next action

USAGE SUMMARY

"next action" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to refer to the next step to be taken in a sequence of actions. For example, "The next action is to prepare a report on the findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"He and his advisers need to decide their next action.

Independent

I'm going to be the next action hero".

The Guardian - Sport

It was widely believed that the government's next action would be to close the CHP.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For the next action, he wanted to build a human chain around the White House.

The New Yorker

I got angry, I felt overwhelmed, I promised myself to join Thomas's next action.

The Guardian

The Devils, the defending Stanley Cup champions, won't wait so long for their next action.

The New York Times - Sports

But I had captured the movement of the scene, not one line of dialogue connected clunkily to the next action.

The New York Times

This man was for 'full resuscitation': if his heart stopped, my next action would be to start chest compressions.

Independent

A couple of people move position, and you're there, in the next action, with no later-that-day".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Related: Here's What You Can Expect in The Next Action-Packed Supreme Court Term.

Vice

Diastolic Ca2+ events do not necessarily return to the minimum [Ca2+]i before the next action-potential stimulation.

Basic Research in Cardiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When outlining a process or strategy, use "next action" to clearly define the immediate step required for progress. This provides clarity and direction for all stakeholders.

Common error

Avoid using "next action" in contexts where a more specific term would be more suitable. For example, in a legal setting, "next legal step" might be more precise; in a game, "next move" could be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "next action" functions primarily as a noun phrase that specifies the subsequent step or measure in a process or sequence. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in contexts ranging from project management to personal planning, demonstrating its capacity to identify the immediate, forthcoming task. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "next action" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term across diverse contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. Its primary function is to denote the immediate subsequent step in a process, making it valuable in planning, project management, and everyday communication. Examples from news sources, scientific literature, and general knowledge repositories showcase its versatility. While generally neutral in register, contextual awareness is important to ensure appropriateness. The high frequency and broad applicability of "next action" underscore its significance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subsequent step

Replaces "action" with "step", focusing on the ordered sequence of events.

following action

Emphasizes the temporal sequence, highlighting what immediately follows.

ensuing action

Similar to 'following action' but implies a more direct consequence.

immediate step

Focuses on the urgency and closeness of the action.

next move

Suggests a strategic decision or maneuver.

forthcoming step

Highlights the action that is about to happen or be taken.

succeeding action

Emphasizes the sequential order, what comes right after.

resulting action

Highlights that the action comes as a result of something else.

consequent step

Similar to 'resulting action' but more formal.

planned action

Highlights that the action is premeditated and prepared.

FAQs

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

You can use "next action" to describe the subsequent step in a process, for example: "The committee will decide the "next action" after reviewing the report".

What's a good alternative to "next action"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "subsequent step", "following action", or "immediate step" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "next action" formal or informal?

"Next action" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal situations might benefit from a slightly more precise term like "ensuing action" or "forthcoming step".

How does "next action" compare to "future action"?

"Next action" refers to the very next step, whereas "future action" is a broader term that can encompass multiple steps or actions further down the line. The "next action" is immediate and specific; future actions are more general.