either this or next

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "either this or next" is not entirely correct in standard written English; it should be "either this week or next week." You can use it when discussing options related to time, specifically when referring to two consecutive time periods.
Example: "We can schedule the meeting either this week or next week, depending on everyone's availability."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Williams is not all the way there yet, and certainly his future with the Timberwolves will be complicated by Kevin Love's eventual return from injury, either this season or next.

The New York Times

After the recorder's office finishes reviewing the remaining recall signatures, the matter will go to the secretary of state and then the governor, who will schedule a vote either this November or next March.

The New York Times

Subsequently, it has to be decided whether to perform the remaining 2-week slots either this or next week.

Health Care Management Science

It's either this or Sunday brunch.

The Guardian - Film

It's either this or stealing".

The New Yorker

"We expect to be in that position either at end of this season or next season," said Wasps David Armstrongg.

BBC

Take it either outside or next to a garbage can.

WikiHow

"I'm hoping to go from bowling this time to either swimming or running next, something bigger and better in the future".

The New York Times

Next to "Setting," choose either "Automatic" or "Custom... ....... Next to "Setting," choose either "Automatic" or "Custom... .....

WikiHow

A successful recall would indeed simply force an earlier election either this November or next March, depending on how quickly the signatures are verified.

The Economist

This project would evaluate and propose a pilot program to launch either next semester or next fall.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "either this or next", ensure the context clearly indicates consecutive periods, such as "either this week or next week", to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "either this or next" without specifying the units of time (day, week, month, year) to maintain clarity. For example, it's better to say "either this month or next month" rather than "either this or next" alone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "either this or next" functions as a correlative conjunction, presenting a choice between two sequential options, typically related to time. Although Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is acceptable, clarity is enhanced by specifying the unit of time (e.g., 'week', 'year').

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "either this or next" serves as a correlative conjunction, presenting a choice between two consecutive options, usually concerning time. Ludwig AI suggests that while acceptable, the phrase benefits from added context to specify the time unit (e.g., "either this week or next week"). This enhances clarity and precision. It appears most frequently in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, indicating a neutral to informal register. For more formal communication, alternatives like "either the current or subsequent" may be preferable. Common errors include omitting the time unit, which can lead to ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this time or the following one

Rephrases to clarify the choice between the current and the very next opportunity.

either this instance or the next

Adds specificity by referring to a particular instance or the one immediately after.

either now or later

Emphasizes the timing of a decision or action, contrasting immediacy with a deferred time.

either immediate or following

Highlights the urgency versus a later occurrence.

either the existing or upcoming

Emphasizes the transition from the present to what is coming next.

either present or future

Focuses on a broader time frame, contrasting the present with any point in the future.

either the first or second

Identifies options by their position in a sequence.

either current or subsequent

Uses more formal terms to denote a choice between the current item and the one that follows.

either the present or the ensuing

Uses 'ensuing' to denote what immediately follows, adding a sense of sequence.

either the former or the latter

A formal way to refer back to two previously mentioned options.

FAQs

How can I properly use "either this or next" in a sentence?

To use "either this or next" effectively, ensure you specify the time frame you're referring to. For instance, say "either this week or next week" or "either this year or next year" for clarity.

What phrases are similar to "either this or next"?

Similar phrases include "either now or later", "either present or future", or "this time or the following one", which offer similar choices related to time.

Is "either this or next" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, "either this or next" can benefit from added context for improved clarity. Specifying the time unit, such as "either this day or the next day", makes the sentence more precise.

What's the difference between "either this or next" and "either/or"?

"Either/or" presents a choice between two options generally, while "either this or next" specifically implies a choice related to sequential time periods or items. The key difference is the sequential implication in "either this or next".