Definition

Verb: - To pursue or investigate something further; to take additional action regarding a matter that has been started or brought to one's attention. It implies a continuation of effort to ensure completion, gain more information, or check on progress.

Usage

This verb phrase is used to indicate that someone is taking the next step or additional steps after an initial action, request, or event. It often relates to checking on the status of something or ensuring a task is completed.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The manager asked me to follow up on the client's complaint. (The manager asked me to investigate the complaint further or check on its resolution.)
  • Please follow up on that email to confirm the meeting time. (Please send another email or make a call to get confirmation about the time.)
  • Journalists need to follow up on leads to get the full story. (Journalists need to pursue new information related to their initial leads.)

Advanced Usage

• "to follow up on a suggestion": to take action based on advice or an idea that was given.
  • He decided to follow up on her suggestion and applied for the job.
• "to follow up on a promise": to take steps to ensure that a promise is kept.
  • The charity follows up on donations to show how the money was used.

Variants and Related Words

• Follow-up (noun/adjective): A subsequent action or communication.
  • The doctor scheduled a follow-up appointment. (adjective)
  • The report is a follow-up to last year's study. (noun)
• Follow through (phrasal verb): To complete an action or process that has been started.
  • It's important to follow through on your commitments. (This emphasizes completion rather than further investigation.)

Synonyms

• Pursue: To follow or seek something with determination.
• Investigate: To examine or look into something systematically.
• Check on: To verify the status or condition of something.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Follow up with: To contact someone again, typically after an initial contact.
  • I will follow up with the supplier next week.
• Act on: To take action based on information or advice. (As seen in the reference context: "Can you act on this matter soon?")
  • You should act on the feedback you received.

Related Idioms

• To stay on top of something: To continue to monitor and manage something actively.
  • A good project manager stays on top of all tasks and follows up on any delays.

Verb

1. carry further or advance
   • Can you act on this matter soon?