Following vs Succeeding: Deciding Between Similar Terms

Have you ever wondered about the difference between following and succeeding? While these two words may seem similar, they have distinct meanings and implications.

Following refers to the act of going after someone or something, often in a literal sense. It can also mean adhering to a set of rules or guidelines. Succeeding, on the other hand, means achieving a goal or reaching a desired outcome. It implies a sense of accomplishment and progress.

While following can be a necessary step towards succeeding, it is not the same thing as success itself. In this article, we will explore the nuances of these two words and how they relate to personal and professional growth.

Define Following

Following refers to the act of going after or coming behind someone or something. It involves mimicking or imitating the actions or behavior of the person or thing being followed. It can also refer to subscribing to the ideas, beliefs, or practices of another person or group.

Following can be both positive and negative. On one hand, following a good role model can lead to personal growth and development. On the other hand, blindly following someone without questioning their motives or actions can lead to negative consequences.

For instance, social media influencers have a large following of people who admire and emulate them. However, this can also lead to the followers losing their individuality and blindly following the influencer’s every move.

Define Succeeding

Succeeding refers to achieving a desired goal or outcome. It involves setting a goal and taking action to attain it. Success can be measured in various ways, such as personal satisfaction, financial gain, or recognition from others.

Succeeding requires effort, determination, and a willingness to learn from failures. It involves taking calculated risks and making necessary adjustments along the way.

Success can be both subjective and objective. For example, a person may consider themselves successful if they are happy and content with their life, while another person may consider success to be achieving a certain level of financial stability or professional recognition.

It is important to note that success is not always easy to attain and may require overcoming obstacles and setbacks. However, the journey towards success can also lead to personal growth and development.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

In order to effectively communicate in the English language, it is important to have a clear understanding of the proper usage of words. The words “following” and “succeeding” are often confused with one another, but they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in a sentence.

How To Use “Following” In A Sentence

The word “following” is often used to indicate something that comes after or is in pursuit of something else. It can also refer to obeying or adhering to something or someone. Here are some examples of how to use “following” in a sentence:

• Following the instructions carefully, she was able to assemble the furniture without any issues.
• The police officer pursued the suspect on foot, following him through the crowded streets.
• He was fired from his job for not following company policy regarding safety procedures.

It is important to note that “following” should not be used interchangeably with “during” or “after.” While these words may indicate a similar time frame, “following” specifically implies a sequence or order.

How To Use “Succeeding” In A Sentence

The word “succeeding” is often used to indicate something that comes after or follows in a series or sequence. It can also refer to achieving a desired outcome or goal. Here are some examples of how to use “succeeding” in a sentence:

• After the first team finished the relay race, the succeeding team took the baton and continued running.
• She worked hard for years to build her business, finally succeeding in her goal of becoming a successful entrepreneur.
• The succeeding chapters of the book delve deeper into the protagonist’s backstory and motivations.

It is important to note that “succeeding” should not be used interchangeably with “following” or “next.” While these words may indicate a similar time frame, “succeeding” specifically implies a sequence or progression.

More Examples Of Following & Succeeding Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the difference between following and succeeding, it is important to examine how these words are used in real-life scenarios. Below are some examples of how following and succeeding can be used in a sentence:

Examples Of Using Following In A Sentence

• He was following the instructions carefully to ensure he completed the task correctly.
• The dog was following its owner obediently through the park.
• She was following the latest fashion trends to stay up-to-date.
• The company was following the industry standards to maintain compliance.
• He was following the path through the forest to reach the summit.
• She was following the recipe step-by-step to make the perfect lasagna.
• The team was following the game plan to secure their victory.
• He was following the news closely to stay informed about current events.
• The child was following the rules of the game to play fairly.
• She was following her dreams by pursuing a career in music.

Examples Of Using Succeeding In A Sentence

• He was succeeding in his job by consistently meeting his targets.
• The athlete was succeeding in his sport by winning multiple championships.
• She was succeeding in her studies by earning top grades.
• The company was succeeding in the market by offering innovative products.
• He was succeeding in his personal life by maintaining strong relationships with his family and friends.
• She was succeeding in her career by climbing the corporate ladder quickly.
• The team was succeeding in the competition by working together effectively.
• He was succeeding in his fitness goals by following a strict exercise regimen.
• The musician was succeeding in the industry by producing hit songs.
• She was succeeding in her artistic pursuits by receiving critical acclaim for her work.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “following” and “succeeding,” people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these words have distinct meanings and should be used accordingly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Following” When “Succeeding” Is More Appropriate

One common mistake is using “following” to mean “succeeding” when the latter is more appropriate. For example, saying “I am following in my father’s footsteps” implies that you are trying to replicate your father’s actions, while saying “I am succeeding my father” means that you are taking over his role or position.

