Language is full of little puzzles, and one of the most persistent is this: Do you write “follow up,” or “follow-up,” or something else entirely? If you’ve ever hesitated before sending an email or publishing a document, you’re not alone. This tiny punctuation mark—the humble hyphen—can make a big difference.
In this guide, we’ll break down the correct spelling, grammar usage, and all the common spelling confusion around this phrase. By the end, you’ll know exactly when to use follow up as a verb, when to hyphenate it into follow-up as a noun or adjective, and why followup (without a hyphen or space) is simply incorrect.
Why This Spelling Confusion Matters
Imagine this: You’re emailing a client to confirm a meeting. Should you say, “I’ll follow up with you next week,” or “I’ll send a follow-up”? Get it wrong, and you risk looking careless or unprofessional. The difference might seem small, but the impression it leaves isn’t.
Understanding this usage guideline helps you communicate clearly, avoid grammar mistakes, and sound polished in both casual and professional settings.
Read More About This Article: Base or Bass: Which Word to Use and Why It Matters
The Core Confusion Explained
Let’s get straight to the point:
- “Follow up” (two words) is a phrasal verb—an action you do.
- “Follow-up” (hyphenated) can be a noun form (a thing) or an adjective modifier (describing something).
- “Followup” (one word, no hyphen) is not accepted in standard grammar. It’s incorrect.
These forms might sound alike, but each one serves a different grammatical purpose.
“Follow Up” as a Verb
Follow up is a phrasal verb, which means it combines a verb with a preposition to create a new meaning. In this case, follow + up means to check in, return to something, or pursue further action.
Examples:
- I’ll follow up on the proposal tomorrow.
- She never followed up after the interview.
- We are following up on your complaint.
This form is always two words and never hyphenated.
Common Tense Forms:
| Tense | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Present | I follow up with clients every Friday. |
| Past | He followed up on the lead. |
| Present Participle | She is following up now. |
When using it as a verb, treat it like any other action: it changes based on tense and subject.
“Follow-Up” as a Noun
When used as a noun, follow-up refers to the thing you’re doing—like a meeting, call, or email.
This is a classic example of a compound noun. The hyphen turns an action into a thing.
Examples:
- She sent a follow-up after the demo.
- The doctor scheduled a follow-up next week.
Plural Form:
When pluralized, just add an “s” at the end: follow-ups.
- We have several follow-ups to complete.
“Follow-Up” as an Adjective
When “follow-up” is used to modify a noun, it becomes an adjective. That’s why it needs a hyphen—it’s describing the type of thing.
This is called an adjective modifier, and it typically appears directly before the noun it describes.
Examples:
- They planned a follow-up call.
- She gave a follow-up interview.
- We created a follow-up survey for our customers.
In Different Contexts:
Business: follow-up email, follow-up meeting
Healthcare: follow-up appointment, follow-up exam
Academia: follow-up study, follow-up questions
“Followup” (One Word) Is Incorrect
The version “followup” without a hyphen or space is grammatically incorrect.
So why do people use it?
- Auto-correct errors
- Assumptions based on pronunciation
- Informal digital habits
However, major style guides (APA, MLA, Chicago Manual of Style) do not recognize “followup” as a valid word.
Bottom Line:
- ✅ Correct: follow up (verb), follow-up (noun/adjective)
- ❌ Incorrect: followup
Unless you’re quoting someone or pointing out an error, avoid using the one-word version.
Hyphenation Rule for Follow-Up
Here’s where grammar meets punctuation. Understanding the hyphenation rule can help you avoid more than just this one mistake.
Hyphens Are Used To:
- Connect words that create a single idea
- Avoid confusion or awkward phrasing
- Modify nouns with compound adjectives
In “follow-up,” the hyphen turns two words into one idea—a unified noun or adjective.
Memory Trick: If you can put “a” or “the” in front of it, it’s likely a noun. If it’s describing something, it’s an adjective. Both need hyphens.
When to Use Each Form (Quick Reference Table)
| Function | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Action (verb) | follow up | Please follow up by Monday. |
| A thing (noun) | follow-up | I sent a follow-up this morning. |
| Descriptor | follow-up | The follow-up email was helpful. |
| Incorrect | followup | ❌ Do not use this form. |
Usage Examples in Everyday Contexts
Business
- Our sales team will follow up with leads every Friday.
- We need a follow-up report for the board meeting.
Healthcare
- She scheduled a follow-up appointment with her doctor.
- The nurse called to follow up on test results.
Education
- The teacher assigned follow-up questions for homework.
- He promised to follow up after reviewing the essay.
Memory Tricks to Get It Right Every Time
Want to avoid second-guessing yourself? Try these memory aids:
- Verb = action = two words: If it’s something you’re doing, write follow up.
- Noun/Adjective = thing or description = hyphenated: If it names or describes something, write follow-up.
- Swap Test: Replace the phrase with “check-in” or “reminder”. If it fits, it’s probably a noun.
- I sent a check-in → I sent a follow-up (✅)
- We’ll check-in later → We’ll follow-up later (✅)
Final Thoughts: Say It Right, Write It Right
The difference between follow up and follow-up might be small in appearance, but it makes a big impact on clarity and professionalism. Whether you’re writing an email, a business proposal, or a blog post, using the correct spelling, punctuation rule, and grammar usage helps you sound informed and confident.
Next time you’re typing out a message, just pause and ask: Is this an action, a thing, or a description? Your answer will tell you which form to use.
FAQs
Is “followup” ever acceptable?
No. It’s not recognized by formal grammar rules. Stick to “follow up” or “follow-up.”
Can “follow-up” be plural?
Yes. Just add “s” — follow-ups.
Is there a difference between British and American English?
Not really. Both use “follow up” and “follow-up” in the same way, though British English may be slightly more strict with hyphenation.
Should I use the hyphen in casual writing like texting or Slack?
In informal settings, it’s not as critical. But in professional writing, always use the correct form.