next natural step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "next natural step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a logical progression or sequence of actions that follow from a previous situation or decision. Example: "After completing the initial phase of the project, the next natural step is to gather feedback from the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

This is just the next natural step in that progression".

The New York Times - Arts

Individual evaluation of board members would seem the next natural step, she writes.

The New York Times

The next natural step for the Southport golfer is to win a major championship.

The Guardian - Sport

It seemed like the next natural step that I should have this kind of knowledge as well.

The New Yorker

The next natural step would be for private companies to enter the game, something that has not happened yet.

The New York Times

The next natural step in men's media was online and mobile, both of which became more important as print sales declined.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Sajeeb "fell into" DJing as the next natural step being that it's how electronic music is typically performed and Jai Wolf was soon born.

Forbes

But it's the natural next step, next challenge, next level for us".

The New York Times

The natural next step?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It seemed like the natural next step.

The New York Times

The Internet was the natural next step.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "next natural step" when you want to suggest that something is a logical and almost inevitable progression from a previous action or state. This phrase is effective when outlining a plan, explaining a decision, or describing a process.

Common error

While "next natural step" is useful, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. This can make your text sound repetitive and predictable. Instead, vary your language by using alternatives like "logical next step" or "ensuing step" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "next natural step" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a specific action or stage in a process that logically follows a previous one. As Ludwig AI suggests, it signifies a progression or sequence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

28%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "next natural step" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a logical progression or sequence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across diverse fields like news, science, and academia. When writing, use this phrase to signal a clear and expected progression, but avoid overuse. Instead, consider alternatives like "logical next step" or "subsequent step". This phrase is effective for outlining plans, explaining decisions, and describing processes, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

logical next step

Replaces "natural" with "logical", emphasizing the reasoning behind the progression.

subsequent step

Focuses on the temporal sequence, indicating what follows directly after.

inevitable next step

Highlights the unavoidable nature of the progression.

obvious next step

Emphasizes the clear and apparent nature of the progression.

reasonable next step

Focuses on the justification or rationale behind the progression.

expected next step

Highlights anticipation or predictability in the progression.

ensuing step

A more formal way to indicate the step that follows.

following action

Shifts from "step" to "action", broadening the scope slightly.

natural consequence

Emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship leading to the progression.

the path forward

Implies a direction or journey, suggesting the progression is part of a larger plan.

FAQs

How can I use "next natural step" in a sentence?

You can use "next natural step" to describe a logical progression or sequence of actions. For example: "After completing the initial research, the "next natural step" is to analyze the data."

What can I say instead of "next natural step"?

You can use alternatives like "logical next step", "subsequent step", or "obvious next step" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "next logical step" or "next natural step"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. "Next logical step" emphasizes the reasoning behind the progression, while "next natural step" suggests a more inherent or expected sequence. Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "next natural step"?

It's appropriate to use "next natural step" when discussing a process, plan, or decision where one action logically follows another. It's particularly effective when you want to highlight the expected or almost inevitable nature of the progression.