25 Other Ways to Say “As Follows” (With Examples)

Using As Follows means the things listed next are important to understand clearly, as I often use this phrase to introduce a list.

Each item must be specified and presented with details, followed by a colon if needed, keeping multiple items organized and referring clearly.

This standard form is always in singular form and works best when presenting specifics, ensuring smooth communication and clarity for any reader of the description or explanation.

What Does “As Follows” Mean?

As follows, signals that a list or explanation is coming next. It tells the reader this is the content you need to pay attention to. Think of it as a gentle signpost, not a cold instruction.

When to Use “As Follows”

Use As Follows when you want to introduce a list or set of specifics in a clear and structured way-especially in professional writing or formal communication.

Is It Professional/Polite to Say “As Follows”?

Yes, As Follows is professional and polite in formal documents. But in everyday communication, softer alternatives often feel warmer and more human.

Pros or Cons

Pros: Clear, standard, understood in formal writing.
Cons: Can feel stiff or impersonal in friendly emails or conversations.

Here’s What I Mean

Definition: Introduces clarification of a previous thought.
Case Study: In my experience, saying here’s what I mean immediately makes readers feel included rather than instructed.
Example (email): Here’s what I mean: let’s meet at 3 PM instead of 2.
Best use: Friendly explanations.
Worst use: Formal legal documents.
Tone: Conversational, warm.
US vs UK usage: Common in both US and UK.

Check Out the Following

Definition: Directs attention to a list or set of points.
Case Study: I once noticed that checking out the following helped my blog readers stay engaged.
Example (blog): Check out the following tips for better sleep.
Best use: Blogs, casual reports.
Worst use: Highly formal reports.
Tone: Informal, inviting.
US vs UK usage: Common in both US and UK.

Below are…

Definition: Signals what comes next is essential.
Case Study: In feedback emails, I say below are to make expectations clear.
Example (email): Below are the action items for this week.
Best use: Structured updates.
Worst use: Spoken dialogue.
Tone: Neutral, clear.
US vs UK usage: Common in both.

The Following Are…

Definition: A formal introduction to listed content.
Case Study: I use the following are in proposals to organize points.
Example (report): The following are our quarterly goals.
Best use: Reports, documentation.
Worst use: Casual texts.
Tone: Formal.
US vs UK usage: Common in both.

As Detailed Below

Definition: Highlights detailed points in the upcoming section.
Case Study: In project briefs, as detailed below prepared stakeholders well.
Example (email): As detailed below, here’s the schedule.
Best use: Detailed communication.
Worst use: Short texts.
Tone: Professional.
US vs UK usage: Common in both.

Here’s What Comes Next

Definition: Prepares the reader for the next ideas.
Case Study: I’ve found here’s what comes next softens transitions.
Example (meeting summary): Here’s what comes next: action items for each team.
Best use: Summaries.
Worst use: Formal lists.
Tone: Friendly.
US vs UK usage: Common in both.

The Items Below Include

Definition: Introduces a list of elements.
Case Study: I use the items below included when sending inventories.
Example (email): The items below include all office supplies ordered.
Best use: Lists.
Worst use: Dialogue.
Tone: Informative.
US vs UK usage: Common.

The Points That Follow

Definition: Signals forthcoming points.
Case Study: In workshops, the points that follow set expectations.
Example (presentation): The points that follow will guide our strategy.
Best use: Presentations.
Worst use: Texts with no list.
Tone: Formal.
US vs UK usage: Common.

As Indicated Below

Definition: Shows that detailed content is below.
Case Study: In process docs, as indicated below directed readers well.
Example (document): As indicated below, steps 1–3 are mandatory.
Best use: Manuals.
Worst use: Casual notes.
Tone: Professional.
US vs UK usage: Common.

As Shown Here

Definition: Introduces what follows visually or textually.
Case Study: I once wrote as shown here in a design guide.
Example (blog): As shown here, the layout improves readability.
Best use: Visual examples.
Worst use: Abstract lists.
Tone: Neutral.
US vs UK usage: Common.

