in the next thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the next thing" is not standard and may be confusing in written English.
It could be used informally to refer to the subsequent item or action in a sequence, but it lacks clarity. Example: "After we finish this task, we will move on to the next thing."

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"They should stop looking and investing in the next thing," she says, "because they're wasting their capital".

The Guardian

When those expectations inevitably go unmet, they invest their hopes for happiness in the next thing, and the thing after that, on and on in a fruitless pursuit.

University of California, Berkeley

The left-hand side of the equation is simply how positive or negative the wife will be in the next thing that she says.

The Guardian

This meant that he was always, like many other artists, far more interested in the next thing he was going to make, rather than the things he already had.

The New York Times

I say, 'I didn't even know my own strength!' " Matt laughed and said, "You don't want to be the goofball failure fuckup in the next thing you do, right?" "Of course not," Tom said.

The New Yorker

Baumbach imagined the article being prepared: " 'At that point, Gerwig launched into a "Hamlet" soliloquy.' " "So bad," Gerwig said, in mock shame, telling Baumbach, "Or it's going to show up in the next thing that you write on your own".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In fact, this stuff works so well in cooking, the next thing you know I'll be drinking it right out of the glass.

The New York Times

They threw CS gas and bottles in and the next thing I know is that I am in hospital.

BBC

With a realistic goal in mind, the next thing is to have a strategic plan.

Forbes

"You let them in, and the next thing they will try and do is turn the 19th Hole bar into a mosque".

Forbes

As soon as one thing ends, I just start in on the next thing.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the next thing", ensure the context clearly indicates what the 'thing' refers to. Ambiguity can be reduced by specifying the noun, such as "in the next step" or "in the next phase".

Common error

Avoid using "in the next thing" without a clear antecedent. Readers may struggle to understand what 'thing' represents, leading to confusion. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the next thing" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It specifies the timing or sequence of an action or event. However, Ludwig AI highlights its potential for ambiguity, suggesting a need for contextual clarity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the next thing" serves as a common way to denote sequence or progression, particularly in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI, however, points out the potential for ambiguity. While grammatically acceptable and frequently used, clarifying the 'thing' with a more specific noun enhances clarity. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "in the next step" or "subsequently". Be mindful of potential vagueness to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the subsequent item

Replaces 'next' with 'subsequent' for a more formal tone.

in the following matter

Substitutes 'thing' with 'matter' suggesting a subject or issue under consideration.

in the upcoming project

Replaces 'thing' with 'project' to indicate a future undertaking.

in the ensuing event

Uses 'ensuing event' instead of 'next thing' to denote an event that follows.

in the succeeding element

Employs 'succeeding element' to specify a component that comes after.

in the later development

Changes 'next thing' to 'later development' to refer to future progress.

in the adjacent area

Replaces with 'adjacent area' suggests spatial proximity rather than temporal sequence.

in the proximate situation

Alters 'next thing' to 'proximate situation' indicating an immediately following scenario.

in the resultant outcome

Uses 'resultant outcome' instead of 'next thing' to refer to a consequence.

in the contingent circumstance

Changes to 'contingent circumstance' to imply a condition that may follow.

FAQs

How can I make the phrase "in the next thing" more specific?

Replace "thing" with a more descriptive noun relevant to the context, such as "in the next step", "in the next phase", or "in the next project".

What does "in the next thing" generally refer to?

It typically refers to the subsequent action, item, task, or topic in a sequence. However, its generality can lead to ambiguity.

Is "in the next thing" formal or informal?

It leans towards the informal side due to its vague nature. More formal contexts usually demand clearer and more precise language.

What's a synonym for "in the next thing" that adds clarity?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives like "subsequently", "afterwards", or "in the following item" to improve clarity.