Following vs. After: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 12, 2023
"Following" and "After" both indicate succession, but "Following" often implies a result or consequence, while "After" suggests a time or event preceding another.
Key Differences
"Following" and "After" embody the concept of succession, though their applications diverge. "Following" regularly communicates resultant or consequent actions, emphasizing a linkage. For instance, a change occurring "following" a decision implies a causal connection, highlighting the influential dynamic between the two events. Conversely, "After" merely identifies temporal succession without inherently inferring causality.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
The temporal dimension is where "Following" and "After" converge and diverge. "Following" can be perceived as slightly more formal and often used in written contexts to elucidate sequential events with underlying relational implications. "After" demonstrates straightforward temporal sequence, denoting that one event occurs subsequently to another, but without innate causal implications.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
In varied contexts, "Following" and "After" showcase their nuanced distinctions. "Following," besides temporal succession, can allude to allegiance or alignment, as in a group "following" a leader, implicating not just sequence but also alignment or adherence. "After," meanwhile, remains closely tied to temporality, albeit versatilely, without integrating allegiance or alignment nuances.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Grammar and syntax also spotlight their disparity. "Following" can function as a preposition, conjunction, adjective, or verb, indicating its syntactical versatility. For example, a team “following” a strategy (verb), or in the “following” week (adjective). "After," although flexible as a preposition, adverb, and conjunction, largely retains its temporal, sequential essence in sentences, such as coming "after" a meeting (preposition).
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Comparison Chart
Primary Function
Can imply causality and act in various grammatical roles.
Primarily indicates temporal succession without implying causality.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
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Formality
Slightly more formal and often used in written contexts.
Common in both informal and formal language; widely used.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Usage Diversity
Can imply adherence or alignment (e.g., following a leader).
Largely sticks to indicating temporal sequence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Grammatical Roles
Can be a preposition, conjunction, adjective, or verb.
Can act as a preposition, adverb, and conjunction.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Contextual Flexibility
Utilized in varied contexts, including logical, temporal, and hierarchical.
Predominantly employed in temporal contexts.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
Following and After Definitions
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Following
In adherence or alignment to.
The disciples were following their spiritual leader.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
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Following
Pursuing in order or sequence.
She visited the following cities: Paris, London, and Rome.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Following
Subsequent to and because of.
Following the new law, several protests erupted.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Following
Blowing in the same direction as the course of a ship or aircraft. Used of wind.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
Subsequent to and because of or regardless of
They are still friends after all their differences.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Following
A group or gathering of admirers, adherents, or disciples
A lecturer with a large following.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Following
Subsequent to; after
Following dinner, brandy was served in the study.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
With the same or close to the same name as; in honor or commemoration of
Named after her mother.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Following
Coming next, either in sequence or in time.
See the following section.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
According to the nature or desires of; in conformity to
A tenor after my own heart.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Following
(of a wind) Blowing in the direction of travel.
The following wind sped us on our way.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
(Irish) Used with a present participle to indicate action that has just been completed
"Sure I'm after seeing him not five minutes ago" (James Joyce).
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Following
A group of followers, attendants or admirers; an entourage.
He had a loyal following.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
At a later or subsequent time; afterward
Three hours after.
Departed shortly after.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Following
(with definite article, treated as singular or plural) A thing or things to be mentioned immediately after.
The following is a recommendation letter from the president.
The following are the three most important questions.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
Located near the stern of a vessel or the rear or an aircraft or spacecraft.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Following
Next after; succeeding; ensuing; as, the assembly was held on the following day.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
Behind; later in time; following.
I left the room, and the dog bounded after.
They lived happily ever after.
I might come next month, or the month after.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Following
In the field of a telescope) In the direction from which stars are apparently moving (in consequence of the earth's rotation); as, a small star, north following or south following. In the direction toward which stars appear to move is called preceding.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
Subsequently to; following in time; later than.
We had a few beers after the game.
The time is quarter after eight.
The Cold War began shortly after WWII.
After you with the salt/paper.
I told her to shut the door after her.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Following
The act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture;
The culprit started to run and the cop took off in pursuit
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
In pursuit of, seeking.
He's after a job; run after him; inquire after her health.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Following
Going or proceeding or coming after in the same direction;
The crowd of following cars made the occasion seem like a parade
Tried to outrun the following footsteps
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
In allusion to, in imitation of; following or referencing.
We named him after his grandfather; a painting after Leonardo da Vinci.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
Next in importance or rank.
The princess is next in line to the throne after the prince.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
Following
Immediately following in time or order;
The following day
Next in line
The next president
The next item on the list
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
In spite of.
