following decade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "following decade" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is often used to refer to the ten-year period that comes after a certain point in time. Example: The company experienced significant growth in the following decade, expanding its operations to several new countries.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Their number doubled during the following decade.

The Guardian - Opinion

The following decade, both hotels were razed.

The New York Times

The following decade marked something of a change, however.

The Guardian

The following decade, standards were imposed for refrigerators nationwide.

The New Yorker

Over the following decade he transformed the place.

The Guardian

Next came Lace, blazing a trail for the following decade.

The Guardian

The following decade was all about computer games.

Independent

Throughout the following decade, Emin explored a variety of media.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The following decade, it briefly reopened as a Broadway theatre before being razed in 1966.

The New Yorker

During the following decade he built 11 large projects totaling over 550,000 m2.

The New York Times

But as developments over the following decade and a half would show that was wrong.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "following decade", ensure the context clearly establishes the initial reference point. This provides clarity for the reader and avoids ambiguity about the timeframe being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "following decade" without a clear antecedent. Ensure the reader knows which decade you are referring to. For example, instead of saying, "The following decade saw significant changes", specify: "After the 1980s, the following decade saw significant changes."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "following decade" acts as a temporal adverbial phrase, specifying a period of time subsequent to a previously mentioned one. This function is supported by Ludwig examples, which demonstrate its use in various contexts to indicate when events occurred.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

29%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "following decade" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to the ten-year period immediately after a specific time. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to provide temporal context and sequence events, making it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication. Predominantly found in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, the phrase maintains a neutral to formal tone suitable for professional writing. When using "following decade", ensure the reference point is clear to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "next ten years" or "subsequent decade" exist, understanding the nuances of each can enhance your writing. This phrase, with its widespread use, serves as a reliable indicator of temporal progression in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

next ten years

Emphasizes a specific duration of time after a given point.

subsequent decade

A more formal synonym, highlighting the sequential nature of the timeframe.

decade after that

Indicates a ten-year period following a previously mentioned time.

the next ten-year period

A more descriptive and explicit alternative.

in the ten years that followed

Highlights the passage of time after a specific event.

the decade to come

Focuses on the future ten-year period from a given point.

over the next ten years

Implies a gradual process or development during the ten-year period.

the coming decade

Similar to "the decade to come", emphasizing anticipation.

the subsequent ten years

A more descriptive and explicit alternative to "subsequent decade".

the following ten-year span

Emphasizes the duration and sequential positioning of the timeframe.

FAQs

How can I use "following decade" in a sentence?

The phrase "following decade" is used to refer to the ten-year period that comes after a specific time. For example, "The company invested heavily in research and development, and saw significant returns in the "following decade"."

What's an alternative to the phrase "following decade"?

Alternatives include "next ten years", "subsequent decade", or "decade after that" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "the following decade" or "in the following decade"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "The "following decade"" is more concise and often preferred, while "in the "following decade"" provides a slightly different emphasis on the timeframe itself.

How does the "following decade" differ from "the next decade"?

"The "following decade"" usually refers to the ten years immediately after a specific, previously mentioned point in time. "The "next decade"" often implies the ten years starting with the beginning of the next full decade (e.g., the 2030s if the current year is in the 2020s).