers to something that comes later in time or order. However, it is more commonly used to indicate a direct consequence or result of something. For example, “Following the announcement of the new policy, there was a lot of discussion among the employees.” In this sentence, “following” indicates that the discussion happened as a result of the policy announcement.

It is important to note that “following” can also be used as an adjective, as in “the following day,” which means the day that comes after the current day. However, in the context of this article, we will only be discussing “following” as a preposition.

Comparison

While both “after” and “following” refer to something that comes later in time or order, there is a subtle difference in their usage. “After” is more commonly used to indicate a general sequence of events, while “following” is used to indicate a direct consequence or result of something. Additionally, “following” is often used in a more formal or technical context, while “after” is more commonly used in everyday conversation.

After	Following
Indicates a general sequence of events	Indicates a direct consequence or result
More commonly used in everyday conversation	More commonly used in formal or technical contexts

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the correct word in a sentence is essential to convey the intended meaning. The words “after” and “following” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences in their usage. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use these words in a sentence.

How To Use “After” In A Sentence

The word “after” is commonly used to indicate the sequence of events. It is used to describe something that comes later in time or order. Here are some examples:

• After I finish my work, I will go for a walk.
• He arrived after the party had ended.
• She always brushes her teeth after eating.

It is important to note that “after” can also be used as a preposition, conjunction, or adverb in a sentence. In these cases, it may have different meanings. For example:

• Preposition: The dog ran after the ball.
• Conjunction: After she finished her homework, she watched TV.
• Adverb: He left the room and closed the door after.

How To Use “Following” In A Sentence

The word “following” is used to indicate the next item in a sequence. It is often used to introduce a list or to describe something that comes immediately after something else. Here are some examples:

• The following items are required for the recipe: flour, sugar, eggs, and milk.
• Following the meeting, we will have a group discussion.
• The following day, she received a call from the recruiter.

It is important to note that “following” is not commonly used as a preposition, conjunction, or adverb in a sentence. It is primarily used as an adjective or a noun.

Part of Speech	Example
Adjective	The following year was filled with many challenges.
Noun	Please refer to the following for more information.

More Examples Of After & Following Used In Sentences

In this section, we will explore more examples of how “after” and “following” are used in sentences. These examples will help you understand the context in which these words are used and how they differ from each other.

Examples Of Using “After” In A Sentence

• After I finish my work, I will go to the gym.
• She always arrives after everyone else.
• We went to the movies after dinner.
• He went to bed after midnight.
• After the storm, the streets were flooded.
• After the meeting, we all went out for drinks.
• After the game, we celebrated with pizza.
• I always feel tired after a long day at work.
• After the concert, we met the band backstage.
• She felt better after taking the medicine.

These examples show how “after” is used to indicate a time or event that occurs later than another time or event.

Examples Of Using “Following” In A Sentence

• Following the instructions, I assembled the furniture.
• The following day, we went to the beach.
• Following the recipe, I made a delicious cake.
• The following week, we have a big project due.
• Following the rules, we all took turns.
• The following year, we plan to travel to Europe.
• Following the exam, we all felt relieved.
• The following month, we have a lot of events planned.
• Following the presentation, we had a Q&A session.
• The following season, we hope to make it to the championships.

These examples show how “following” is used to indicate a sequence of events or steps that occur in order.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using after and following, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, there are some key differences between the two words that should be noted.

Using After Instead Of Following

One common mistake is using after instead of following to indicate a chronological sequence of events. For example, saying “After the meeting, I went to lunch” instead of “Following the meeting, I went to lunch.”

The word after indicates a temporal relationship between two events, but it doesn’t necessarily imply that the second event happened immediately after the first. In contrast, following specifically indicates a direct sequence of events.

Using Following Instead Of After

On the other hand, using following instead of after can also lead to confusion. For instance, saying “Following the exam, I felt relieved” instead of “After the exam, I felt relieved.”

