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."
inseparable
follow up
B1 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To make a subsequent contact or take an additional action after an initial one.
In plain English
Do something extra after the first thing to make sure it worked or to add to it.
What does "follow up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
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."
separable
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "follow up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
email call appointment meeting question letter
How to conjugate "follow up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "follow up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "follow up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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