What are the definitions of “follow up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “follow up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb follow up is to do something to check or improve an earlier action. It often involves taking additional steps or actions after an event, such as a meeting, phone call, or email, to ensure that the desired outcome is achieved.
What are the different verb forms of “follow up”?
| Root Verb | follow up |
| Third Person Singular Present | follows up |
| Present Participle | following up |
| Simple Past | followed up |
| Past Participle | followed 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.
Example
He is following up on the leads from the conference.
Example
Yesterday, they followed up on the customer's complaint.
Example
The issue has been followed up and resolved.
What kind of phrasal verb is “follow up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“follow up” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She followed up the meeting with an email.
Example
He followed up the phone call with a visit.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“follow up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She followed up the meeting with an email.
Example
He followed up the phone call with a visit.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “follow up”?
Follow-up (noun)
A subsequent action or event that occurs after an initial action or event.
Example
The doctor scheduled a follow-up appointment to monitor the patient's progress.
Good things to know
Does “follow up” have an informal or formal tone?
Follow up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in professional settings, such as business meetings, emails, and project management, as well as in everyday conversations.
