The phrase “as follows” is very common in English. You see it in emails, reports, instructions, and announcements. It helps introduce a list, explanation, or set of details.
Simple, clear, and useful. But when you use it too often, your writing can sound stiff, repetitive, or overly formal.
That’s where alternatives matter. Choosing the right expression changes tone. It can make you sound more professional, more friendly, or more natural.
In business emails, clear wording builds trust. In essays, varied language shows strong writing skills. In daily conversation, it helps you sound fluent, not robotic.
Compare this:
Formal:
“The details are as follows.”
More natural:
“The details are listed below.”
Same meaning. Better flow. This guide will help you choose the best option every time.
What Does “As Follows” Mean?
Student-friendly meaning:
“As follows” means what comes next is the information, list, or explanation.
It tells the reader or listener to pay attention to the details that are about to appear.
Grammar form:
Formal linking phrase (fixed expression)
Common synonyms (similar tone):
- Listed below
- The following
- As stated below
Opposite tone (less formal):
- Like this
- Here it is
Sample sentences:
- “The rules are as follows.”
- “The agenda is as follows.”
When to Use “As Follows”
Spoken English
Used rarely. Sounds formal and planned.
Business English
Very common in reports, notices, and policies.
Emails / Messages
Acceptable, but can feel stiff in casual emails.
Social Media
Almost never used. Too formal.
Academic Writing
Perfect fit. Clear and neutral.
Professional Meetings
Used when reading prepared statements or minutes.
Is “As Follows” Polite or Professional?
Tone level:
- Polite: Yes
- Neutral: Yes
- Formal: Yes
- Friendly: No
It is professional and safe, but not warm.
Etiquette tip:
Great for reports and official notices. Avoid it in friendly workplace chats or casual emails.
Pros & Cons of Using “As Follows”
✔ Pros:
- Clear and direct
- Sounds professional
- Easy to understand
- Works well before lists
✘ Cons:
- Overused
- Sounds stiff
- Not conversational
- Weak in friendly writing
Quick Alternatives List (For Busy Readers)
- Listed below
- The following
- As shown below
- Here are the details
- You’ll find below
- As outlined below
- Explained below
- Described here
- Presented below
- Here’s how it works
- As mentioned below
- Broken down below
- These are
- In this order
Main Alternatives Explained
Listed below
Meaning:
The information appears underneath.
Explanation:
Clean and professional. Slightly less stiff than “as follows.”
Grammar Note:
Formal phrase
Example Sentence:
“The requirements are listed below.”
Best Use:
Emails, reports, workplace writing
Worst Use:
Casual conversation
Tone:
Professional, neutral
Level:
Beginner
Similarity Score:
9/10
Replaceability Tip:
Use when you want clarity without sounding rigid.
The following
Meaning:
The next items or points.
Explanation:
Very common and flexible. Sounds natural in speech and writing.
Grammar Note:
Determiner phrase
Example Sentence:
“Please review the following points.”
Best Use:
Business, academic, meetings
Worst Use:
Very casual texts
Tone:
Neutral
Level:
Beginner
Similarity Score:
10/10
Replaceability Tip:
Best all-purpose replacement.
As outlined below
Meaning:
Explained clearly in the next section.
Explanation:
Structured and professional. Suggests planning and detail.
Grammar Note:
Formal phrase
Example Sentence:
“The process is as outlined below.”
Best Use:
Reports, proposals, manuals
Worst Use:
Friendly emails
Tone:
Formal, professional
Level:
Intermediate
Similarity Score:
9/10
Replaceability Tip:
Choose this for official documents.
Here are the details
Meaning:
This is the information.
Explanation:
Friendly and clear. More human than “as follows.”
Grammar Note:
Conversational phrase
Example Sentence:
“Here are the details you asked for.”
Best Use:
Emails, messages
Worst Use:
Legal or academic writing
Tone:
Friendly, clear
Level:
Beginner
Similarity Score:
8/10
Replaceability Tip:
Use when writing to people, not systems.
As shown below
Meaning:
Visible in the next section or image.
Explanation:
Often used with charts, tables, or visuals.
Grammar Note:
Formal phrase
Example Sentence:
“The results are as shown below.”
Best Use:
Reports, presentations
Worst Use:
Text-only conversation
Tone:
Neutral, professional
Level:
Intermediate
Similarity Score:
8/10
Replaceability Tip:
Best when visuals are involved.
You’ll find below
Meaning:
The information is available underneath.
Explanation:
Polite and reader-focused.
Grammar Note:
Semi-formal phrase
Example Sentence:
“You’ll find below the full schedule.”
Best Use:
Emails, customer support
Worst Use:
Very formal contracts
Tone:
Polite, professional
Level:
Intermediate
Similarity Score:
7/10
Replaceability Tip:
Good for service-oriented writing.
As described here
Meaning:
Explained in this section.
Explanation:
Works when the explanation follows immediately.
Grammar Note:
Formal phrase
Example Sentence:
“The policy works as described here.”
