Following vs. Followed — What's the Difference?

By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 20, 2024

"Following" often describes the act of pursuit or subscribing to someone, while "followed" is the past tense, indicating completed action of following.

Following vs. Followed — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Following and Followed

Key Differences

"Following" can be used as a gerund or present participle, indicating an ongoing action, like pursuing someone on social media. Whereas, "followed" is the simple past tense of "follow," used to describe an action that has already been completed, such as when someone has been trailed and then left alone.

In grammar, "following" is versatile, acting as an adjective, noun, or part of a continuous verb phrase. On the other hand, "followed" is strictly a verb, specifically in the past form, limiting its grammatical roles.

When used in technology and social media, "following" refers to currently subscribing to updates from someone. Conversely, "followed" could be used in recounting past actions, like describing someone who once had followers but perhaps not anymore.

"Following" can also introduce a noun or clause, as in instructions or sequences. Whereas "followed" cannot function in this capacity, it solely recounts what came after another event.

The term "following" is dynamic, suggesting a sense of action or immediacy in various contexts, such as following instructions. On the other hand, "followed" often conveys a more passive or historical narrative, as in actions completed in the past.

Comparison Chart

Part of Speech

Gerund, present participle, noun

Past tense verb

Usage in Sentences

Describes ongoing or future actions

Describes completed actions

Contextual Usage

Social media, sequences, instructions

Recounting past events, stories

Flexibility in Grammar

Can act as adjective, verb, or noun

Limited to verb form

Temporal Aspect

Implies current or continuous action

Implies action has already occurred

Compare with Definitions

Following

Coming after or as a result.

Following the meeting, we will announce the decision.

Followed

Completed the action of following.

He followed the crowd into the theater.

Following

Engaging in the act of following.

She was following the map when she got lost.

Followed

Was followed in a specific action.

The rules were followed meticulously.

Following

A group of supporters or enthusiasts.

The band's following grew after their latest album release.

Followed

Indicating sequence in past actions.

The speech was followed by applause.

Following

Next, afterward.

We will discuss the budget following.

Followed

Used in perfect tenses.

They had followed the same routine for years.

Following

Coming after in order.

The following items are on sale.

Followed

Referenced a past event.

Followed by a reception, the ceremony was beautiful.

Following

Following is a 1998 independent neo-noir crime thriller film written and directed by Christopher Nolan. It tells the story of a young man who follows strangers around the streets of London and is drawn into a criminal underworld when he fails to keep his distance.

Followed

To come or go after; proceed behind

Follow the usher to your seat.

Following

Coming next in time or order

In the following chapter.

Followed

To go after in pursuit

Would follow his enemy to the ends of the earth.

Following

Now to be enumerated

The following people will report for duty.

Followed

To keep under surveillance

The agent followed the suspect around town.

Following

Blowing in the same direction as the course of a ship or aircraft. Used of wind.

Followed

To move along the course of; take

We followed the path.

Following

A group or gathering of admirers, adherents, or disciples

A lecturer with a large following.

Followed

To move in the direction of; be guided by

Followed the sun westward.

Followed the signs to the zoo.

Following

The item or items to be mentioned next

Please buy the following.

Followed

To lie in the same path as

The road follows the old trading route.

Following

Subsequent to; after

Following dinner, brandy was served in the study.

Followed

To be parallel to

The road follows the river.

Following

Coming next, either in sequence or in time.

See the following section.

Followed

To accept the guidance, command, or leadership of

Follow a spiritual master.

Rebels who refused to follow their leader.

Following

About to be specified.

The following words have no definition...

Followed

To adhere to; practice

Followed family traditions.

Following

(of a wind) Blowing in the direction of travel.

The following wind sped us on our way.

Followed

To take as a model or precedent; imitate

Followed my example and resigned.

Following

After, subsequent to.

Following the meeting, we all had a chat.

Followed

To act in agreement or compliance with; obey

Follow the rules.

Follow one's instincts.

Following

A group of followers, attendants or admirers; an entourage.

He had a loyal following.

Followed

To keep to or stick to

Followed the recipe.

Follow a diet.

Following

Vocation; business; profession.

Followed

To engage in (a trade or occupation); work at.

Following

(with definite article, treated as singular or plural) A thing or things to be mentioned immediately after.

The following is a recommendation letter from the president.

The following are the three most important questions.

Followed

To come after in order, time, or position

Night follows day.

Following

Present participle of follow

Followed

To bring something about at a later time than or as a consequence of

She followed her lecture with a question-and-answer period. The band followed its hit album with a tour.

