what's next

USAGE SUMMARY

"what's next" is a valid phrase in written English, and can be used at any time when one wants to inquire about what might happen next in a given situation.
For example, "We've discussed the main points of the project, so what's next?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Video: Apple's iPad: What's Next?

Forbes

What's next? A. What's next!

The New York Times

People fear what's next.

The Washington Post

Everybody was wondering what's next.

The Guardian - Sport

Seniors, well, they know what's next.

The Washington Post

And so to what's next.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

So what's this year's summer song?

The New Yorker

4. What's this year's big issue?

The Washington Post

What's this year's pace car?

BBC

But what's today's phrase?

BBC

What's today's message?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what's next" to transition smoothly between topics or phases in a discussion or presentation. It effectively signals a shift in focus to future actions or considerations.

Common error

While versatile, "what's next" may sound too informal in highly professional or academic settings. Consider using more formal alternatives like "what are the subsequent steps" or "what follows" to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what's next" functions as an interrogative phrase used to solicit information about future actions or developments. It prompts a response indicating the subsequent steps or plans. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what's next" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to inquire about subsequent actions or future developments. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in highly professional settings. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While generally neutral in register, writers should be mindful of the audience and purpose to determine if a more formal phrasing is necessary. Considering related phrases like "what comes next" or "what are the next steps" can enhance clarity and precision in writing. The phrase is a valuable tool for smooth transitions and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what comes next

Changes the wording to emphasize the sequential aspect of future events.

what follows

Emphasizes the immediate consequence or subsequent action.

what's in store

Indicates anticipation or curiosity about future experiences or events.

what will happen

Focuses on the unfolding of future events without specifying immediate action.

what's on the horizon

Implies future developments that are foreseeable or anticipated.

where do we go from here

Suggests a need for direction or a plan of action after a certain point.

what are the next steps

Focuses specifically on the actions or procedures that should be taken subsequently.

what's the plan

Inquires about the intended course of action or strategy moving forward.

what shall we do now

Expresses a need for immediate action or a decision on the next course of action.

how do we proceed

Emphasizes the manner or method in which the future course of action should be carried out.

FAQs

How can I use "what's next" in a sentence?

Use "what's next" to inquire about future actions, plans, or developments. For example, "We've completed the initial phase; what's next?" or "The presentation covered the basics; what's next for the audience?"

What can I say instead of "what's next"?

You can use alternatives like "what comes next", "what follows", or "what are the next steps" depending on the context.

Is "what is next" grammatically correct instead of "what's next"?

While "what is next" is grammatically correct, "what's next" is a contraction and is more commonly used in informal contexts. The choice depends on the formality of the situation.

When is it appropriate to use "what's next"?

"What's next" is appropriate in a wide range of scenarios, from casual conversations to business meetings, when you want to inquire about the subsequent steps or developments. However, consider more formal alternatives in very formal settings.