next time

USAGE SUMMARY

"next time" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It can be used when referring to a future event that has already happened once in the past, for example: "I forgot to bring my umbrella the last time we went to the beach, but I won't make the same mistake next time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Next time?

The New York Times - Magazine

Next time, next time.

The New York Times - Sports

Next time, he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Tune in next time!

The New York Times

The biopsy next time.

The New York Times

Next time, be specific.

The New York Times

Maybe next time.

The New York Times

I'll explain next time.

The New Yorker

Until next time.

The New Yorker

Next time, ask.

The New York Times

See you next time.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "next time" to offer encouragement or set expectations for future performance, as in "Next time, try a different approach."

Common error

Avoid using "next time" when referring to a general future event that isn't a direct continuation of a past one. Instead, use phrases like "in the future" or "eventually".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "next time" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase of time, indicating a future occasion that is subsequent to a previous one. Ludwig shows it is used to refer to a future occurrence of something already experienced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "next time" serves as a versatile adverbial phrase referring to a future occasion, often with the implication of a repeated event or action. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki. While generally neutral in register, its usage should be tailored to avoid ambiguity. Remember to use "next time" when referring to a specific future instance linked to a past event, and consider alternatives like "subsequent occasion" for more formal settings. Steer clear of using it when discussing general future events unrelated to previous occurrences. The widespread usage and clear grammatical function make "next time" a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the very next time

Highlights the immediacy of the next occurrence or event.

the following time

A more descriptive variation that highlights the immediate succession of events.

next instance

Emphasizes a specific occurrence or event in the future.

subsequent occasion

Replaces "next time" with a more formal phrase emphasizing the following instance.

the next go-around

Introduces a more informal term implying a repeated cycle or attempt.

in the future

Offers a broader reference to a future point, lacking the direct implication of a repeated event.

on another occasion

Indicates an unspecified future instance, which may or may not be closely related to the present.

on the return

Suggests a cyclical event or action is set to occur again.

a future time

A general way to refer to an event or action occurring in the future.

at a later date

Shifts the focus to a more distant point in the future, generally lacking immediate repetition.

FAQs

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

You can use "next time" to refer to a future instance of something that has already happened. For example, "I'll remember to bring my keys next time."

What's a more formal way to say "next time"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "subsequent occasion" or "future opportunity", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the next time" instead of "next time"?

Both "next time" and "the next time" are grammatically correct, but "next time" is often more concise and commonly used. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What is the difference between "next time" and "last time"?

"Next time" refers to a future event, while "last time" refers to a past event. For example, "Next time, I'll be prepared," contrasts with "Last time, I was unprepared."