next best thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"next best thing" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that may not be quite as good as the best option, but is the next-best option. For example, "If I can't get the tickets for the concert, I'll just have to settle for the next best thing - a night out with friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But it is the next best thing.

The Economist

So Levin did the next best thing.

The New York Times

The next best thing to a howdunnit?

Independent

"This is the next best thing.

The New York Times

"THE NEXT BEST THING": (Maverick).

The New York Times

It's the next best thing".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So we did the next best thing.

The New York Times - Tech

So I did the next best thing.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Now this is the next-best thing".

The New York Times - Sports

Grizzlies are the next-best thing.

Los Angeles Times

It's the next-best thing to being there.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "next best thing" when you want to acknowledge that something isn't the ideal option, but it's still a viable and acceptable alternative. It's useful in situations where the first choice is unavailable, impractical, or impossible.

Common error

While "next best thing" is widely understood, it can sound informal or cliché in certain professional or academic contexts. Opt for more precise language that specifies the alternative solution and its benefits. For example, instead of saying "This is the next best thing", try "This alternative approach offers a practical solution".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "next best thing" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something that is not the ideal choice but is the most suitable or desirable alternative available. Examples from Ludwig show its frequent use in describing compromises or substitute options.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "next best thing" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a viable alternative when the ideal option is not available. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It functions as a noun phrase, conveying acceptance of a substitute with a generally neutral tone. While versatile, avoid overusing it in formal writing where more precise language may be preferred. Remember to consider alternative phrases like ""second best option"" or ""closest substitute"" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

second-best option

Replaces "next" with "second", emphasizing a slightly lower ranking in preference.

best alternative

Focuses on the positive aspect of having a good substitute available.

closest substitute

Highlights the similarity in function or purpose to the original, preferred item.

nearest equivalent

Emphasizes that the option is roughly equal in value or function but not exactly the same.

acceptable compromise

Suggests that the "next best thing" is a concession made when the ideal is unattainable.

next in line

Implies a sequential order of preference, with the "next best thing" following directly after the first choice.

fallback option

Stresses the role of the phrase as a safety net or reserve choice.

workaround solution

Highlights its utility as a means to overcome a problem or limitation.

makeshift substitute

Suggests a temporary or improvised solution.

second string

This alternative is usually used in more specific scenarios where the primary choice is not available, like in sport scenarios.

FAQs

How can I use "next best thing" in a sentence?

You can use "next best thing" to describe a situation where your preferred option isn't available, so you choose the second-best one. For example, "Since we couldn't afford a vacation to Europe, we decided a weekend getaway was the "next best thing"".

What are some alternatives to "next best thing"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "second best option", "best alternative", or "closest substitute" to express a similar idea.

Is it grammatically correct to say "next best thing"?

Yes, "next best thing" is grammatically correct and a commonly used idiom in English. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct.

What's the difference between "next best thing" and "second best"?

While both phrases indicate a less preferred option, "next best thing" often implies a more substantial or satisfying alternative than simply being "second best". "Second best" can sometimes suggest a significant drop in quality or desirability, whereas "next best thing" emphasizes that the alternative is still quite good.