Using “Succeeding” When “Following” Is More Appropriate

Conversely, using “succeeding” when “following” is more appropriate can also lead to confusion. For instance, saying “I am succeeding the CEO” implies that you are taking over their position, while saying “I am following the CEO” means that you are learning from them or taking their lead.

Not Considering Context

Another mistake is not considering the context in which these words are used. For example, in a sports context, “following” may refer to a player closely tracking their opponent, while “succeeding” may refer to a player scoring a goal or winning a game.

Offer Tips On How To Avoid Making These Mistakes In The Future

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to consider the specific meanings of “following” and “succeeding” in the context in which they are being used. Here are some tips:

• Use “following” when referring to tracking or learning from someone
• Use “succeeding” when referring to taking over a role or position
• Consider the context in which the words are being used

Context Matters

When it comes to the choice between following and succeeding, context plays a crucial role. The decision to follow or succeed is often dependent on the situation at hand, the goals that need to be achieved, and the people involved.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a closer look at some different contexts and how the choice between following and succeeding might change:

• Business: In a business setting, the choice between following and succeeding can depend on the company culture and the nature of the task at hand. For example, in a hierarchical organization, following the established chain of command may be necessary to succeed, while in a more agile company, taking initiative and being innovative may be the key to success.
• Sports: In sports, the choice between following and succeeding can depend on the specific game or match. In some team sports, following the coach’s game plan may be necessary to win, while in individual sports like tennis, relying on one’s own skills and instincts may be the key to success.
• Education: In an educational setting, the choice between following and succeeding can depend on the subject matter and the teacher’s teaching style. In some subjects, such as math, following a set of rules and formulas may be necessary to succeed, while in more creative subjects, such as art or writing, thinking outside the box and taking risks may be the key to success.

Ultimately, the choice between following and succeeding is not always clear-cut and depends on a variety of factors. It’s important to consider the context carefully and make a decision that aligns with your goals and values.

Exceptions To The Rules

While following and succeeding are generally used in specific ways, there are exceptions where the rules may not apply. Here are some examples:

1. Following As A Preposition

In some cases, following can be used as a preposition, meaning “in accordance with” or “in the sequence of.” This usage is similar to the word “after” and is often used in legal or formal contexts.

Example: Following the conclusion of the trial, the jury deliberated for three days before reaching a verdict.

2. Succeeding As A Verb

While succeeding is primarily used as a verb meaning “to take the place of” or “to come after,” it can also be used in a more general sense to mean “to achieve success.”

Example: Despite facing many challenges, she succeeded in building a successful business.

3. Following As A Noun

Following can also be used as a noun, meaning “the action of following” or “a group of followers.”

Example: The politician had a large following of supporters who attended all of his rallies.

4. Succeeding As An Adjective

Succeeding can also be used as an adjective, meaning “coming after in order” or “following in sequence.”

Example: The succeeding chapters of the book delve deeper into the main character’s backstory.

While these exceptions may seem confusing at first, understanding the context in which they are used can help clarify their meanings. By paying attention to the specific usage of following and succeeding, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and effective.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have discussed the differences between following and succeeding, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises that will help you improve your understanding and use of these two words in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (following or succeeding) to complete the sentence:

1. She was __________ in her father’s footsteps and became a doctor.
2. ____________ the recipe exactly as written will ensure the best results.
3. He was determined to keep __________ his dream of becoming a professional athlete.
4. The __________ year, he won the championship.

Answer Key:

1. succeeding
2. Following
3. following
4. succeeding

Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence

Rewrite the following sentences using either following or succeeding:

1. John walked behind Mary.
2. The company achieved its goals.
3. She copied her sister’s style.
4. The team won the game.

Answer Key:

1. John was following Mary.
2. The company was succeeding in achieving its goals.
3. She was following her sister’s style.
4. The team was succeeding by winning the game.

By completing these exercises, you should have a better understanding of when to use following and succeeding in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context and connotation of each word to ensure that you are using them correctly.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between following and succeeding, it is clear that while they may seem similar, they have distinct meanings and applications in various contexts.

When it comes to grammar and language use, it is important to understand the nuances of words and their usage. By using the correct word in the appropriate context, we can communicate more effectively and avoid any potential misunderstandings.

Key Takeaways:

• Following refers to the act of going after or pursuing something or someone, while succeeding means achieving a desired outcome or goal.
• Following is often used in the context of instructions, rules, or orders, while succeeding is more commonly associated with personal achievements and accomplishments.
• Understanding the difference between following and succeeding can help us communicate more effectively and avoid any potential misunderstandings.

As we continue to learn and grow in our understanding of language and grammar, it is important to keep in mind the subtle differences between words and their meanings. By doing so, we can become better communicators and achieve greater success in all aspects of our lives.