What should I say, "Which of the following…" or "Which of the followings…"?"

When you're referring to a choice or selection from a set of items, the correct phrase to use is "Which of the following..." This is because the word "following" here acts as an adjective that describes the items or options that come after it.

For instance:

"Which of the following fruits do you like the most: apples, bananas, or cherries?"

The incorrect phrase "Which of the followings..." tends to be a common mistake. The word "followings" is plural and, in this context, does not make grammatical sense.

A Brief History and Explanation:

The English language, with its rich history, has undergone numerous changes, adaptations, and evolutions. Yet, some structures have remained consistent over the years.

The word "following" is derived from the verb "follow," which means to come after in sequence, order, or time. The "-ing" form can act as a present participle (like in "She is following the rules") or a noun (as in "He has a huge following on social media"). However, when "following" is used as an adjective, it describes something that comes next in order or time.

Historically, the usage of "following" as an adjective can be traced back to Old English. This structure has been consistently used in various literary works, official documents, and daily communication. For example, in legal documents or official proceedings, you'll often come across phrases like "The following items were discussed..." or "The following persons have been nominated..."

The term "followings" can exist in the English language, but in very niche contexts. For instance, multiple groups of followers (like for celebrities) might be referred to as "followings." However, when presenting a list of items or options for selection, the plural form "followings" is inappropriate.