the very next

USAGE SUMMARY

"the very next" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means the very next or nearest in time, order, or place. Example: After finishing my exam, I was excited to move on to the very next class on my schedule.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But the very next day, everything changed.

Independent

The very next day it became law.

The New York Times

Which he did, the very next day.

The New York Times

The very next day, the dishwasher broke.

The New York Times

The very next evening she quit.

The Guardian - Opinion

The very next sentence, she tells me.

The Guardian - Sport

Labour began the very next day.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then tumbled the very next day!

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"The very next year, bingo.

The New York Times

The very next month, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan.

The New Yorker

In the very next week, I had created my app.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the very next" to create a sense of immediacy and direct sequence in your writing. This helps to connect events closely in time, enhancing clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "the very next" too frequently in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "subsequent" or "immediately following".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very next" functions as an adverbial modifier, emphasizing the immediate succession of events. Ludwig AI's examples illustrate its use in indicating what happened directly after a specific point in time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

12%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very next" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize the immediate sequence of events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts, most notably in news and media. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, it's wise to consider alternatives in highly formal settings to maintain a sophisticated tone. By understanding its function and appropriate usage, you can effectively employ "the very next" to create a sense of immediacy and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the very next instant

Amplifies the immediacy and closeness in time.

the following moment

Highlights the close temporal proximity of the subsequent event.

the subsequent day

Specifically refers to the next day in a sequence of events.

immediately afterwards

Emphasizes the immediate succession of events using an adverbial phrase.

directly following that

Emphasizes a clear and immediate sequence with a formal tone.

the instant after

Stresses the instantaneous nature of the following occurrence.

right after that

Uses a more conversational tone to indicate what happened immediately after.

the moment thereafter

Signifies the point in time immediately after a specific event.

on the heels of that

Indicates that something closely follows another event, often with a sense of rapid succession.

in the immediate aftermath

Focuses on the period right after an event, often with implications of consequence.

FAQs

What does "the very next" mean?

The phrase "the very next" indicates something occurring immediately after something else, emphasizing the close temporal proximity between two events.

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

You can use "the very next" to describe an event that follows another without any delay, such as, "She finished her presentation, and "immediately afterwards", she received a standing ovation."

What are some alternatives to "the very next"?

Alternatives include phrases like "immediately afterwards", "the following moment", or "the instant after", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it appropriate to use "the very next" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "the very next" might sound less formal than alternatives like "subsequent" or "immediately following" in academic or professional contexts. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.