that comes next

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that comes next" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that follows in a sequence or order, often in instructions or narratives. Example: "After you complete the first step, you will need to focus on what comes next to ensure a smooth process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

The somber Sarabande that comes next unfolds with stately elegance.

The New York Times

Forget about everything that comes next and focus on that most important factor.

The Economist

Of course, looks do matter, because they influence the experience that comes next.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you are trying to build the thing that comes next, early access to information about the things that are out there helps you".

The Economist

First it was Nauman, then Viola and me, now it's finished," he explains to Wotton: lucky if true, really, considering the chaos that comes next.

The New York Times - Books

Quite a different mood informs the drawing in brown ink and brown wash that comes next, "King David Rising After the Death of His Child" by Benjamin West.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The Nazi occupation that came next met minimal resistance.

The Economist

I hadn't planned the words that came next, but come they did.

The New York Times

The gold coins that came next really caught the Iberian sun and the spirits.

The Economist

I don't want to discuss the nightmare that came next: my wife's reaction, the reaction of my relatives who saw me in this condition.

The New Yorker

"Notes from Underground" feels like a warmup for the colossus that came next, "Crime and Punishment," though, in certain key ways, it's a more uncompromising book.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions or describing a sequence of events, use "that comes next" to clearly signal the order and progression. This helps ensure your audience can follow your reasoning or process step by step.

Common error

Avoid using "that comes next" repetitively in narratives where the sequence is already obvious. Opt for simpler transitions like "then" or "afterward" to maintain a natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that comes next" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun or pronoun. According to Ludwig, it is a commonly used phrase. In the examples provided, it introduces the subsequent element in a sequence, action, or list.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that comes next" functions as a relative clause to indicate sequential order, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is frequently seen in News & Media, and to a lesser extent in Wiki and Science contexts, marking it as a commonly used expression with a neutral register. While it's grammatically correct and serves to guide audiences through a sequence or process, it should be used judiciously to avoid redundancy. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and broad applicability, also providing alternatives like "what follows after that" or "the subsequent action".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the next step in the process

Highlights that it is the subsequent action in a series of steps or instructions.

what follows after that

Emphasizes a straightforward sequence of events or items.

the subsequent action

Highlights that something follows as a consequence or result.

the succeeding event

Focuses on the chronological order and the event that directly follows.

the following phase

Indicates a transition to the subsequent phase of a project.

what happens afterward

Stresses the timing and what transpires after a specific point.

the ensuing period

Emphasizes the time that follows after a particular event or condition.

that which is impending

Highlights that something is threateningly or excitingly about to happen.

the future course of action

Points toward intended or expected steps to be taken later.

the resultant development

Emphasizes that something is the effect or outcome of a previous situation.

FAQs

How can I use "that comes next" in a sentence?

Use "that comes next" to introduce a subsequent action or step in a sequence. For example, "After the introduction, "that comes next" is the methodology section."

What are some alternatives to using "that comes next"?

You can use alternatives like "the following step", "afterward", or "subsequently". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "what comes next" instead of "that comes next"?

Yes, "what comes next" is also grammatically correct and often interchangeable with "that comes next". The choice depends on your sentence structure and preferred style.

How does "that comes next" compare to "the next step" in instructions?

"That comes next" implies a flow in a series of events, while "the next step" is used specifically for structured instructions. Consider "the next step" when a manual is being composed, while thinking of using "that comes next" when narrating a story.