Meaning trap
follow up
to find out more about something or take further action
to check on something or do something extra after an earlier action, to make sure everything is finished or to get more information.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to check on something or do something extra after an earlier action, to make sure everything is finished or to get more information.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- I emailed the company last week and plan to follow up if I don't hear back soon.work
- In my last job, I often had to follow up with clients to make sure they were satisfied with our service.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: follow up (on something) | follow up (with someone)
WrongLet me follow up about it next week.
RightLet me follow up on it next week.
'Follow up ON something' / 'follow up WITH someone'.
Patternfollow up (on something) | follow up (with someone)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Undertake subsequent action' is corporate-stiff; 'follow up on' is the natural verb.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
follow uponwithlateran email
Don't confuse it
Not the same as just 'follow', which means to go after or pay attention to something.