following year

USAGE SUMMARY

"following year" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence such as: I was promised a promotion the following year, but it never came.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

the following year.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Velázquez died the following year.

The New Yorker

Eugenius died the following year.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They married the following year.

The Guardian - Business

He married the following year.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He died the following year.

The New York Times - Health

Matthias died the following year.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Kenyatta joined the following year.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They divorced the following year.

The Guardian - Film

Keynes died the following year.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He became prime minister the following year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarity is paramount, specify the exact year instead of using "following year". For instance, instead of saying "He graduated the following year", write "He graduated in 2024".

Common error

Avoid using "following year" without a clear reference point. If the context doesn't explicitly mention the year you're referring to, the phrase becomes ambiguous. Ensure the preceding text establishes a clear temporal anchor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "following year" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause by indicating a specific time frame. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

24%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "following year" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to indicate the year immediately after a specified year. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. It appears most frequently in news articles, encyclopedias, and wiki entries. While generally neutral in tone, clarity is crucial: always ensure the reference year is clearly established to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "next year" or "subsequent year" can be used depending on context. Remember to provide a clear reference point, or specify an exact year to improve the accuracy and readability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

next year

This alternative uses a more direct and common term for the year immediately after the current or referenced year.

the year after

This alternative provides a slightly more specific reference to the immediately succeeding year.

subsequent year

This phrase is more formal, emphasizing the sequential nature of the year in question.

year after

This alternative is slightly less formal and highlights the temporal order.

ensuing year

A more formal term that highlights the year that directly follows.

succeeding year

Similar to "subsequent year", but may imply a direct causal relationship or logical sequence.

the year succeeding

This option is more formal and emphasizes the year that comes directly after the one being discussed.

year after that

This phrase adds emphasis on a temporal distance of more than a single year, but in some contexts could be referring to the immediate following year.

the proximate year

This phrase means closest or nearest year in sequence, therefore, synonymous.

in the wake of that year

This alternative focuses on the consequences or events that follow the specified year.

FAQs

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

You can use "following year" to indicate the year immediately after a specific year mentioned in the context. For example, "The company was founded in 2020. The "following year", they launched their first product".

What are some alternatives to "following year"?

Some alternatives include "next year", "subsequent year", or "the year after". The best choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is it ever incorrect to use "following year"?

It's not grammatically incorrect, but it can be unclear if the reference year isn't explicitly stated. Ensure there's a clear temporal reference in the preceding text to avoid ambiguity.

How does "following year" differ from "next year"?

"Following year" typically refers to the year after a specific event or time mentioned in the text, whereas "next year" refers to the year after the current year. The choice depends on whether you're referencing a past event or the present time.