happens next

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "happens next" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to inquire about the subsequent events or actions in a sequence or narrative. Example: "After the main character discovers the secret, the reader is left wondering what happens next."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Q: What happens next?

The New York Times

What happens next September?

The New Yorker

So what happens next?

The New York Times

It's what happens next.

Independent

What happens next?

The New York Times

But what happens next?

The New York Times

"What happens next?" What indeed!

The New Yorker

What happens next is critical.

The Economist

What happens next remains unclear.

The New York Times

What happens next is noise.

The New York Times

What happens next is unclear.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "happens next" to create anticipation or curiosity in your writing. It's an effective way to transition between events or ideas.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overusing "happens next" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "subsequent events" or "ensuing developments" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "happens next" functions primarily as an interrogative expression, prompting inquiry about the subsequent events or actions in a sequence. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts to solicit information about future developments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

11%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "happens next" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to inquire about subsequent events or developments. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally versatile, writers should be mindful of the context and consider more formal alternatives like "subsequent events" or "ensuing developments" when appropriate. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, "happens next" is a valuable tool for creating anticipation and facilitating narrative progression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what follows

Focuses on the immediate consequence or result.

what comes after

Emphasizes the sequential aspect of events.

what ensues

Suggests a more formal or significant consequence.

the subsequent events

Refers to events that follow a particular occurrence.

what's in store

Indicates future events, often with an element of anticipation.

the next stage

Highlights progression through a series of steps or phases.

the sequel

Common in storytelling, alluding to the next installment or phase.

what's on the horizon

Suggests future possibilities or developments that may not be immediately apparent.

next in line

Implies an ordered sequence or progression.

what transpires

Suggests a more formal and often mysterious unfolding of events.

FAQs

How can I use "happens next" in a sentence?

The phrase "happens next" is typically used as an interrogative to inquire about subsequent events in a narrative or situation. For example, "After the discovery, what "happens next"?"

What is a good alternative to "happens next"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "happens next" include "what follows", "what comes after", or "what ensues". These phrases provide similar meanings with slight variations in formality and emphasis.

Is it correct to say "what is happening next" instead of "what happens next"?

Both "what is happening next" and "what happens next" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "What is happening next" implies a more immediate or ongoing sense of anticipation, while "what happens next" is more general.

Can "happens next" be used in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "happens next" might be considered too informal for some academic or professional contexts. In such cases, alternatives like "subsequent events" or "ensuing developments" might be more appropriate.