Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
the next happens
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "the next happens" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to an event or action that follows another, but it lacks clarity and proper structure. Example: "After the meeting concludes, the next happens when we discuss the project timeline."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
The last one visible from within New York City was in 1925 and lasted no more than a minute; the next happens in 2079.
News & Media
You meet one; then, when you pass to the next room, you discover the other, so the first is already a memory before the next "happens again".
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
The next happened with the invention of the printing press.
News & Media
Transitions from one state to the next happen with some probability which is close to 1.0 for the consensus state and far less likely for the other possible states.
Science
It's the next happening place".
News & Media
I perforce awaited the sound of whatever next happened.
News & Media
The next patient happens to be the young lady.
News & Media
The action to jump to the next state happens at the falling edge of key press.
Academia
The hope is that when the next outbreak happens, the world will be far better prepared, said Chou.
Academia
The next death happens within the family or the circle of acquaintances, and then, they come back, and so on.
Science
And then the next play happened.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using the phrase "the next happens" in formal writing. Opt for clearer and more grammatically correct alternatives such as "what happens next" or "the next event occurs".
Common error
A common mistake is to use "happens" as a standalone verb without a clear subject or context. Ensure the sentence has a subject or rewrite it to use a more precise verb.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "the next happens" functions as an incomplete statement indicating a following event or action. However, it lacks grammatical correctness and clarity, as indicated by Ludwig. It requires additional context to form a complete thought.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
25%
Wiki
25%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "the next happens" is grammatically questionable and lacks clarity. While examples exist across various sources, including news and media, its usage is infrequent and should be approached with caution. Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect, recommending clearer alternatives like "what happens next". When writing, prioritize precision and grammatical accuracy by opting for more conventional phrasing to convey the intended meaning of subsequent events.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
what happens next
Focuses on the immediate sequence of events, posing a direct question about the subsequent action.
the next event occurs
Replaces "happens" with the more formal "occurs" for greater precision and clarity.
the subsequent event transpires
Substitutes both "next" and "happens" with more elevated vocabulary to denote a later event.
the following action takes place
Emphasizes the action that follows, using a clearer verb phrase.
then comes the next thing
Adds the adverb "then" to emphasize the sequence of events and replaces "happens" with "comes".
the next thing that occurs
Clarifies the phrase by specifying "thing that occurs" instead of simply "happens".
the subsequent developments unfold
Uses "developments" and "unfold" to suggest a gradual progression of events.
what will ensue
Focuses on the consequences and uses a more formal verb "ensue".
the aftermath
Shifts the focus to what follows after an event, without explicitly stating what occurs.
the ensuing consequences
Highlights the results or effects that follow an initial action or event.
FAQs
Is "the next happens" grammatically correct?
No, "the next happens" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It's better to use phrases like "what happens next" or "the next event occurs".
What are some alternatives to "the next happens"?
Alternatives include "what happens next", "the next event occurs", or "the subsequent event transpires", depending on the desired level of formality.
How can I use a more precise phrase instead of "the next happens"?
To be more precise, specify the subject or event. For example, instead of "the next happens", use "the next step takes place" or "the following action takes place".
What is the difference between "the next happens" and "what happens next"?
"The next happens" is grammatically awkward and less clear. "What happens next" is a grammatically correct question or statement that directly inquires about or indicates the subsequent event.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested