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follow up

B1 neutral separable both
In simple words

Do something extra after the first thing to make sure it worked or to add to it.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To contact someone again after an initial contact in order to check on progress or get a response.

"I sent the application last week and plan to follow up by phone tomorrow."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral

To do something additional in order to reinforce or build on an earlier action.

"The doctor followed up the diagnosis with a series of tests."

Grammar: separable
3 B2 neutral

In journalism or investigation, to pursue a story or lead further.

"The reporter followed up the initial story with an in-depth investigation."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Extremely common in professional and medical contexts. As a noun/adjective, 'follow-up' (hyphenated) is widely used: 'a follow-up email', 'a follow-up appointment'. Often used without an object in business English.

Commonly used with

email call appointment meeting question letter

Forms

Base
follow up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
follows up
he/she/it
Past simple
followed up
yesterday
Past participle
followed up
have + pp
-ing form
following up
continuous

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