the next decade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the next decade" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the upcoming ten-year period from the current year. Example: "In the next decade, we expect significant advancements in technology and sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

That's for the next decade.

The New York Times - Arts

That could change over the next decade.

The New York Times

The projections were for the next decade.

The New York Times

Everything changed in the next decade.

The New York Times - Sports

For the next decade, Burma enjoyed relative peace.

The New Yorker

The losing streak continued for the next decade.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Make the next decade count.

The New York Times - Arts

THE NEXT DECADE, by George Friedman.

The New York Times

In the next decade this could change.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The next decade was immensely productive.

The New Yorker

Over the next decade, many more followed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When making predictions, combine "the next decade" with verbs like "expect", "anticipate", or "project" to clearly convey future expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "the next decade" when you intend to refer to a particular year within that decade. For example, instead of saying "the advancements in the next decade", if you are referring to 2027, be specific and say "the advancements in 2027".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the next decade" functions as a temporal noun phrase, specifying a period of ten years from the current time. Ludwig examples showcase its use in predictions, plans, and expectations related to future events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the next decade" is a temporal phrase used to refer to the ten-year period starting from the present. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news and media, science, and encyclopedic contexts. It's suitable for making predictions and discussing future trends. Alternatives include "the coming ten years" or "the subsequent decade". Remember to use the phrase to refer to a future period, as it could be confusing if used for a past one. When making predictions, combine it with verbs like "expect" or "anticipate" for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the coming ten years

Replaces "next" with "coming" while specifying the length of time.

the following ten years

Substitutes "next" with "following" and specifies the time frame.

the subsequent decade

Uses "subsequent" as a more formal synonym for "next".

in the decade ahead

Emphasizes anticipation of the coming years.

within the next ten years

Adds a sense of limitation, implying something will happen before the decade concludes.

over the next ten years

Focuses on the progression and duration through the specified timeframe.

the years ahead

A more general reference to the future, less specific than a decade.

the timeframe of ten years

A more descriptive way to refer to the period, suitable for formal contexts.

the period of ten years

Similar to the previous phrase, providing a descriptive and formal alternative.

the outlook for the 2030s

References a specific decade, providing more concreteness if the current year is in the 2020s.

FAQs

How do I use "the next decade" in a sentence?

Use "the next decade" to refer to the period of ten years starting from the present time. For example, "We anticipate significant technological advancements in "the next decade"".

What is a more formal alternative to "the next decade"?

A more formal alternative to "the next decade" is "the subsequent decade", which is suitable for academic or business contexts.

What's the difference between "the next decade" and "the coming decade"?

"The next decade" and "the coming decade" are largely interchangeable, both referring to the ten-year period that follows the present. "Coming" might imply a slightly stronger sense of anticipation.

Can I use "the next decade" to refer to a past period?

No, "the next decade" refers to a future period. To refer to a past ten-year period, specify the years, such as "the 1980s" or "the decade from 2000 to 2010".