As Follow vs. As Follows – Which is Correct?
The correct phrase is “as follows,” not “as follow,” when introducing a list, explanation, quotation, or summary. “As follows” is a fixed expression meaning “in the words or details stated next.” Although “follows” looks singular, it agrees with the implied singular subject, “what follows,” in the sentence that comes next.
“As follow” or “as follows” – Which is Correct?
“As follows” is the correct standard English expression. Use it before presenting information that comes immediately afterward, such as a list, set of instructions, quotation, explanation, or conclusion.
“As follow” is generally a misspelling or grammatical error in this expression. The confusion often occurs because the phrase introduces multiple items, leading writers to assume that the verb should be plural. However, “as follows” refers to the singular implied subject what follows, not to the number of items in the list.
For example, write: “The requirements are as follows: a completed form, two photographs, and proof of address.” Do not write: “The requirements are as follow.”
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the “what follows” test. Mentally expand “as follows” to “as what follows.” Because what is treated as a singular subject in this construction, the correct verb is follows, with an -s.
Another useful reminder is this: the phrase means “the information that follows.” The information may contain one item or twenty items, but the phrase itself remains unchanged: as follows.
Writers comparing related forms can also review Follow Up vs. Follow-Up to distinguish usage and punctuation.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| as follows | Fixed phrase | In the words, details, or order stated next | The procedure is as follows: sign in, complete the form, and submit it. |
| as follow | Incorrect form in this expression | A common misspelling of “as follows” | Incorrect: The instructions are as follow. |
How to Use “As Follows”
Use as follows to signal that specific information is about to appear. It commonly introduces numbered steps, bullet points, terms and conditions, explanations, formal announcements, or quotations. The phrase is especially common in formal, academic, legal, business, and instructional writing, although it can also appear in everyday speech.
When a colon follows the phrase, the material after it usually provides the information being announced. For example: “The agenda is as follows: welcome, discussion, and closing remarks.” The phrase can also appear before a quotation or a complete clause.
Example 1: The application process is as follows: submit the form, pay the fee, and schedule an interview.
Example 2: Her instructions were as follows: remain calm, contact the manager, and record the incident.
Example 3: The report reached the following conclusion, as follows: additional testing is required before approval.
Etymology of the Phrase “As Follows”
The phrase combines as, meaning “in the manner that,” with follows, the third-person singular form of follow. It developed as a formula for introducing words or information that come next. The implied subject is traditionally understood as what follows, which explains why the singular form follows is used even when several items follow.
Related Concepts
Understanding subject-verb agreement and introductory expressions makes it easier to remember why “as follows” remains unchanged before lists of any length.
- Subject-verb agreement: The verb must agree with its subject. In “as follows,” the implied subject is the singular phrase what follows, so follows is correct.
- Fixed phrase: A fixed phrase is an established combination of words that normally keeps the same form. “As follows” functions as a set expression and does not change to “as follow” before plural items.
- Introductory expression: Introductory expressions prepare readers for information that comes next. “As follows” often introduces a colon, list, quotation, or explanation.
- Colon usage: A colon can introduce a list, explanation, or quotation after a complete introductory statement. “The requirements are as follows:” is a common example.
Examples from Media and Literature
The expression “as follows” appears frequently in formal narration, journalism, public announcements, and literary prose. These examples reflect common real-world contexts:
- News reporting: A report may introduce an official statement with wording such as, “The agency’s response was as follows: the investigation remains ongoing.”
- Legal writing: A contract may state, “The parties agree to the following terms, as follows,” before listing obligations and conditions.
- Instruction manuals: A manual may explain a process with the sentence, “The steps are as follows: connect the cable, turn on the device, and select the appropriate setting.”
- Historical writing: A biography may introduce a sequence of events by saying, “The events unfolded as follows,” followed by a chronological account.
- Film and television dialogue: A character making a formal announcement may say, “The plan is as follows,” before explaining the group’s next actions.
“As Follows” Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| as stated below | In the wording or information presented below |
| as described next | In the description that comes immediately afterward |
| as listed below | In the list that follows |
| the following | The information or items presented next |
| in the following way | Using the method or explanation that comes next |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “as follow” ever correct?
“As follow” is not correct when introducing a list, quotation, explanation, or summary. In that context, use the fixed phrase “as follows.” The words may appear next to each other in a different grammatical construction, but not as a replacement for this expression.
Question 2: Why is “as follows” singular when it introduces a plural list?
“As follows” refers to the implied singular subject what follows. The verb agrees with that implied subject rather than with the number of items in the list, so the phrase remains “as follows” regardless of whether one item or many items come next.
Question 3: Should I use a colon after “as follows”?
A colon is usually appropriate when “as follows” introduces a list, explanation, or quotation after a complete statement. For example: “The schedule is as follows: registration begins at nine, and the session starts at ten.”
Conclusion
Use “as follows”, not “as follow,” to introduce information that comes next. The phrase is fixed because it refers to the singular implied subject what follows, even when it introduces several items. Pro Tip: Using the correct form in professional emails, reports, applications, and formal documents demonstrates attention to detail and strengthens your credibility.