Following

One's followers, adherents, or dependents, collectively.

Followed

To occur or be evident as a consequence of

Your conclusion does not follow your premise.

Following

Vocation; business; profession.

Followed

To watch or observe closely

Followed the bird through binoculars.

Following

Next after; succeeding; ensuing; as, the assembly was held on the following day.

Followed

To be attentive to; pay close heed to

Too sleepy to follow the sermon.

Following

In the field of a telescope) In the direction from which stars are apparently moving (in consequence of the earth's rotation); as, a small star, north following or south following. In the direction toward which stars appear to move is called preceding.

Followed

To keep oneself informed of the course, progress, or fortunes of

Follow the stock market.

Followed the local teams.

Following

A group of followers or enthusiasts

Followed

To grasp the meaning or logic of; understand

Do you follow my argument?.

Following

The act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture;

The culprit started to run and the cop took off in pursuit

Followed

To come, move, or take place after another person or thing in order or time.

Following

Going or proceeding or coming after in the same direction;

The crowd of following cars made the occasion seem like a parade

Tried to outrun the following footsteps

Followed

To occur or be evident as a consequence; result

If you ignore your diet, trouble will follow.

Following

In the desired direction;

A following wind

Followed

To grasp the meaning or reasoning of something; understand.

Following

Immediately following in time or order;

The following day

Next in line

The next president

The next item on the list

Followed

(Games) A billiards shot in which the cue ball is struck above center so that it follows the path of the object ball after impact.

Following

About to be mentioned or specified;

The following items

Followed

Simple past tense and past participle of follow

Common Curiosities

Is "followed" appropriate in academic writing?

Yes, "followed" is appropriate in academic writing when discussing methodologies or historical events in the past tense.

Can "following" be used in legal documents, and if so, how?

Yes, "following" is commonly used in legal documents to specify items or conditions that come after a particular statement, often introducing lists or requirements.

What is the implication of using "following" in instructions?

Using "following" in instructions implies that the steps or guidelines listed are to be executed immediately or in the sequence presented.

How do the roles of "following" and "followed" differ in narrative writing?

In narrative writing, "following" often sets the stage for a subsequent action, while "followed" recounts actions that have already taken place, anchoring the narrative in past events.

Can "following" indicate temporal sequences in event planning?

Yes, "following" is often used in event planning to denote activities or segments that occur one after another, helping to organize the flow of events.

In what contexts is "followed" used to discuss technology or software?

"Followed" is used in technology or software to describe steps that were completed in the development process or in historical updates and changes.

How does the usage of "followed" change in passive versus active voice?

In active voice, "followed" directly states that the subject performed the following action; in passive voice, it shifts focus to the action being received by the subject, e.g., "The instructions were followed."

How does the usage of "following" differ in formal versus informal contexts?

In formal contexts, "following" is often more structured and specific, often introducing formal lists or legal terms, whereas in informal contexts, it may simply indicate what comes next in a conversation or narrative.

Is there a preferred context for using "followed" in historical accounts?

"Followed" is preferred in historical accounts when detailing events that have completed, providing a chronological order or conclusion to historical narratives.

What impact does tense have on the interpretation of "following" and "followed" in storytelling?

Tense impacts interpretation by placing "following" in a present or future context, suggesting ongoing or imminent action, while "followed" sets actions firmly in the past, giving a sense of completion.

What are some synonyms for "following" when used as a preposition?

Synonyms for "following" when used as a preposition include "after," "subsequent to," and "succeeding."

Can "followed" indicate causality in scientific writing?

Yes, "followed" can indicate causality in scientific writing by detailing sequences of events or results that occurred as a direct result of previous actions, experiments, or studies.

Does "following" have a specific usage in sports commentary?

In sports commentary, "following" is used to indicate actions or events that are expected to occur next, often building anticipation or setting the context for what viewers should pay attention to.

How does the flexibility of "following" enhance its usage in everyday language compared to "followed"?

The flexibility of "following" as a noun, adjective, or verb allows it to fit various contexts in everyday language, making it more dynamic and versatile than the more temporally and grammatically restricted "followed."

Can "followed" be used metaphorically, and if so, in what context?

Yes, "followed" can be used metaphorically to describe a logical sequence or outcome in arguments or discussions, as in "As night follows day, so too did their defeat follow their mistakes."

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Author Spotlight

Written by

Maham Liaqat

Co-written by

Urooj Arif

Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.