After all that has happened, he is still my friend.
I can't believe that, after all our advice against gambling, you walked into that casino!
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
Used to indicate recent completion of an activity
I was after finishing my dinner when there was a knock on the door.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
Denoting the aim or object; concerning; in relation to.
To look after workmen; to enquire after a friend; to thirst after righteousness
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
(obsolete) According to the direction and influence of; in proportion to; befitting.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
Signifies that the action of the clause it starts takes place before the action of the other clause.
I went home after we had decided to call it a day.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
At or towards the stern of a ship.
The after gun is mounted aft.
The after gun is abaft the forward gun.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
Next; later in time; subsequent; succeeding; as, an after period of life.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
Later in time; subsequent; as, after supper, after three days. It often precedes a clause. Formerly that was interposed between it and the clause.
After I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
Subsequent to and in consequence of; as, after what you have said, I shall be careful.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
Subsequent to and notwithstanding; as, after all our advice, you took that course.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
Moving toward from behind; following, in search of; in pursuit of.
Ye shall not go after other gods.
After whom is the king of Israel come out?
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
Denoting the aim or object; concerning; in relation to; as, to look after workmen; to inquire after a friend; to thirst after righteousness.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
In imitation of; in conformity with; after the manner of; as, to make a thing after a model; a picture after Rubens; the boy takes after his father.
Our eldest son was named George after his uncle.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
According to; in accordance with; in conformity with the nature of; as, he acted after his kind.
He shall not judge after the sight of his eyes.
They that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
According to the direction and influence of; in proportion to; befitting.
He takes greatness of kingdoms according to bulk and currency, and not after their intrinsic value.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
Subsequently in time or place; behind; afterward; as, he follows after.
It was about the space of three hours after.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
Happening at a time subsequent to a reference time;
He apologized subsequently
He's going to the store but he'll be back here later
It didn't happen until afterward
Two hours after that
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 04, 2023
After
Subsequent to and typically in consequence of.
He was happy after receiving the award.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
FAQs
Does "After" function as an adjective?
No, "after" is primarily utilized as a preposition or conjunction and sometimes as an adverb.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Can "Following" be utilized as a noun?
Yes, "following" as a noun refers to a group of supporters or adherents, e.g., "She has a large following."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Can "Following" suggest a consequence?
Yes, "following" often implies an event occurring as a result of another, e.g., "Following the announcement, they cheered."
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
Are "Following" and "After" interchangeable?
While sometimes used interchangeably, "following" often implies a direct result, while "after" indicates temporal sequence without causality.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Can "Following" denote alignment or adherence?
Yes, "following" can indicate alignment or adherence, e.g., "following a leader" suggests allegiance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
How does "Following" imply relational dynamics?
"Following" can imply a consequential or resultant relationship between events, often indicating causality.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
Is "After" used to imply causality?
Generally, "after" indicates temporal order without inherently implying causality between events.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Is "After" always tied to temporal concepts?
Predominantly yes, "after" primarily indicates something occurring subsequent to another in time.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Is "Following" a versatile word in terms of grammatical function?
Yes, "following" can function as a preposition, adjective, noun, or verb, showcasing its versatility.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Can "Following" act as a preposition?
Yes, "following" can act as a preposition, e.g., "Following the speech, they applauded."
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Can "Following" indicate position in a sequence?
Yes, "following" can indicate subsequent position, e.g., "The following words were heartwarming."
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
Does "After" imply result or outcome?
Not necessarily, "after" generally indicates the temporal sequence without implying a resultant relationship.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Is "After" a formal term?
"After" is neutral and is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Can "After" signify pursuit?
Yes, "after" can indicate pursuit, e.g., "The cat ran after the mouse."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
What grammatical role does "After" primarily play?
"After" mainly serves as a preposition, but it can also be an adverb or conjunction.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Can "Following" suggest time without causality?
While it often implies causality, "following" can be used purely temporally, e.g., "Following dinner, we went for a walk."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Can “Following” and “After” be used in both written and spoken English?
Yes, both "following" and "after" can be utilized in various contexts in both written and spoken English.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Can "Following" be used to denote the next item or element?
Yes, "following" can refer to the next in a sequence, e.g., "The following chapter discusses biology."
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Is "After" used in expressions of time?
Yes, "after" is widely used in expressions of time, e.g., "after a while" or "shortly after."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Can "After" be used to express desire or intention?
Yes, "after" can express desire, e.g., "He is after the truth," indicating pursuit or intention.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