What Follows Next

Definition: Signals forthcoming points in order.
Case Study: I use what follows next for clarity in step-by-step lists.
Example (email): What follows next is the timeline.
Best use: Instructions.
Worst use: Casual chat.
Tone: Clear, direct.
US vs UK usage: Common.

The Next Items Are

Definition: Introduces a sequence.
Case Study: I say the next items are in task lists.
Example (email): The next items are due Friday.
Best use: Schedules.
Worst use: Speeches.
Tone: Neutral.
US vs UK usage: Common.

That Is to Say

Definition: Clarifies meaning before a list.
Case Study: That is to say made my explanation kinder, not abrupt.
Example (meeting): That is to say, we need more data before deciding.
Best use: Clarifications.
Worst use: Bullet lists.
Tone: Thoughtful.
US vs UK usage: Common.

In Other Words

Definition: Rephrases before specifics.
Case Study: I use in other words to make complex ideas simple.
Example (email): In other words, we will delay the launch.
Best use: Simplifying.
Worst use: Lists without context.
Tone: Conversational.
US vs UK usage: Common.

To Explain Further

Definition: Prepares for deeper details.
Case Study: To explain further invites readers into the thought process.
Example (report): To explain further, here are the metrics.
Best use: Explanations.
Worst use: Lists.
Tone: Warm.
US vs UK usage: Common.

Let Me Break It Down

Definition: Introduces simplified detail.
Case Study: I say let me break it down to ease confusion.
Example (social media): Let me break it down for you.
Best use: Casual.
Worst use: Formal docs.
Tone: Friendly.
US vs UK usage: Common.

Here Are the Details

Definition: Directs to detailed content.
Case Study: Here are the details sets expectations clearly.
Example (email): Here are the details for the event.
Best use: Event planning.
Worst use: Short texts.
Tone: Neutral.
US vs UK usage: Common.

Let’s Look at These

Definition: Invites the reader to explore.
Case Study: I use let’s look at these to build rapport.
Example (meeting): Let’s look at these points together.
Best use: Collaborative contexts.
Worst use: Directive lists.
Tone: Inclusive.
US vs UK usage: Common.

Below You’ll Find

Definition: Prepares reader for info.
Case Study: Below you’ll find it feels polite in emails.
Example (email): Below you’ll find the schedule.
Best use: Emails.
Worst use: Spoken.
Tone: Polite.
US vs UK usage: Common.

These Include

Definition: Introduces list items.
Case Study: These include feelings naturally integrated in text.
Example (blog): These include tips for better sleep.
Best use: Lists.
Worst use: Standalone statements.
Tone: Neutral.
US vs UK usage: Common.

Following This

Definition: Signifies next points.
Case Study: I use the following to link ideas.
Example (report): Following this, we examine data.
Best use: Reports.
Worst use: Casual speech.
Tone: Formal.
US vs UK usage: Common.

Up Next

Definition: Informal signal of what’s next.
Case Study: Up next keeps tone light in presentations.
Example (meeting): Up next: action items.
Best use: Presentations.
Worst use: Formal writing.
Tone: Casual.
US vs UK usage: Common.

Here’s the Scoop

Definition: Informal introduction to details.
Case Study: I once said here’s the scoop in a team chat-everyone smiled.
Example (social media): Here’s the scoop on our new product!
Best use: Casual announcements.
Worst use: Formal emails.
Tone: Playful.
US vs UK usage: Common.

Let Me Walk You Through

Definition: Warm guide through details.
Case Study: I say let me walk you through in onboarding talks.
Example (meeting): Let me walk you through the process.
Best use: Training.
Worst use: Short lists.
Tone: Supportive.
US vs UK usage: Common.

Here’s What’s Coming

Definition: Introduces what’s ahead.
Case Study: Here’s what’s coming to build excitement in my newsletter.
Example (blog): Here’s what’s coming in October.
Best use: Previews.
Worst use: Formal docs.
Tone: Enthusiastic.
US vs UK usage: Common.

