follow through: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral, used in both formal and informal contexts.
Quick answer
What does “follow through” mean?
To complete an action or process that has been started, ensuring its conclusion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To complete an action or process that has been started, ensuring its conclusion.
To persist until the end of a task, project, or motion; to ensure that a commitment is fulfilled.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Follow-through' (with hyphen) is common as a noun in both varieties, especially in sports.
Connotations
In UK sports commentary, particularly cricket and golf, 'follow-through' is a highly technical term. In US business contexts, it can carry a stronger connotation of accountability.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in business/management contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “follow through” in a Sentence
[Subject] + follow through + (on/with) + [Noun Phrase][Subject] + follow through + [Adverb (e.g., completely)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “follow through” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You must follow through on your pledge to reduce waste.
- Her tennis coach praised her ability to follow through completely.
American English
- We need someone who will follow through with the marketing plan.
- He always starts projects but rarely follows through.
adverb
British English
- She played the shot follow-through perfectly.
- (Note: Very rare as a standalone adverb; typically part of phrasal verb)
American English
- He hit the ball follow-through with great force.
- (Note: Very rare as a standalone adverb; typically part of phrasal verb)
adjective
British English
- He has excellent follow-through technique in cricket.
- Her follow-through action was analysed in slow motion.
American English
- A good follow-through swing is key in baseball.
- They admired his follow-through work ethic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Critical for project management and accountability. E.g., 'The team must follow through on the client's feedback.'
Academic
Used in research contexts regarding methodology. E.g., 'The study failed to follow through on its initial hypothesis.'
Everyday
Common in personal commitments. E.g., 'If you start cleaning the garage, please follow through.'
Technical
A precise term in sports mechanics (golf swing, tennis stroke).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “follow through”
- Using 'follow up' instead of 'follow through'. 'Follow up' means to check or revisit (e.g., 'follow up on an email'), while 'follow through' means to complete.
- Omitting the necessary preposition: 'follow through on' a promise, 'follow through with' a plan.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Follow up' means to check on progress or revisit something (e.g., 'I'll follow up on that email next week'). 'Follow through' means to complete an action you have started (e.g., 'He promised to help and he followed through').
Yes, commonly hyphenated as 'follow-through'. It refers to the act of completing something or the concluding part of a motion, especially in sports (e.g., 'A golfer's follow-through is important for accuracy').
The most common prepositions are 'on' and 'with'. 'Follow through on a promise/plan/commitment'. 'Follow through with an action/project'. Sometimes no preposition is used (e.g., 'He started the job and followed through').
It is neutral and can be used in both registers. It is appropriate in formal business writing ('ensure we follow through on our deliverables') and everyday conversation ('you said you'd fix the tap, so follow through!').
To complete an action or process that has been started, ensuring its conclusion.
Follow through: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɒləʊ ˈθruː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɑːloʊ ˈθruː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's all talk and no follow-through.”
- “The secret is in the follow-through.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a golfer. The initial swing starts the action, but the 'follow-through' is the arm continuing after hitting the ball—it completes the motion.
Conceptual Metaphor
A JOURNEY TO AN ENDPOINT (Starting a path and traveling until you reach the destination).
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, 'to follow through' most closely means: