FOLLOW THROUGH ON

đź“– Definition

To 'follow through on' means to complete a task or fulfill a promise or plan consistently with initial intentions and commitments.

Examples in context

đź“– Definition

To 'follow through on' means to complete a task or fulfill a promise or plan consistently with initial intentions and commitments.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
'Follow through on' cannot have its components split by an object.
Register
Neutral
This phrasal verb is used in both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
'Follow through on' requires an object, such as a promise or plan.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple follow through on He always follows through on his commitments.
Past Simple followed through on She followed through on her promise to help.
Present Continuous following through on They are following through on the project's goals.
Present Perfect have followed through on We have followed through on our plans to expand.

đź’ˇ When to Use

In professional settings
Used when discussing completion of tasks, especially in business or work environments, showing dependability.
Example: "Please ensure you follow through on the report submission."
When making promises
Utilized when someone commits to fulfilling a promise and needs to complete it as intended.
Example: "She promised to donate and followed through on her pledge."
In strategic planning
Applied when discussing strategies or plans where action is needed to meet objectives.
Example: "Our team must follow through on this quarter’s sales goals."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using 'follow through' alone
❌ Wrong: She follows through her promise.
âś… Correct: She follows through on her promise.
đź’ˇ Tip: Remember to include 'on' after 'follow through' for correct usage.
Incorrect tense
❌ Wrong: They are follows through on their promises.
âś… Correct: They are following through on their promises.
đź’ˇ Tip: Ensure the verb matches the tense in the sentence.
Missing object
❌ Wrong: He followed through.
âś… Correct: He followed through on his tasks.
đź’ˇ Tip: Always specify what is being followed through.
Practice

FOLLOW THROUGH ON - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

complete carry out

Antonyms

abandon

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"To be reliable, one must ___ follow through on promises."

to
follow through on
up
off

"To follow through on a promise is to marry intention with action, where true integrity lies in the completion of our words."

In Context

In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered its landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education. The ruling was a decisive move against racial segregation in schools, declaring it unconstitutional and setting in motion a series of events to ensure equality in education. One critical figure instrumental in this process was Thurgood Marshall, who played a pivotal role in the case. As the lead attorney arguing the cause, Marshall had to follow through on his commitment to ending segregation, confronting numerous legal and cultural barriers. Despite the ruling, many schools hesitated or outright refused to integrate. It became imperative for Marshall to follow through on the decision’s implications. Over the next years, he engaged tirelessly with federal and local courts, pushing for the enforcement of the Supreme Court's mandate. Eventually, through persistent legal battles and a firm resolve to follow through on the changes stipulated by the decision, desegregation began to take root. By relentlessly pursuing justice, Thurgood Marshall not only helped reshape American education but also paved the way for future civil rights advancements.

âť“ Frequently Asked Questions about Follow Through On

What is the origin of follow through on?

+
The phrase comes from sports terminology, where 'follow through' describes the continued movement of a player's body or limb through a completed swing or stroke, emphasizing the importance of continuity.

Can follow through on be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'follow through on' is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. It is versatile, used in business settings, personal conversations, and written communications.

What is the difference between follow through on and complete?

+
'Follow through on' implies consistency and commitment to finishing what was started, while 'complete' merely means to finish something without emphasizing the process or intent behind it.
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
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Alessandra NĂłbrega
About the Author

Alessandra NĂłbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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