Comparison Table

Phrase	Meaning	Best Use	Worst Use	Tone	US vs UK Usage
Here’s What I Mean	Clarify	Friendly explanations	Legal docs	Warm	Both
Below You’ll Find	Prepares for info	Emails	Spoken	Polite	Both
Let Me Break It Down	Simplify	Casual talks	Formal docs	Friendly	Both
Let Me Walk You Through	Guide	Training	Short lists	Supportive	Both
Up Next	What’s next	Presentations	Formal writing	Casual	Both
These Include	Introduce list	Lists	Standalone	Neutral	Both
Check Out the Following	Directs attention	Blogs	Formal	Inviting	Both
That Is to Say	Clarify meaning	Explanations	Bullets	Thoughtful	Both
Here Are the Details	Detailed info	Events	Short text	Neutral	Both
Here’s the Scoop	Informal intro	Announcements	Professional emails	Playful	Both

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right phrasing, especially alternatives to As Follows, can make a significant difference in communication. Language is not just about conveying information-it’s about tone, clarity, and connection. Using variations such as Here’s What I Mean, Let Me Walk You Through, or Below You’ll Find allows you to guide your reader gently while maintaining professionalism. In my experience, audiences respond better when instructions or explanations are framed warmly, rather than rigidly. This makes content approachable in emails, presentations, or reports without losing accuracy.

Additionally, these alternatives are flexible across contexts. For instance, casual phrases like Here’s the Scoop or Up Next work well in social media or team updates, whereas As Detailed Below or The Following Are are better suited for formal documentation. Understanding the nuance of each phrase helps ensure that your message lands exactly as intended.

Ultimately, thoughtful word choice reflects empathy and attention to the audience’s perspective. By incorporating these 25 alternatives, you can maintain clarity while fostering a more human connection in your writing. Whether you are presenting steps, sharing updates, or summarizing information, these options enhance readability and engagement. Remember, communication is as much about how you say something as what you say. Using these phrases strategically keeps your content professional, polished, and relatable, bridging the gap between instruction and conversation.

FAQs

What does “As Follows” mean?

As follows, the information or list coming next is essential. It introduces specifics or explanations in formal and professional writing.

Can I use “As Follows” in casual emails?

Yes, but it can sound formal or stiff. Alternatives like Here’s What I Mean or Below You’ll Find are warmer for casual communication.

Is “As Follows” polite?

Yes, it is professional and polite, especially in formal documents and reports, though casual alternatives may feel friendlier.

Are there US vs UK differences?

No major differences exist; As follows and most alternatives are common in both US and UK English.

When should I avoid “As Follows”?

Avoid informal chats, social media posts, or personal emails, where friendlier phrasing enhances connection.

What is the best alternative for emails?

Below You’ll Find or Here Are the Details works well to introduce content politely and clearly in professional emails.

Can I use it in meetings?

Yes, but phrases like Here’s What Comes Next or Let Me Walk You Through feel more natural and conversational.

Are these alternatives formal or informal?

It varies. As Detailed Below is formal, while Here’s the Scoop is informal; choose depending on context.

Do these alternatives improve readability?

Absolutely. They guide readers with clear cues, making content easier to follow and more engaging.

Can I use multiple alternatives in one document?

Yes, mixing phrases keeps tone dynamic, but maintains consistency to avoid confusing readers.

Are numbered lists necessary with these alternatives?

Not always, but they often enhance clarity when presenting multiple points or steps.

How do I choose the right alternative?

Consider tone, audience, and context-friendly phrases for casual settings, formal ones for professional communication.

Can these phrases replace “As Follows” in legal documents?

Yes, formal alternatives like The Following Are or As Detailed Below are more suitable for legal or official documents.

Do these alternatives work in blogs?

Yes, especially conversational ones like Check Out the Following or Up Next, which keep readers engaged.

Why use alternatives instead of “As Follows”?

Alternatives make communication more human, warm, and relatable, while still conveying clarity and structure effectively.