'as follow' (as follows)

Short answer: write "as follows." "As follow" is incorrect.

Quick answer

"As follows" is the fixed phrase that introduces a list or explanation. Do not use "as follow."

Keep "as follows" intact; make the main verb agree with the subject (e.g., "The results are as follows" or "The answer is as follows").
Use a colon after "as follows" when you present a list: "The steps are as follows:" followed by the items.
If the phrase sounds stiff, rewrite: "The steps are" → "Follow these steps:" or "Here are the steps."

Core explanation

"As follows" is an idiom: the adverbial phrase signals that what comes next will explain or list something. The -s is part of that fixed form, not a separate verb agreement you should change to "follow."

To check your sentence, read it in full. If "as follow" appears, replace it with "as follows" or rewrite the sentence for a smoother phrasing.

Punctuation, spacing, and hyphenation notes

Write the phrase as two words: as follows. Use a colon when you present a list immediately after the phrase:

Correct: "The instructions are as follows: wash, rinse, repeat."
Avoid: "as follow" or "as-follows."

Real usage and common pairs you can copy

Below are wrong/right pairs that show typical contexts. Copy the correct line as a quick fix.

Wrong: The steps to prepare the dish are as follow: wash the vegetables, chop them, and sauté in olive oil.
Right: The steps to prepare the dish are as follows: wash the vegetables, chop them, and sauté in olive oil.
Wrong: Please bring the following documents to the meeting as follow: ID, proof of address, and a bank statement.
Right: Please bring the following documents to the meeting as follows: ID, proof of address, and a bank statement.
Wrong: The rules for the contest are as follow: submit your entry by midnight, follow all guidelines, and include contact details.
Right: The rules for the contest are as follows: submit your entry by midnight, follow all guidelines, and include contact details.

Work, school, and casual examples

Different settings often produce the same error. Here are quick, copy-ready corrections.

Work - Wrong: The agenda for tomorrow is as follow: budget review, hiring update, timeline.
Work - Right: The agenda for tomorrow is as follows: budget review, hiring update, timeline.
School - Wrong: The assignment requirements are as follow: 2,000 words, citations, and a bibliography.
School - Right: The assignment requirements are as follows: 2,000 words, citations, and a bibliography.
Casual - Wrong: Tonight's plan is as follow: pizza, movie, and a walk.
Casual - Right: Tonight's plan is as follows: pizza, movie, and a walk.

Exact rewrites you can paste

Sometimes a plain replacement feels awkward; here are polished rewrites that read naturally.

Original (awkward): The schedule is as follows: we start at nine and end at five.
Cleaner rewrite: We start at nine and finish at five. (Or: The schedule is: start at nine; finish at five.)
Original (awkward): The steps are as follows: mix, bake, cool.
Cleaner rewrite: Mix, bake, and cool. (Or: Follow these steps: mix, bake, cool.)
Original (awkward): The summary is as follows: sales rose, costs stayed flat.
Cleaner rewrite: In summary: sales rose, and costs remained flat.

Try your own sentence

Test the phrase inside the full sentence. If "as follow" appears, replace it with "as follows" or consider a rewrite for tone.

A simple memory trick

Picture the phrase as a single unit that signals a forthcoming list: "as follows" → "what follows." The -s belongs to the word "follows," which you can mentally link to "what follows."

Think: "what follows" → "as follows."
If unsure, rewrite: "Here are" or "Follow these steps."

Similar mistakes to watch for

Once you slip on one phrase, nearby forms can trip you up. Watch for these related problems:

"as following" - incorrect when used like "as follows."
Confusing "the following are" vs. "the following is" - subject agreement matters.
Unnecessary hyphens or joining words that should remain separate.

FAQ

Is "as follows" always followed by a colon?

Not always, but use a colon when you present a list immediately after the phrase. If you continue the sentence, punctuation may differ: "The situation is as follows, and we will proceed."

Can I say "is as follows" with a plural subject?

Yes. The verb before the phrase should agree with the subject ("The answers are as follows"). The phrase "as follows" itself stays the same.

Is "as following" acceptable?

No. "As following" is not a standard substitute for "as follows." Use "as follows," "the following," or rewrite the sentence.

What if "as follows" sounds too formal?

Choose a simpler alternative: "Here are," "Follow these steps," or recast the sentence so the list flows naturally.

Will spellcheck catch "as follow"?

Some checkers flag it, but not all. Reviewing the sentence and using a grammar tool that checks usage will help catch it reliably.

Want quick fixes while you write?

Keep a few clipboard templates handy: "The steps are as follows:" and cleaner rewrites like "Follow these steps:" Paste them where needed, and run a sentence-level check before sending reports or assignments.