Understanding the Word ‘Follow’: Essential IELTS Vocabulary
Learn the meaning, usage, and importance of the word ‘follow’ for IELTS learners aiming for a band score of 5.5 and above. This video covers the word’s type, definition, history, antonyms, synonyms, example sentences, and common errors to avoid.
Imagine you are walking down a busy street and suddenly realize someone is walking behind you, matching your every turn.
Are they following you? Today we are going to learn about the word follow, an essential verb for IELTS learners aiming for a band score of 5.5 and above.
Word type: Follow is primarily used as a verb, but it can also function as a noun in certain contexts.
Meaning: As a verb, follow means to go after someone or something, either physically or in a sequence.
It can also mean to obey a rule or instruction, or to understand and pay attention to something.
Word history:
The word follow comes from Old English, originating from a term meaning to accompany or go with. Its usage has remained relatively consistent throughout the centuries.
Antonyms: Some opposites of follow include lead, precede, and ignore.
Synonyms: Words with similar meanings to follow include pursue, trail, obey, and understand.
Examples use in sentences: Let us look at how to use follow in different contexts. First, The detective decided to follow the suspect to gather more evidence.
Second, It is important to follow the instructions carefully when assembling furniture. Third, I always follow the latest news about technology.
Common errors in use: One common mistake is confusing follow with the phrasal verb follow up. While follow means to go after or obey, follow up means to take further action or get more information about something.
For example, The manager will follow up on your complaint is correct, not The manager will follow on your complaint.
To wrap up our lesson on follow, remember that this versatile word can mean to go after, obey, or understand something.
Practice using it in various contexts to improve your IELTS score. The more you use it, the more natural it will become in your English vocabulary.
