follow up
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To increase the effectiveness or success of something by taking further action after an initial step or event.
- To pursue an initial action to a conclusion or bring it to a successful issue.
Usage
The verb "follow up" is used to describe the action of taking additional steps to ensure the completion, success, or enhancement of a previous action, plan, or suggestion. It implies a sequence where the second action builds upon the first.
Examples
- Verb:
- The doctor decided to follow up the surgery with a course of physical therapy.
- After the initial meeting, she followed up with a detailed email to clarify the points discussed.
- The manager followed up on the customer's complaint to ensure it was resolved satisfactorily.
Advanced Usage
- "to follow up on something": This is a common phrasal verb construction meaning to take further action concerning a specific matter, idea, or task.
- The journalist promised to follow up on the lead with more investigation.
- Please follow up on this invoice with the accounting department.
Variants and Related Words
- Follow-up (noun or adjective): The act or an instance of following up. As an adjective, it describes something intended to follow an initial action.
- Noun: The patient was scheduled for a follow-up in six weeks.
- Adjective: She sent a follow-up question after the interview.
Synonyms
- Pursue: To follow or proceed with a course of action.
- Implement: To put a decision, plan, or agreement into effect.
- Reinforce: To strengthen or support with additional action or material.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Follow through: To continue an action or task to its completion. (Note: "Follow through" often emphasizes completion, while "follow up" emphasizes subsequent, enhancing action.)
- He had a great idea but failed to follow through with its execution.
Related Idioms
- Dot the i's and cross the t's: To pay meticulous attention to finishing details, which is a key aspect of a thorough follow-up.
- Before submitting the report, make sure to dot the i's and cross the t's.
Verb
- increase the effectiveness or success of by further action
- The doctor followed up the surgery with radiation
- pursue to a conclusion or bring to a successful issue
- Did he go through with the treatment?
- He implemented a new economic plan
- She followed up his recommendations with a written proposal