Why should there be "in" after "following"? Does it not make sense if I say "following the footsteps"?

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

No, the meaning would be slightly different if you omit "in" in "following in the footsteps." "Following in the footsteps" means to metaphorically place one's feet directly into someone else's footsteps, as if you were doing things exactly the way they did. "Following the footsteps" would mean to just follow the steps in general and not directly placing your feet "in" the footsteps. This phrase is also very common, so if you said it without "in," it may sound slightly unnatural. Ex: I'm following in the footsteps of my dad by becoming a doctor. Ex: I'm following the footsteps on the ground to see where this person went.

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Popular Q&As

09/28

1
What is the meaning of "mankind"? What is different from "human"?
"Mankind" means the entire human race, or all humans on Earth. This term is very broad and general, and always refers to human beings as a whole collective group. "Humans" can also refer to a group of people, but it usually only refers to a group of people in a particular situation, and not the entire group of humans on the Earth unless you say "humankind" or "human race". Some people think that the word "mankind" is sexist, so it is often replaced with "humankind". Ex: People have been making tools since the beginning of mankind. Ex: All of mankind needs food to survive.

2
Does “throw a party” mean “hold a party”?
Yes, "throw a party" means "hold a party". You can also say "have a party".

3
What does "on a waiting list" mean here? Could you explain the meaning in detail?
A "waiting list" is a list of people who are in line for something or waiting for something. Often this is when there is no more availability for something unless someone drops out, in which case the first person on the waiting list would have availability. There are lots of different kinds of waiting lists, but it is common to have a waiting list for admission to a school, for an appointment somewhere, or for housing. Ex: The doctor is booked with appointments today so I am on the waiting list. Ex: I wasn't admitted to the university but I am on the waiting list.

4
How can I use "anarcho-" in other cases? Could you introduce other examples?
"Anarcho" is a prefix derived from the word "anarchy". "Anarchy" is used to refer to society being freely run without authorities or governing bodies. Therefore the prefix "anarcho" is usually added to ideas or systems that people support that is not the same as traditional ideas of government and institution. So "anarcho-capitalism" is the philosophy and economic theory that centralised states are unnecessary and people should operate a system of private property and free markets. There is "anarcho-syndicalism" which believes society should get rid of a wage system. Since "anarcho" is a prefix it can be added to anything to represent an anarchist view of that idea.

5
What does the "aura" mean? Could you give me some examples?
"Aura" means an atmosphere or quality that surrounds or is generated by a person, thing, or place. In spiritual terms, it could also have an emotional or mental aura. Here, someone was describing her aura as a "moonstone" because it creates connection and shines the way, spiritually and physically, a moonstone would. It's more commonly used in a way to reference a feeling of something or someone, but amongst the more logical and less spiritual, it could be considered strange. Ex: The story contained an aura of mystery. And I was determined to find out why. Ex: I really liked her aura. It was quite refreshing. Ex: I don't believe in auras and stuff like that.

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