Have you ever paused before writing follow up or follow-up, wondering which is correct? Many people struggle with this simple but important difference. Whether you’re sending emails, writing reports, or creating social media posts, knowing when to use follow up versus follow-up can save confusion and make your writing look professional.
The confusion arises because English often allows words to act as both verbs and nouns. People search for follow up or follow-up to understand proper usage in formal and informal contexts. In this article, we’ll break it down clearly. You’ll learn the quick rules, see examples in everyday situations, and discover which spelling works best depending on whether you’re in the US, UK, or writing for a global audience. By the end, you’ll be confident in using follow up and follow-up correctly every time.
Follow Up or Follow-Up – Quick Answer
Quick Answer:
- Follow up (two words) → Verb form. Example: “I will follow up with you tomorrow.”
- Follow-up (with a hyphen) → Noun or adjective. Example: “Let’s schedule a follow-up meeting.”
Tip: If you can replace it with “check” or “respond,” it’s usually the verb follow up. If it describes a thing or action, use follow-up.
The Origin of Follow Up or Follow-Up
The phrase follow up comes from early English usage meaning “to pursue” or “to continue an action.” Historically, English often allowed verbs to become nouns through hyphenation. Over time, style guides and dictionaries have clarified:
- Follow up is the action (verb).
- Follow-up is the result or item (noun/adjective).
Hyphenation is common in English to avoid confusion between parts of speech. That’s why you see both forms today.
British English vs American English Spelling
The difference in follow up or follow-up usage is minor but notable between British and American English.
| Form | British English | American English | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| follow up | Used as a verb, same as US | Same | “Please follow up with the client.” |
| follow-up | Used as noun/adjective | Used as noun/adjective | “A follow-up email is required.” |
Note: Both versions are widely understood globally. The rules are almost identical; the main difference is style guide preference.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
- US audience → Use follow up for verbs, follow-up for nouns/adjectives.
- UK/Commonwealth audience → Same rule applies, but British style guides sometimes allow more flexibility in formal writing.
- Global audience → Stick to the standard: verbs (two words), nouns/adjectives (hyphenated). This avoids confusion in professional communication.
Common Mistakes with Follow Up or Follow-Up
- Incorrect: “I will send a follow-up tomorrow.”
Correct: “I will follow up tomorrow.” - Incorrect: “We scheduled a follow up meeting.”
Correct: “We scheduled a follow-up meeting.” - Confusing the verb and noun in the same sentence. Always check the function: action → no hyphen, thing → hyphen.
Follow Up or Follow-Up in Everyday Examples
Emails:
- Verb: “I’ll follow up on your request next week.”
- Noun: “Please review my follow-up from yesterday’s call.”
News headlines:
- “Government to follow up on climate report” → action
- “Follow-up study reveals new results” → noun
Social media:
- “Following up with our fans after the event!”
- “Check out our follow-up post for details.”
Formal writing:
- “The project manager will follow up with stakeholders.”
- “A follow-up evaluation is planned for next month.”
Follow Up or Follow-Up – Google Trends & Usage Data
Google Trends shows searches for follow up or follow-up spike around business quarters and end-of-year reviews when people send emails or reports.
Top countries searching:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
Observation: The hyphenated follow-up is slightly more common in formal writing, while follow up dominates in casual and email contexts.
Keyword Variations Comparison Table
| Variation | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| follow up | Verb | “I will follow up tomorrow.” |
| follow-up | Noun/Adjective | “Please read the follow-up report.” |
| following up | Verb (continuous) | “She is following up with clients.” |
| follow-ups | Plural noun | “The follow-ups will be scheduled next week.” |
FAQs About Follow Up or Follow-Up
1. Is follow-up always hyphenated?
Only when it is a noun or adjective. Verb form stays two words.
2. Can I start a sentence with follow-up?
Yes, if it’s a noun: “Follow-up is important after meetings.”
3. Do style guides differ on this?
Yes. AP Style prefers hyphenation for nouns/adjectives. Chicago Manual of Style follows the same rule.
4. Can I use follow up in casual writing?
Absolutely, as a verb: “I’ll follow up later.”
5. Is “followups” correct?
Yes, for plural nouns: “We have several follow-ups today.”
6. How do I remember the rule?
Think: action = two words, thing = hyphen.
7. Does British English ever use followup?
No, it’s not standard. Use either follow up or follow-up.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between follow up and follow-up is simple once you know the rule: verbs are two words, nouns/adjectives are hyphenated. This small adjustment improves clarity in emails, reports, and professional writing. In both American and British English, the rule is consistent, though style guides may vary slightly. By practicing these forms in everyday writing, you can avoid common mistakes and appear polished and professional.
Whether you are following up with a client, writing a report, or posting on social media, remembering this distinction ensures your communication is precise and effective. Stick to the verb-noun rule, check your audience, and you’ll never wonder again: follow up or follow-up?
