In what follows
Academic essay writing expression
Wörtlich: Inside that which comes after
Use this phrase to introduce the next steps of a formal argument or report with professional authority.
In 15 Sekunden
- A formal way to say 'in the next part.'
- Used primarily in academic or professional writing.
- Acts as a guide for the reader's expectations.
Bedeutung
This phrase is a fancy way of saying 'in the following part of this text' or 'in the next few paragraphs.' It acts like a road map for your reader to show what is coming up next.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Writing a university thesis
In what follows, I will analyze the economic impact of the new policy.
In the following sections, I will analyze the economic impact of the new policy.
Presenting a business report
In what follows, we outline the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
In the next part of this report, we outline the budget.
Writing a legal contract
In what follows, 'The Company' shall refer to the primary service provider.
In the rest of this document, 'The Company' means the provider.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase is a staple of 'Academic English,' a specific dialect used in universities and research. It stems from Latin-influenced scholarly traditions where clear signposting was necessary for complex philosophical debates. Today, it remains a 'prestige' marker that signals the writer is well-educated and professional.
The Comma is Key
Always put a comma after 'In what follows' when it starts a sentence. It helps the reader pause and prepare for your main point.
Don't Overdo It
Using this more than once in a short essay makes your writing feel repetitive and 'stuffy.' Save it for the most important transition.
In 15 Sekunden
- A formal way to say 'in the next part.'
- Used primarily in academic or professional writing.
- Acts as a guide for the reader's expectations.
What It Means
Think of in what follows as a professional pointing finger. It tells your reader exactly where you are headed. It means 'in the rest of this document' or 'in the upcoming sections.' It is a very tidy way to organize your thoughts. It keeps the reader from getting lost in your logic.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the start of a sentence. It often appears in the introduction or at the beginning of a new chapter. You follow it with a comma and then describe your plan. For example: In what follows, I will explain why pizza is the best food. It sounds much more sophisticated than just saying 'Next, I will talk about...'
When To Use It
This is your best friend for serious writing. Use it in university essays, business reports, or legal documents. It is perfect for when you have a complex argument. It helps you sound like an expert who has a clear plan. If you are writing a long email to your boss about a new strategy, this phrase adds a touch of class. It shows you are organized and serious about your topic.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a party or in a casual text message. If you tell a friend, In what follows, I will describe my lunch, they will think you have swallowed a dictionary. It is too stiff for daily conversation. Avoid it in short, punchy social media posts unless you are being intentionally ironic. It feels very heavy, so do not use it more than once or twice in a single piece of writing. Overusing it makes you sound like a 19th-century professor.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from a long tradition of formal logic and academic discourse. In Western academia, clarity and structure are highly valued. Scholars love to 'signpost' their work to ensure the reader follows their specific line of reasoning. It reflects a culture that prizes linear thinking and explicit transitions. It is a hallmark of the 'Ivory Tower' style of English.
Common Variations
You might also see in the following sections or hereafter. Some writers prefer as follows, though that usually introduces a list immediately. In what follows is more about the narrative flow of the text. It is a classic 'transition' phrase that has survived centuries of academic evolution.
Nutzungshinweise
This is a 'C1' level expression because it requires an understanding of formal register. It is almost exclusively used in academic, legal, or high-level professional writing.
The Comma is Key
Always put a comma after 'In what follows' when it starts a sentence. It helps the reader pause and prepare for your main point.
Don't Overdo It
Using this more than once in a short essay makes your writing feel repetitive and 'stuffy.' Save it for the most important transition.
The 'Smart' Factor
Native speakers often use this phrase specifically to sound more intellectual. If you use it correctly in an IELTS or TOEFL essay, it can boost your 'lexical resource' score!
Beispiele
6In what follows, I will analyze the economic impact of the new policy.
In the following sections, I will analyze the economic impact of the new policy.
Classic academic usage to introduce a research plan.
In what follows, we outline the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
In the next part of this report, we outline the budget.
Used to transition between different data sets in a professional document.
In what follows, 'The Company' shall refer to the primary service provider.
In the rest of this document, 'The Company' means the provider.
Used to define terms that will be used later in the text.
In what follows, I shall list all the reasons why you should do the dishes.
Now, I am going to tell you why you should wash the dishes.
The high formality creates a humorous contrast with a mundane task.
In what follows, I want to be completely honest about how I've been feeling.
In the rest of this letter, I will be honest about my feelings.
Adds a sense of gravity and preparation for a difficult conversation.
In what follows, the rules for the 'End Game' phase are explained.
The next part explains the rules for the end of the game.
Provides a clear structural break in an instruction manual.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct phrase to complete this formal introduction.
___, we will examine the results of the laboratory experiment.
The standard idiomatic expression is 'In what follows,' which uses the noun-clause 'what follows' to mean 'that which comes next.'
Which punctuation usually follows this phrase when it starts a sentence?
In what follows ___ I will describe the methodology.
Because 'In what follows' is an introductory prepositional phrase, it is standard to follow it with a comma.
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Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Spectrum of 'In what follows'
Talking to a friend
Next...
A standard work email
In the next section...
A business proposal
As follows...
Academic paper or legal text
In what follows...
Where to use 'In what follows'
University Essay
Outlining your argument
Legal Document
Defining terms of service
Scientific Paper
Describing the methodology
Formal Speech
Setting the agenda
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, that is grammatically incorrect. The phrase is a fixed idiom: In what follows. The word follows must be in the present tense.
Rarely. It is mostly found in writing. You might hear it in a very formal lecture or a prepared speech, but almost never in a casual chat.
As follows is usually used right before a list or a quote (e.g., 'The rules are as follows: 1...'). In what follows refers to a longer explanation that will happen over the next few paragraphs.
Only if you are joking! It sounds incredibly stiff and formal for texting. Use Next... or Then... instead.
Usually, yes. It acts as an introductory phrase. While you could technically place it elsewhere, it is most effective at the beginning.
Not quite. In the following needs a noun after it, like In the following section or In the following chapter. In what follows can stand alone.
No, even if you are writing about a past event, the phrase remains In what follows because it refers to the text the reader is currently looking at.
It is common in both! It is a standard feature of global academic English, so you will see it in journals from London to New York.
Next is fine, but In what follows sounds more authoritative and structured. It signals to the reader that a detailed explanation is coming.
Yes, it can work well in a cover letter to introduce your skills or experience, but keep the rest of the letter professional to match the tone.
Verwandte Redewendungen
As follows
Used to introduce a list or a specific statement immediately.
Hereinafter
A very formal legal term meaning 'from this point on in this document.'
In the subsequent sections
A slightly more descriptive way to say the same thing.
To proceed
A formal way to move to the next point in a discussion.
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