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
Following the instructions, I added the flour to the mixture. [following: preposition]
Example
The following of the political leader was impressive. [following: noun]
subsequent
Example
The subsequent events were unexpected. [subsequent: adjective]
Example
The subsequent investigation revealed new evidence. [subsequent: adjective]
Example
The accident and subsequent injuries left him unable to work. [subsequent: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Following is more commonly used than subsequent in everyday language, especially in spoken English. Subsequent is more commonly used in formal writing or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between following and subsequent?
Subsequent is more formal than following, and is therefore more appropriate for use in formal writing or academic contexts. However, following can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
