then next year

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then next year" is not correct in written English.
It is redundant because "then" and "next year" both imply a future time reference. Example: "We will implement the new policy then next year."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"Then next year is another year," he added.

The New York Times - Sports

"Then next year, no income, no deposit because it's based on earnings".

The New York Times

And then next year, long after you'd thrown it out, that another one appeared.

The New Yorker

"We can improve this year and then next year," Mancini said.

The Guardian - Sport

"If for some strange reason it doesn't work," he said, "then next year we'll try a different place".

The New York Times - Arts

"If we have a good season then next year Darren Ferguson will be managing in the Premier League.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

If your property tax bill can be paid in January instead of December, then next year a delay may save taxes.

The New York Times

Underlying deficit – excluding Royal Mail pension scheme and asset purchase facility – due to fall to 6.8% of GDP this year (previous prediction was 7.5%), then next year 5.6%, then 4.4%, 2.7 %, 1.2.

The Guardian

Even if you just go in the chorus or have a very small part then next year they will remember you took part are it shows you are committed.

WikiHow

People are afraid that the information " will be put in a file in a government department where somebody could be the officer this year, then next year it is somebody else, or next month somebody goes on vacation and someone comes in and sees confidential information.

BMC Public Health

"Both places will get somebody good, really good — if not this year, then next year or the year after.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When speaking, if you use "then next year", be aware that it is redundant, but it might add emphasis in informal contexts. However, aim to replace it in any formal communication.

Common error

Be mindful of redundant phrasing. The word "then" already implies a sequence in time, so adding "next year" creates unnecessary repetition. Choose one or the other, or rephrase for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then next year" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating a point in time subsequent to the present. However, Ludwig AI indicates that its usage is not correct in written English due to redundancy, as both "then" and "next year" convey a future time reference. Some examples are provided in Ludwig to showcase the context, but they don't legitimize the grammar.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "then next year" is frequently found in various sources, but Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect due to redundancy. While its intent is clear—to specify an event occurring the year after the current one—it's best to avoid this phrase in formal writing. Opt for concise alternatives like "the following year" or "the year after". The redundancy stems from the word "then" already implying a sequence. While prevalent in news and media, aiming for grammatical precision will improve the clarity and professionalism of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the following year

Replaces "then next year" with a more concise and grammatically sound alternative, focusing on the subsequent year.

the year after

Similar to "the following year", it provides a clear and grammatically correct way to refer to the year after the current one.

in the subsequent year

Offers a slightly more formal way of saying "the following year", suitable for formal contexts.

a year from then

Emphasizes the temporal distance from a specific point in time.

the year ahead

Focuses on the future and the year that is coming, rather than explicitly referencing the next year in sequence.

next calendar year

Highlights the start of a new calendar, differentiating from fiscal or other year definitions.

one year later

Stresses the passage of time and the event occurring a year after a certain point.

the proximate year

Proximate means 'nearest' or 'closest'. Highlights the year immediately following the present.

within the next 365 days

Quantifies the timeframe using a specific measurement of duration.

coming year

Short, general reference to a year that will happen soon.

FAQs

What is a more grammatically sound alternative to "then next year"?

Instead of "then next year", consider using phrases like "the following year" or "the year after", which are grammatically correct and equally clear.

Is "then next year" considered incorrect in formal writing?

Yes, "then next year" is generally considered incorrect in formal writing due to its redundancy. Using just "next year" or replacing the entire phrase with "the subsequent year" is preferable.

Can I use "then next year" in spoken English?

While "then next year" might be acceptable in casual spoken English, it's still redundant. Be mindful of your audience and context; using clearer and more concise language will always improve communication.

How can I avoid using redundant phrases like "then next year"?

Pay attention to how you express time sequences. If a word already implies a future action (like "then"), avoid adding additional words like "next year" that repeat the same meaning. Practice rephrasing sentences to eliminate unnecessary words.