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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

what's the next step

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Everybody's like, 'What's the next step?' ".

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News & Media

The New York Times

What's the next step?

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News & Media

The New York Times

But what's the next step?

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News & Media

The New York Times

"They ask: 'What's the next step?

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News & Media

The New York Times

"What's the next step?" Miller asked.

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News & Media

The New Yorker

"It was, 'O.K., what's the next step?' ".

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News & Media

The New York Times
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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

What's the next big step?

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News & Media

The New York Times

"But it was not our time yet, so let's see what the next step is for us.

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News & Media

BBC

Replying to the question "if the family still wants everything done in case of physician's physiologic futility judgment, what is the next step?", more than 24% replied that patient and family wishes had to be followed.

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Science

BMC Medical Ethics

Many of the Spanish lyrics are about isolation and disorientation: as most great bands do three or four albums into a career, Cafe Tacuba has made a record about entering one's 30's and wondering what the next step is.

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News & Media

The New York Times - Arts

What is the next step?

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News & Media

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your audience. While "what's the next step" is generally acceptable, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "what is the subsequent action".

Common error

Avoid using "what's the next step" without clearly establishing the current situation. Without context, the question becomes meaningless.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what's the next step" functions as an interrogative phrase, specifically used to inquire about the subsequent action or stage in a process. Ludwig AI shows it's often used to progress discussions or decision-making in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what's the next step" is a commonly used interrogative phrase to ask about the subsequent action in a process. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, primarily in News & Media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, you may consider more formal alternatives depending on the situation. Ensure clarity by providing context to the question. By considering appropriate alternatives and understanding the context, you can effectively communicate the need for progression and action. Based on Ludwig, a good understanding of the phrase ensures effective communication in various settings.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "what's the next step" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "what is the subsequent action" or "what action should be taken next". These options provide a more professional and structured approach.

What are some alternatives to "what's the next step" in a casual conversation?

In casual settings, you can use phrases like "what should be done from here", "what comes after this", or "where do we go from here" to keep the tone relaxed and conversational.

Is "what's the next step" appropriate for business communication?

While generally acceptable, "what's the next step" can sometimes sound too informal for certain business contexts. Depending on the company's culture, consider opting for more formal alternatives like "what are the follow-up measures" or "how do we proceed from here" for emails or presentations.

How does "what's the next step" differ from "what's the plan of action"?

"What's the next step" seeks the immediate, sequential action, while "what's the plan of action" inquires about a detailed strategy. The former is for short-term progress, the latter for long-term strategic direction.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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