Best Use:
Guides, instructions
Worst Use:
Casual chat
Tone:
Neutral
Level:
Intermediate
Similarity Score:
7/10
Replaceability Tip:
Use when pointing to nearby text.
Broken down below
Meaning:
Explained step by step.
Explanation:
Friendly and clear. Slightly informal.
Grammar Note:
Phrasal verb phrase
Example Sentence:
“The costs are broken down below.”
Best Use:
Blogs, emails, presentations
Worst Use:
Legal documents
Tone:
Friendly, clear
Level:
Intermediate
Similarity Score:
7/10
Replaceability Tip:
Great for explanations and tutorials.
Here’s how it works
Meaning:
An explanation is coming.
Explanation:
Very conversational. Invites attention.
Grammar Note:
Spoken-style phrase
Example Sentence:
“Here’s how it works.”
Best Use:
Guides, demos, videos
Worst Use:
Formal reports
Tone:
Friendly
Level:
Beginner
Similarity Score:
6/10
Replaceability Tip:
Perfect for teaching moments.
Presented below
Meaning:
Formally shown underneath.
Explanation:
Sounds official and structured.
Grammar Note:
Formal phrase
Example Sentence:
“The data is presented below.”
Best Use:
Academic and business writing
Worst Use:
Casual writing
Tone:
Formal
Level:
Advanced
Similarity Score:
8/10
Replaceability Tip:
Use when precision matters.
Explained below
Meaning:
Clarified in the next part.
Explanation:
Simple and neutral.
Grammar Note:
Verb phrase
Example Sentence:
“The steps are explained below.”
Best Use:
Emails, instructions
Worst Use:
Very casual talk
Tone:
Neutral
Level:
Beginner
Similarity Score:
8/10
Replaceability Tip:
Good balance of clear and natural.
As mentioned below
Meaning:
Referred to later in the text.
Explanation:
Useful when pointing ahead.
Grammar Note:
Formal phrase
Example Sentence:
“As mentioned below, the deadline is firm.”
Best Use:
Reports, emails
Worst Use:
Spoken English
Tone:
Professional
Level:
Intermediate
Similarity Score:
7/10
Replaceability Tip:
Use when guiding readers through text.
These are
Meaning:
Direct introduction to a list.
Explanation:
Very simple and natural.
Grammar Note:
Basic sentence structure
Example Sentence:
“These are the main reasons.”
Best Use:
Conversation, simple writing
Worst Use:
Formal reports
Tone:
Neutral, friendly
Level:
Beginner
Similarity Score:
6/10
Replaceability Tip:
Great for clarity with beginners.
In this order
Meaning:
Sequence is important.
Explanation:
Highlights order, not just content.
Grammar Note:
Prepositional phrase
Example Sentence:
“Complete the steps in this order.”
Best Use:
Instructions
Worst Use:
General lists
Tone:
Clear, direct
Level:
Beginner
Similarity Score:
5/10
Replaceability Tip:
Use when sequence matters.
Mini Dialogue Examples
Formal
Manager: “The policy updates are as outlined below.”
Team: “Understood.”
Informal
Friend: “What are the rules?”
You: “Here are the details.”
Business Email
“Dear Team,
Please review the schedule listed below.”
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using “as follows” in casual chat
- Repeating it in every paragraph
- Using it without a list
- Mixing formal and slang tone
- Using it in social media posts
- Forgetting friendlier options in emails
Cultural & Tone Tips
US English:
Seen as formal and normal in work writing.
UK English:
Very common in official and academic contexts.
Casual Social English:
Sounds stiff. People prefer “here’s,” “these are,” or “below.”
Native speakers notice tone quickly. Choosing the right alternative makes you sound natural, not translated.
Comparison Table
| Phrase | Tone | Best Context | Professional Level | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The following | Neutral | All writing | High | “The following items…” |
| Listed below | Professional | Emails, reports | High | “Listed below are…” |
| Here are the details | Friendly | Emails | Medium | “Here are the details.” |
| As outlined below | Formal | Reports | Very High | “Outlined below…” |
| Broken down below | Friendly | Blogs | Medium | “Broken down below…” |
FAQs
Is “as follows” rude?
No. It’s polite but formal.
Is it okay in emails?
Yes, but friendlier options often work better.
What is the most formal alternative?
As outlined below or presented below.
What is the most polite alternative?
You’ll find below.
What should beginners use?
The following or here are the details.
Can I use it in conversation?
Rarely. It sounds unnatural when speaking.
Conclusion
Knowing other ways to say “as follows” gives you control over tone. The right phrase can make your writing clearer, warmer, or more professional.
Variety also shows strong English skills and confidence. Whether you’re writing emails, reports, essays, or messages, choosing the right alternative helps your message land better.
Practice using different options in real situations. Over time, your English will sound natural, fluent, and precise.
John Lee is an education-focused writer with a strong interest in English grammar and language learning.
He creates clear, student-friendly content to help learners improve their grammar skills with confidence.