what about next

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what about next" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about the next steps or future plans in a conversation or discussion. Example: "We have discussed the current project. What about next? What should we focus on moving forward?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

But what about next time?

The Guardian

What about next month?

The New Yorker

And what about next time?

The New York Times - Magazine

But what about next week?

The New Yorker

And what about next Sunday at Atlanta?

The New York Times - Sports

"But what about next year's team?" he added.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

What about next-generation technologies that can make the experience for the everyday mobile user more magical?

TechCrunch

OK, so these might be Lions of the future, but what about next year's opposition?

BBC

So what about the next billion people, the next five billion people.

TechCrunch

And what about next year's rookies?

The New York Times - Sports

But what about next year, and the year after that?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what about next" to transition smoothly between topics or stages in a discussion, prompting consideration of subsequent steps or related issues. Frame your inquiry clearly to guide the conversation effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "what about next" excessively in formal writing or presentations, as it can sound too casual. Opt for more structured transitions or direct questions to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what about next" functions as an interrogative phrase used to prompt further discussion or consideration of subsequent actions, plans, or topics. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

12.5%

Less common in

Wiki

6.25%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what about next" serves as a prompt to consider future actions, plans, or topics, functioning primarily as an interrogative phrase. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, mainly in news and media, scientific publications, and formal business communications. While generally neutral in register, it's more suitable for conversational settings but less fitting in highly formal writing. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "what comes next" or "what is the next step" to maintain clarity and professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What's the next step?

Focuses specifically on the immediate action to be taken.

What happens then?

Inquires about the subsequent event or outcome.

Where do we go from here?

Implies a need for direction or a plan moving forward.

What's coming up?

Asks about future events or deadlines.

What's on the horizon?

Inquires about longer-term prospects or developments.

What's planned after this?

Specifically asks about scheduled events or actions.

What will be done subsequently?

More formal way of inquiring about future action.

What are the follow-up actions?

Specifically addresses what actions are needed as a consequence of the current action.

What are the future considerations?

Asks about future actions needed to resolve a problem.

What are the prospective measures?

Inquires about future measures under consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "what about next" in a sentence?

Use "what about next" to inquire about the following steps, plans, or considerations in a discussion. For example: "We've covered the initial budget. What about next? Should we discuss marketing strategies?"

What are some alternatives to "what about next"?

You can use alternatives like "what comes next", "where do we go from here", or "what is the next step" depending on the context.

Is "what about next" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "what about next" is generally more appropriate for informal or conversational settings. In formal writing, consider using more structured and explicit transitions.

How does "what about next" differ from "what's next"?

"What's next" is a more direct and concise way to ask about the immediate next step or event. "What about next" implies a broader scope, inviting consideration of multiple related issues or plans.