Which of the Following vs. Which of the Followings: Making the Right Choice

Introduction

In the world of grammar and language, small nuances can make a significant difference. One common source of confusion for many English speakers is whether to use “Which of the Following” or “Which of the Followings” when asking a question or presenting options. This article aims to clarify this matter and help you make the right choice in your communication.

Understanding Plurals in English

Before we delve into the specifics of “Which of the Following” and “Which of the Followings,” let’s briefly review the concept of plurals in English. In most cases, English nouns become plural by adding an ‘s’ at the end, such as “dogs” or “cats.” However, some nouns, especially those that are uncountable or abstract, do not change in their plural form. For instance, “water” remains the same whether you’re talking about one glass of water or several.

The Use of “Following”

“Following” is a present participle or gerund form of the verb “follow.” It is often used to describe something that comes after or is next in a sequence. When using “following” in a sentence, you are referring to a singular action or thing that follows another. For example:

1. The following day, we went to the beach.
2. She listed the following items in her report.

In both examples, “following” is used to indicate a singular, specific entity or action that follows something else. Therefore, “following” is singular and not plural.

Which Is Correct: “Which of the Following” or “Which of the Followings”?

Now that we have established that “following” is singular, we can confidently state that the correct phrase to use is “Which of the Following.” This is the standard and grammatically correct way to pose a question or present a list of options.

For example:

1. Which of the following colors do you prefer?
2. Can you identify which of the following animals is a herbivore?
3. Please select which of the following options best describes your experience.

In each of these examples, “following” is used to refer to a specific list or set of items, making it singular. Using “Which of the Followings” would be incorrect and grammatically awkward.

Conclusion

In English, precision in language is crucial to effective communication. When it comes to choosing between “Which of the Following” and “Which of the Followings,” the choice is clear: “Which of the Following” is the correct and grammatically accepted form. By using this phrase, you will ensure that your questions and statements are clear, concise, and grammatically accurate, thus enhancing your overall communication skills.