next in sequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "next in sequence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the item or element that follows another in a particular order or arrangement. Example: "In the series of numbers, the next in sequence after 5 is 6."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Archers set up many marks on the field and shot from one to the next in sequence, the object being, as in golf, to use the fewest shots in completing the course.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Arbitrary identifiers, however, require a central authority (even if only a server to mint the next in sequence).

Journal of Cheminformatics

Next in sequence, still in preparation for online distribution and indicated by a link not yet activated, are the "sketches" of 1842 and 1844.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

If too many compartments were flooded, the ship's bow would settle deeper in the water, and water would spill from one compartment to the next in sequence, rather like water spilling across the top of an ice cube tray.

Wikipedia

Next in sequence a shaded CT image of the same region (Fig. 4A), a reversed shaded CT image of the same region viewed from the back side of plate A (Fig. 4B), a reversed photograph of the surface of plate B [1: fig. 4] and a reversed X-ray image of plate B were geo-referenced.

Plosone

Participants were taken to a private room to discuss participation and following consent the envelope (next in sequence) was opened in the presence of the patient.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Advanced placement into a next-in-sequence course depends on the completion of the appropriate mathematics prerequisites before enrolling.

Cornell University

MR. DODD: All right, Sir. I believe it would become Exhibit USA-851; I think that is the next number in sequence.

Yale University

Pressing a button activates the next button in sequence.

Forbes

The responders may continue the treatment and non-responders move on to the next treatment in sequence.

Health Economics Review

The next envelope in sequence was assigned to the child at the time of their admission to hospital.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "next in sequence" when you want to emphasize the ordered progression of items or steps. It's especially effective when outlining processes, instructions, or lists where each element logically follows the previous one.

Common error

Avoid using "next in sequence" when a simple "next" is sufficient. For example, instead of saying "The next in sequence step is...", you can often shorten it to "The next step is..." for clarity and brevity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "next in sequence" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate the item or step that directly follows another in a defined order. It is often used to clarify the progression within a series or process, as shown in the examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

News & Media

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "next in sequence" is a grammatically correct phrase used to explicitly denote the element that immediately follows another in a predetermined order. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is acceptable for use in written English. Though classified as "Uncommon" in terms of frequency, its value lies in its precision, making it particularly suitable for scientific, academic, and professional contexts. While simpler alternatives like "next" may often suffice, "next in sequence" is valuable for clarifying the ordered progression within a series or process. The writing guidance emphasizes that clarity should remain paramount, and the related phrases offer numerous options to vary expression while maintaining accuracy. As evidenced by the examples Ludwig provides, "next in sequence" contributes to clear, structured communication across diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following in order

Focuses on the sequential arrangement of items.

subsequent in line

Emphasizes the position of something coming after another.

next up

More informal, suggesting an immediate succession.

the following one

A general way to refer to what comes after.

succeeding element

Formal, often used in technical contexts.

ensuing item

Indicates something that follows as a result or consequence.

the next installment

Specifically refers to parts of a series.

chronologically next

Highlights the order based on time.

serially next

Indicates a progression in a predefined series.

immediately after

Focuses on temporal or positional adjacency.

FAQs

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

You can use "next in sequence" to describe the order of steps, items or events. For example: "After completing step one, the "next in sequence" is to gather all the materials".

What is a formal alternative to "next in sequence"?

A formal alternative to "next in sequence" is "subsequent" or "following in order". These options are suitable for academic or professional writing.

Is "next in sequence" redundant? Can I just say "next"?

While "next in sequence" can sometimes be redundant, it emphasizes the ordered nature of the progression. Saying simply "next" may suffice in many contexts, but "next in sequence" highlights the structured arrangement.

What's the difference between "next in sequence" and "subsequent"?

"Next in sequence" specifies the immediate following item in a series, whereas "subsequent" can refer to any item that follows, not necessarily the very next one. "Subsequent" implies a later occurrence, but not necessarily the one directly after.