To complete an action, plan, or promise all the way to its end without stopping.
Finish what you started — don't give up halfway.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To complete an action or fulfil a commitment that was started or promised.
"She promised to help with the project, but she never followed through."
The test of leadership is not to put greatness into humanity, but to elicit it, for the greatness is already there. Leaders must follow through.
— James Buchanan, attributed
In sports, to continue a swing, kick, or throw smoothly to its natural end after hitting the ball.
"The coach told him to follow through properly after hitting the ball."
To act on a threat or intention that was previously stated.
"The government followed through on its threat to impose sanctions."
To continue moving forward (through) after an initial action — the image of a physical motion that must be completed.
Finish what you started — don't give up halfway.
Commonly used in business, sports, and everyday contexts. In sports (golf, tennis, baseball), it has a specific physical meaning related to completing a swing or stroke. In general use, often appears in the phrase 'follow through on something'.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "follow through" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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