follow
verb
uk/ˈfɒləʊ/ us [ I or T ]
to happen or come after something:
More mergers are likely to follow.
October's increase followed a 1.6% rise in output in September.
The bonds recovered after some initial selling following news of the proposed merger.
Government macro-economic policy encouraged a consumer boom followed by a deep recession.
[ T ]
to obey instructions or to do something according to a plan or someone's advice:
The shelves are easy to assemble if you follow the instructions carefully.
follow orders/advice By following our advice, clients should save at least £770 a year.
follow a policy/a procedure/guidelines At the enquiry into the crash, the airline said that normal procedure had been followed.
[ T ]
to watch something closely to see how it develops:
He works for a group of Wall Street analysts who follow internet stocks closely.
[ I or T ]
to do the same thing as someone:
They were the first to introduce online ordering, but other companies have been quick to follow.
follow sb's example/lead When the company announces its price increases, many of its competitors are expected to follow its lead.
[ I ] (also follow on)
to be sent or paid at a later date:
Your bank card will arrive first, and the PIN number will follow, in a separate envelope.
as follows
used to introduce a list of things:
Our main aims are as follows: 1. efficiency 2. value for money 3. quality.
follow a career, occupation, trade, etc.
to do a particular job:
The company has an open door policy to mature entrants who have followed alternative career paths.
follow suit
to do the same as someone else:
We expect that fund managers will take a lead by coming out in favour of one of the banks, at which point undecided investors will follow suit.
Phrasal verbs
follow through (on/with sth)
follow sth up
follow sth up with sth