"as follows" vs "as shown in the following"

Question

"as follows" vs "as shown in the following"

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They are interchangeable and can be used to introduce a list or explanation that follows in a text.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

This phrase is used to introduce a list or explanation that follows in a text. It is commonly used in various contexts, including formal and informal writing.

Examples:

The steps to complete the process are as follows: first, gather the materials; second, assemble the parts.
The rules are as follows: no talking during the exam, no cheating, and no leaving the room until time is up.

Alternatives:

as shown in the following
as demonstrated in the following
as illustrated in the following
as indicated in the following
as depicted in the following

Use this phrase to indicate that there is more information further down in your document. "The following" indicates that there is more than one sentence or piece of information. Also, a colon is often used after the words "the following."

Explanation provided by a TextRanch English expert

Some examples from our editors:

The temperature has varied quite a bit over the past year, as shown in the following table:
We have extensively researched this issue and have compiled copious data, as shown in the following:

Some alternatives from our editors:

as shown below

Answer 1

as follows

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to introduce a list or explanation that follows.

Answer 2

as shown in the following

This is correct

"as follows" vs "as shown in the following"

as follows

as shown in the following

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