Differences between follow on and follow up

Follow on means to continue or build on something that has already been started, while follow up means to take action after an event or meeting to ensure that things are progressing as planned.

Meanings and Definitions: follow on vs follow up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Follow on

1Leave to meet someone after they have left the place you're at.
He left an hour ago and I'll be FOLLOWING ON soon.
2In cricket, if the second team to bat doesn't score enough runs, it has to bat again.
They were over 200 runs behind and had to FOLLOW ON.

Follow up

1Do something to check or improve an earlier action.
He FOLLOWED UP the meeting with a report.
2Find our about a problem and act.
The police didn't FOLLOW UP the allegations.

Usage Examples: follow on, follow up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

follow on

Example

I will follow on after I finish my work.

Example

She follows on after her friends leave the party.

follow up

Example

I will follow up with the client after the meeting.

Example

She follows up on her emails to make sure everyone understands the tasks.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Follow on

continue with

To keep doing something that has already been started.

Example

After the successful launch of the first product, the company decided to continue with the development of new products.

build on

To develop or expand something that has already been established.

Example

The team decided to build on the previous year's achievements and set higher goals for the upcoming season.

carry forward

To bring something from the past into the present and continue it.

Example

The tradition of celebrating Christmas together was carried forward by the new generation of the family.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Follow up

check in

To contact someone to see how they are doing or to get an update on a situation.

Example

I need to check in with my boss to make sure I'm on track with the project's timeline.

chase up

To remind someone to do something they promised to do or to follow up on a task that hasn't been completed.

Example

I need to chase up the supplier to make sure they deliver the materials on time.

follow through

To complete a task or promise that was made earlier.

Example

He always follows through on his commitments, which makes him a reliable partner in business.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “follow”

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in follow on vs follow up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: follow on or follow up?

In daily conversation, people use follow up more often than follow on. This is because follow up is used in various contexts such as business, healthcare, and education. Follow on is not used as much. It's mainly used in specific contexts such as sports or military operations. So, while both phrases are used, follow up is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of follow on and follow up

Follow on and follow up are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of follow on and follow up

The tone of follow on and follow up can differ based on context. Follow on often carries a positive or optimistic tone when related to building on success or progress, while follow up typically has a practical and proactive tone, especially when referring to checking on progress or completing tasks.

follow on & follow up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Follow on

Synonyms

pursue
trail
come after
go after

Antonyms

lead
precede
go ahead
go before

Follow up

Synonyms

Antonyms