What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
following
Example
The following day, we went to the beach. [following: adjective]
Example
He was following the suspect on foot. [following: verb]
Example
The band has a large following in Europe. [following: noun]
later
Example
I'll see you later tonight. [later: adverb]
Example
Let's discuss this later when we have more time. [later: adjective]
Example
The meeting has been postponed until later this week. [later: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Later is more commonly used than following in everyday language. Later is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while following is less common and is typically used in more formal writing.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between following and later?
Following is more formal than later and is typically used in academic or professional writing. Later is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.