next

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'next' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'next' to refer to something that is immediately after a given event. For example: I am going to the store next.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Next stop, Brooklyn!

The New York Times

What next?

The New York Times

"It is a huge waste of the next generation's skills, potential and talent and it comes at a huge cost to young black and minority-ethnic people, their families, taxpayers and the economy".

The Guardian

But what happens next?

The New York Times

But what will happen next?

The Guardian

So what's next?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Trials of this idea are currently under way, one of which should report next year.

The Economist

"It's only what happened a couple of weeks ago or next week that matters.

The Guardian - Sport

"But tomorrow?

The New York Times

It said that if automatic spending cuts go into force and all the Bush-era tax cuts expire, the nation would slip into recession next year and unemployment would rise to 9.1 percent, from October's rate of 7.9 percent.

The New York Times

Over the next two years, several prominent opposition figures were murdered in mysterious circumstances.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating the "next" occurrence in a series, be specific about the time frame (e.g., "next week", "next month") to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "next" without a clear point of reference. For example, instead of saying "The next step is important", specify what "next" refers to within the process.

Linguistic Context

The word "next" functions as a determiner, adjective, and adverb. As a determiner, it modifies nouns to specify the immediately following one. As Ludwig AI points out, its primary role is to indicate sequence or proximity in time or order.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Social Media

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "next" is a versatile term used to indicate what immediately follows in a sequence, time, or order. It commonly functions as a determiner, adjective, or adverb, depending on the context. As noted by Ludwig AI, "next" follows standard grammar rules and its usage is very common, especially in the context of news and media. To ensure clarity, specify the time frame (e.g., "next week", "next month") when using "next". Consider alternatives like "subsequent" or "following" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subsequent

Focuses on what follows in time or order; more formal.

following

Emphasizes the act of coming after; can also describe adherence.

immediate

Highlights the lack of delay or space between events.

ensuing

Implies a consequence or natural flow from what preceded it.

forthcoming

Suggests an event that is about to happen or be revealed.

approaching

Focuses on the act of drawing near in time or space.

adjacent

Describes being side by side or nearby in location.

proximate

Highlights closeness in relationship or sequence.

succeeding

Emphasizes the act of taking over a position or role.

consecutive

Highlights that events follow one after another without interruption.

FAQs

How to use "next" in a sentence?

You can use "next" to refer to the immediately following item, time, or event. For example, "The "next meeting" is on Friday" or "What's "next on the agenda"?".

What can I say instead of "next"?

Alternatives to "next" include "subsequent", "following", or "immediate", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "the next" or "next"?

Both "the next" and "next" can be correct, depending on the context. Use "next" as a determiner before a noun (e.g., "next week"). Use "the next" when referring to a specific one in a sequence (e.g., "the next person in line").

What's the difference between "next" and "later"?

"Next" implies immediately following, while "later" refers to a time in the future, but not necessarily immediately following. For example, "See you "next time"" means the very next occasion, whereas "See you later" means at some unspecified future time.