next steps

USAGE SUMMARY

"next steps" is a perfectly valid and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You could use it when you are transitioning from discussing one thing to discussing something else - for example: "We've discussed the challenges we face, now let's look at the next steps we need to take."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Next steps?

The Guardian

No next steps.

Stanford University

The next steps are unclear.

The New York Times

Jointly design next steps.

Harvard Business Review

Your next steps?

The Washington Post

Next steps for citizen science.

Cornell University

What are the next steps?

University of California, Berkeley

The next steps are uncertain.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

No next step.

The Guardian

Next step: rent controls.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The natural next step?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When outlining project plans or strategies, use "next steps" to clearly define the immediate actions required for progress.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "next steps" without clearly defining what those steps entail. Always provide concrete and actionable information to ensure clarity and prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "next steps" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to denote the subsequent actions or stages in a process or plan. As Ludwig AI suggests, it serves to transition the focus towards future actions, outlining what needs to be done after the current point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "next steps" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that serves to outline subsequent actions in a plan or process. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It is most commonly found in news and media, academia, and wiki sources, indicating its relevance across diverse contexts. To use it effectively, ensure you provide specific and actionable details rather than simply stating the phrase. Consider alternatives such as "subsequent actions" or "future actions" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subsequent actions

Focuses on actions that follow in sequence.

future actions

Highlights actions planned for the future.

further actions

Emphasizes additional actions to be taken.

future course of action

Implies a planned direction for future activities.

what comes next

Focuses on the immediate future and the following events.

what follows

Highlights the subsequent events or actions.

ensuing actions

Refers to actions that immediately result from a prior action.

later stages

Focuses on the advanced phases of a process.

proceeding actions

Indicates actions that are in progress or will be undertaken.

follow-up actions

Specifies actions taken after an initial step.

FAQs

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

You can use "next steps" to transition to a discussion of subsequent actions, such as, "We've reviewed the results; now let's discuss the "next steps"".

What are some alternatives to "next steps"?

Alternatives include "subsequent actions", "future actions", or "further actions", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "next step" or "next steps"?

Use "next step" when referring to a single action, and "next steps" when referring to multiple actions or a series of actions.

What is the difference between "next steps" and "future plans"?

"Next steps" typically refers to immediate, actionable items, while "future plans" covers broader, longer-term objectives.