What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tracking
Example
The company is tracking the sales figures to see if they meet their targets. [tracking: verb]
Example
I tracked my package online to see when it would arrive. [tracked: past tense]
Example
The detective was tracking the suspect's movements to gather evidence. [tracking: gerund or present participle]
following
Example
The paparazzi were following the celebrity's car to get a photo. [following: verb]
Example
I always try to follow the instructions carefully when cooking a new recipe. [follow: verb]
Example
I have been following the news about the election closely. [following: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Following is more commonly used than tracking in everyday language. Following is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while tracking is less common and refers to a more specific type of observation or monitoring.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between tracking and following?
Both tracking and following can be used in formal and informal contexts, but tracking may be more commonly used in technical or scientific settings due to its association with data analysis and research.