The word following implies that the second event happened immediately after the first, while after simply indicates that the second event occurred at some point in time after the first.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

• Be mindful of the specific meaning of each word and choose the one that accurately reflects the intended sequence of events.
• If in doubt, rephrase the sentence using a different word or phrase to ensure clarity.
• Proofread your writing to catch any errors or inconsistencies.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “after” and “following,” context is key. Depending on the situation, one word may be more appropriate than the other. Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between after and following might change:

Chronological Order

When discussing events in chronological order, “after” is typically the better choice. For example:

• After I finished my homework, I went to bed.
• After the party ended, we cleaned up the mess.

In these examples, “following” could also be used, but “after” is more commonly used in this context.

Instructions Or Procedures

When giving instructions or following a procedure, “following” is often the preferred choice. For example:

1. Following the recipe, add the flour to the mixture.
2. Following the instructions, assemble the pieces in the order shown.

In these examples, “after” could also be used, but “following” is more precise when it comes to following a set of steps.

Formal Writing

In formal writing, “following” is often preferred over “after” due to its more formal tone. For example:

“Following the conclusion of the trial, the judge issued a statement.”

In this context, “after” could also be used, but “following” sounds more professional and authoritative.

Overall, the choice between “after” and “following” depends on the context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of each word, you can choose the one that best fits your intended meaning and tone.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using after and following are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind.

1. Use Of After In Certain Phrases

In some phrases, after is used instead of following, even though following might seem like the more appropriate choice. For example, “after all” is used to mean “in spite of everything,” while “following all” would be incorrect. Another example is “after you,” which is a polite way of saying “you go first,” while “following you” would not make sense in this context.

2. Use Of Following In Certain Contexts

While following is generally used to indicate a sequence of events, there are some contexts where it might not be the best choice. For example, when describing the order of items in a list, it is more common to use “after” than “following.”

Another exception is when describing a physical location. In this case, “following” might be used to indicate a direction or path, while “after” would not be appropriate. For example, “The restaurant is just down the street, following the park” would be correct, while “The restaurant is just down the street, after the park” would not make sense.

3. Regional Differences

It’s worth noting that there may be regional differences in the use of after and following. In some parts of the world, one might be more commonly used than the other, or there may be subtle differences in meaning. For example, in British English, “following” is sometimes used to mean “according to,” while this usage is less common in American English.

In conclusion, while the rules for using after and following are generally straightforward, there are exceptions to keep in mind. By understanding these exceptions and their explanations, you can use these words more confidently and effectively in your writing.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have discussed the differences between “after” and “following,” it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and take your time.

Exercise 1

Fill in the blank with either “after” or “following” to complete the sentence:

1. I always brush my teeth __________ I eat breakfast.
2. __________ the meeting, we will have a networking event.
3. She went to bed __________ watching a movie.
4. We need to clean up __________ the party.
5. __________ the game, we went out for pizza.

Answer Key:

• after
• Following
• after
• after
• Following

Exercise 2

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:

1. __________ the concert, we went to a bar.
2. He always eats dessert __________ dinner.
3. __________ the storm, we lost power.
4. We need to finish this project __________ the deadline.
5. __________ the movie, we went to bed.

Answer Key:

• Following
• after
• After
• before
• After

By completing these exercises, you should have a better understanding of when to use “after” and “following” in sentences. Keep practicing and you’ll be a pro in no time!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the proper use of after and following is crucial to effective communication and clear writing. Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• After and following are both prepositions that indicate a sequence of events.
• After is used to show a single event that occurs later than another event.
• Following is used to show a sequence of events that occur one after the other.
• Both after and following can be used interchangeably in some cases, but it’s important to consider the context and intended meaning.
• Using after or following incorrectly can lead to confusion or ambiguity in your writing.

Remember, language and grammar are constantly evolving, so it’s important to continue learning and improving your skills. Whether it’s through reading, writing, or taking courses, there are many ways to expand your knowledge and become a better communicator.