the very next thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the very next thing" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the next task, event, or action that will happen in a sequence. Example: After finishing their meal, the group decided that the very next thing they should do was go for a walk in the park.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The very next thing he said, though, was this: "I want people to see my experience as what it is, the most important thing in my life".

The New York Times

"Of course it's far too early to say what's coming but we're reasonably confident that the very next thing to happen to Sherlock and John is the very last thing you'd expect," said Moffat earlier this year.

Independent

When we sat them down to tell them we were getting a divorce – they were 12, 9, and 5 at the time — the very next thing we said was: But nothing's changing for you.

The New York Times - Health

"What happens in therapy," Pollens said, "is that people come in asking for help, and then the very next thing they do is they try to stop you helping them".

The Guardian

Feel the discomfort, process the "data," rest, refuel, refocus, and do the very next thing to move yourself forward.

Forbes

However, after giving that warning, the very next thing that Eun said was that we should all "keep doing what we do".

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Do the very next easy thing.

Forbes

While I may not have been able to attend Educause this year, the most prestigious higher education conference in the U.S., I did get to experience the very next best thing - a CXOTalk with three of the most social CIOs in all of higher education.

HuffPost

According to the very next verse, all living things are to eat plants, not one another (1 29-30), which suggests the bloodshed of 9 1-7 is less than ideal (cf. 6 5-7).

Huffington Post

They need 125 off 60. 11th over: Australia 82-4 (Hussey 5, White 16) Still Afridi and oh I say that is a lovely shot from White launching him over midwicket for six, down on one knee, and then doing the same thing the very next ball for another one.

The Guardian - Sport

(The plan, legend has it, was to teach kids about history. The instant and incredible success of the Daleks in the very next adventure, however, would move things around a bit).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the very next thing" to clearly indicate the immediate sequence of actions or events, enhancing clarity and flow in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "the very next thing" excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging. Instead, vary your language by incorporating alternatives like "subsequently" or "thereafter" to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very next thing" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the timing or sequence of an action. It specifies that an action or event occurred immediately after a previous one. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very next thing" is a grammatically sound and common phrase used to denote the immediate successor in a sequence of actions or events. Ludwig confirms this. While versatile, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. To enhance your writing, use the phrase judiciously, ensuring clarity and avoiding overuse. For variety, consider alternatives such as "subsequently" or "the immediate next step", depending on the context. With its clear and concise function, "the very next thing" is a valuable tool for any writer seeking to establish a clear chronological order.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the subsequent action

Focuses on the action that follows, providing a more formal tone.

the immediate next step

Emphasizes the urgency or directness of the following step.

the following event

Highlights the chronological order of events.

what happened immediately after

Describes the temporal proximity of the succeeding occurrence.

the very first thing

Contrasts with focusing on what comes after, instead emphasizing the initial action.

the next item on the list

Refers specifically to items in a predefined order.

the thing that followed

Offers a simpler, more casual way to describe a sequence of events.

and then

Provides a concise connector indicating the succeeding action.

the next course of action

Specifically refers to a following decision or action.

the resulting action

Highlights that the next thing is a consequence of a previous event.

FAQs

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

You can use "the very next thing" to describe the immediate action or event that follows a previous one. For example, "After the presentation, the very next thing we did was gather feedback from the audience."

What are some alternatives to using "the very next thing"?

Alternatives to "the very next thing" include phrases such as "the subsequent action", "the immediate next step", or simply "and then", depending on the context.

Is "the very next thing" formal or informal?

"The very next thing" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might prefer a more sophisticated alternative such as "thereafter".

What's the difference between "the very next thing" and "the first thing"?

"The very next thing" refers to the action or event that immediately follows something else in a sequence, while "the first thing" refers to the initial action or event. They denote opposite ends of a sequence; one describes what comes after, and the other describes what starts it.