Re: Use of the "the following"

Subject: Re: Use of the "the following"
From: Dick Margulis <margulisd -at- comcast -dot- net>
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2005 14:58:07 -0500




jwbiscardi -at- optonline -dot- net wrote:

Hi all,

I just started a position filling in for another writer who uses the phrases "Following are..." or "Following is ..." when introducing a procedural list . I am used to saying "The following procedures to do X are..." It seems odd to me. Is this grammatically correct? I can't seem to locate a source telling me that it is so.



Jennifer,

The form is grammatically unexceptional. Following is an explication of the grammatical relationships involved: [just kidding; I'm off to a meeting and don't have time to parse it for you].

The more direct and common approach for introducing a procedure is, "To fumnambulate the fisterus, use the following procedure:" However, if you are really filling in for someone who is coming back and who consistently uses the other form, your best bet is to stay consistent with her model, at least until you have a chance to discuss the change you want to make.

Dick

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References:
Use of the "the following": From: jwbiscardi

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