at the next election

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the next election" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an upcoming election event, typically in the context of voting or political discussions. Example: "The candidate promised to address climate change at the next election."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No wonder most politicians fear annihilation at the next election.

Independent

This could well happen again at the next election.

Independent

At the next election, millions of people will not vote.

Independent

At the next election, UKIP might do well.

The Economist

Former health secretary will quit parliament at the next election.

The Guardian

That will be the turf war at the next election.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sir Jerry retired from politics at the next election".

The Guardian

That will sound even more ludicrous at the next election.

The Guardian - Opinion

Good job she's leaving at the next election.

The Guardian

We want to defeat him at the next election".

The Guardian

But some themes at the next election will be new.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, specify the type of election (e.g., general election, presidential election) if the context doesn't make it obvious.

Common error

Avoid using "at the next election" without a clear temporal marker if the timeline is complex; instead, specify the year or a relevant event to anchor the reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the next election" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something will occur in relation to a future election. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it often modifies statements about political strategies, potential outcomes, or policy changes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the next election" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to specify a future timeframe in political discussions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying which election you are referencing and avoid ambiguous temporal markers. Alternatives include "in the upcoming election" or "during the next electoral cycle". This phrase is best suited for neutral register, making it appropriate for a wide range of written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the upcoming election

Replaces 'next' with 'upcoming', emphasizing imminence but doesn't change the meaning.

in the forthcoming election

Uses 'forthcoming' to denote an event that is about to happen, creating a slightly more formal tone.

for the subsequent election

Uses 'subsequent' instead of 'next', indicating a following event in a series.

at the time of the next polls

Replaces 'election' with 'polls', a more general term for voting events.

during the next electoral cycle

Substitutes 'election' with 'electoral cycle', focusing on the broader period between elections.

before the next general election

Specifies 'general election' to clarify the type of election being referenced.

by the time of the next election

Adds a temporal element, specifying a point in time relative to the election.

as the next election approaches

Emphasizes the approaching nature of the election, shifting the focus to the process.

leading up to the next election

Focuses on the period preceding the election, rather than the event itself.

when the next election comes around

Introduces a more conversational and less formal tone, implying a recurring event.

FAQs

How can I use "at the next election" in a sentence?

You can use "at the next election" to discuss potential outcomes, policy changes, or shifts in political power. For example, "The party hopes to gain more support "at the next election" by focusing on economic reforms".

What are some alternatives to "at the next election"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in the upcoming election", "during the next electoral cycle", or "for the subsequent election". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "on the next election" instead of "at the next election"?

No, the correct preposition to use is "at". Saying "on the next election" is grammatically incorrect. Always use ""at the next election"".

What is the difference between "at the next election" and "in the next election"?

While both phrases are similar, ""at the next election"" refers more specifically to the event itself, whereas "in the next election" might refer more broadly to actions taken during the electoral period. However, they are often used interchangeably.