the next step should be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the next step should be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when outlining a sequence of actions or suggesting what to do next in a process or discussion. Example: "After completing the initial analysis, the next step should be to gather feedback from the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The next step should be its release.

The New York Times

Now that they've done that, the supreme court will decide what the next step should be.

The Guardian

He said the next step should be to conduct tests on the Dominican remains.

The New York Times

I think the next step should be to rescue the parents.

The New York Times - Magazine

But he said that the next step should be looking at existing laws.

The New York Times

He said the next step should be prosecuting the gunman and mastermind behind the crime.

The New York Times

The next step should be to deregulate pension funds and let private managers run them.

The Economist

He suggested that the next step should be testing human analysts with the same set of data.

The New York Times

Marianne Vos, the multi-disciplinary multiple world champion believes that the next step should be a fully integrated racing calendar.

The Guardian - Sport

The next step should be a rigorous epidemiologic study of a possible link between stimulants and PTSD in our troops.

The New York Times

"The problem has been that we have not been able to reach anything like a national consensus on what the next step should be," Mr. Bromley said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the next step should be", ensure it logically follows the preceding action or statement. Avoid using it as a standalone statement without context.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "the next step should be" can make your writing sound stiff or overly formal, especially in casual conversation. Opt for more natural alternatives like 'what's next?' or 'then we can'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the next step should be" functions as a transitional phrase, indicating a progression or sequence of actions. It suggests what action is advisable or necessary following a current situation. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is widely used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the next step should be" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to suggest or recommend a subsequent action. As shown by Ludwig, it's common in news, science, and business contexts, indicating a neutral to formal tone. While versatile, avoid overuse in very informal settings where alternatives like 'what's next?' might be more appropriate. The phrase logically connects ideas and outlines progressive actions, making it valuable in both writing and conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the subsequent action should be

Replaces 'next step' with 'subsequent action' maintaining a formal tone.

the immediate priority is to

Focuses on the urgency and importance of the next action.

the recommended course of action is

Highlights the suggested nature of the action.

the next logical move is

Focuses on the strategic aspect of the following action.

the logical progression is to

Uses 'logical progression' to emphasize the reason behind the next action.

the appropriate response should be

Emphasizes the suitability of the action in a given situation.

the ensuing measure ought to be

Employs 'ensuing measure' to denote a formal and necessary action.

we should then proceed to

Indicates a transition to the next part of a process.

it would be advisable to

Suggests the next action as a recommendation.

what follows is

A concise way to introduce the subsequent action.

FAQs

How can I use "the next step should be" in a sentence?

You can use "the next step should be" to suggest a logical action following a current situation. For example, "Now that we've gathered the data, the next step should be to analyze it".

What are some alternatives to "the next step should be"?

Alternatives include "the subsequent action should be", "the logical progression is to", or "it would be advisable to", depending on the context.

Is "the next step should be" formal or informal?

While grammatically correct in both formal and informal contexts, "the next step should be" leans towards a more neutral to formal tone. Consider the audience and choose alternatives if a more casual tone is desired.

What's the difference between "the next step should be" and "the next step is"?

"The next step should be" suggests a recommendation or a course of action that is considered appropriate, whereas "the next step is" indicates a definitive action that will occur. The former allows for some flexibility, while the latter implies a planned sequence.