the next person

USAGE SUMMARY

"the next person" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a person who will come after someone else in a sequence or order. Example: "The teacher asked the students to line up and the next person in line would be the first to present their project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not more than the next person.

The New Yorker

The next person tells a similar story.

The Guardian

Then the next person moves a step.

The New York Times

Where is the next person?

The New Yorker

She's as flawed as the next person.

The New Yorker

"Is it enough for the next person?

The Guardian

It's waiting for the next person".

The New Yorker

I'm as sentimental as the next person.

Harvard Business Review

"I'm as flawed as the next person," she said.

The New Yorker

The next person set for Apatow-endorsed stardom?

Independent

"I'll give the conch to the next person to speak.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the next person" in instructions or procedures, be clear about the context. For instance, specify what sequence or order determines who "the next person" is. For example, "After you finish, the next person in line should begin".

Common error

Avoid using "the next person" without a clear reference point. Ensure the audience understands who is being referred to; otherwise, the phrase can lead to confusion. For instance, instead of just saying "The next person should do it", specify "The next person on the list should do it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the next person" functions as a determiner phrase identifying a specific individual in a sequence. As shown in Ludwig, this can be used literally to describe the following person or figuratively to describe a person with a shared quality with the prior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the next person" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to refer to someone following in a sequence or to denote a person comparable to others. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its frequency is considered very common, especially in News & Media. When using "the next person", ensure that the context clearly defines the sequence or order to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases, such as "the following individual" or "another person", offer alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the next individual

A more formal substitute, maintaining the same meaning.

the next in line

Highlights the order of succession or sequence.

the following individual

Emphasizes the sequential aspect, focusing on the person who comes after.

the subsequent person

Highlights the temporal sequence, indicating the person that follows in time.

the person after that

Specifies the person who comes immediately after a particular individual or event.

the succeeding person

Implies a person who takes over a role or position from someone else.

a future candidate

Highlights the sequence of candidates and the next one in line

another person

Indicates a different individual, without necessarily implying a sequence.

a successor

Highlights the replacement of one person for the other, being the immediate after.

someone else

A more casual way to refer to a different person.

FAQs

How can I use "the next person" in a sentence?

You can use "the next person" to refer to an individual following in a sequence, like: "After I present, "the next person" will take the stage".

What phrases are similar to "the next person"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the following individual", "the subsequent person", or "another person" depending on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "the next person"?

The use of "the next person" is generally correct; however, it may be unclear if the context doesn't clearly define who "next" refers to. Ensure there's a clear reference point to avoid ambiguity.

What's the difference between "the next person" and "another person"?

"The next person" implies a specific sequence or order, whereas "another person" simply indicates a different individual without suggesting a specific order. For example, "The next person in line, please" versus "Could "another person" help me with this task?"