crossword clue follow – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "crossword clue follow"? You've come to the right place! We've compiled all possible solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck quickly. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, our comprehensive guide will help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue follow" by Letter Count
4 Letters
OBEY: To act in accordance with rules, commands, or guidance. Often used when someone 'follows' instructions.
TAIL: To follow or shadow someone closely and secretly. A common synonym for 'follow' in a pursuit context.
5 Letters
TRACK: To follow the course or trail of something or someone, often to find it or them. Implies diligent pursuit or investigation.
ENSUE: To happen or occur afterward or as a result of something else. This interpretation of 'follow' relates to sequence or consequence.
6 Letters
SHADOW: To follow and observe someone closely and usually secretly. Similar to 'TAIL', emphasizing stealthy observation.
ADHERE: To stick firmly to; to follow rules or beliefs. Often implies loyalty or consistency in following a plan.
7 Letters
SUCCEED: To come after another in order or sequence. 'Succeed' can mean to 'follow' in position or office, such as a king succeeding another.
PURSUIT: The act of following or chasing someone or something. Can also mean following a goal or interest.
More About "crossword clue follow"
The clue "follow" is a classic in crosswords due to its rich semantic range. It can imply physical pursuit, adherence to rules, temporal sequence, or even intellectual comprehension. This versatility means that context is king when solving. A clue like "Follow orders" will lean towards answers like OBEY or COMPLY, while "Follow a trail" points to TRACK or TRAIL.
Understanding these subtle differences is key to mastering crossword puzzles. Pay close attention to any prepositions, adverbs, or other words accompanying "follow" in the clue. These modifiers often hint at the specific nuance the setter is aiming for, guiding you to the correct answer among the many possibilities.
From social etiquette (to follow convention) to scientific observation (to follow a process), the concept of "following" is deeply embedded in our language, making it a fertile ground for diverse and engaging crossword challenges.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the context: Does the puzzle's theme or other completed words suggest a specific type of 'follow' (e.g., legal, sequential, secretive)?
- Check intersecting letters: Use the letters you already have from crossing words. This is often the quickest way to confirm or rule out potential answers for "follow".
- Think of synonyms in different contexts: Brainstorm various meanings of "follow" – to chase, to obey, to come next, to observe, to understand – and see which synonyms fit the available letter count.
- Look for verb tense or part of speech: While "follow" is often a verb, some clues might imply a noun form (e.g., "A follow-up" could lead to SEQUEL or CONTINUATION).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'follow' have so many different answers in crosswords?
The word 'follow' is highly versatile and can mean to pursue, adhere to, come after, or observe. Crossword setters leverage these multiple meanings to create diverse clues. The context of the surrounding letters and the puzzle's theme often help narrow down the possibilities.
What's the best strategy when 'follow' is the clue?
First, check the letter count you need. Then, consider the common synonyms for 'follow' in different contexts: 'OBEY' (for rules), 'TAIL' (for pursuit), 'ENSUE' (for sequence). Look at intersecting letters to eliminate unlikely options and confirm your choice.
Are there common tricks related to 'follow' clues?
Crossword setters might use 'follow' to imply sequential events (e.g., 'What follows Monday?' for TUESDAY), or a command ('Follow orders' for OBEY). Pay attention to any prepositions or adverbs in the full clue, as they can hint at a specific meaning of 'follow'.