what came next

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what came next" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are asking about the sequence of events or actions that followed something else. For example: "He finished the meal and I wondered what came next."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

What came next, however, was truly unexpected.

The New Yorker

What came next was what really mattered.

The New York Times - Arts

What came next was extraordinary.

The Guardian - Sport

What came next is unbearable.

The Guardian - Books

What came next was my "rehab phase".

The Guardian - Opinion

What came next was much worse.

The New York Times

What came next was premeditated reputation suicide.

The Guardian - Sport

What came next is music lore.

The New York Times - Arts

What came next was plain odd.

The Guardian - Sport

What came next, however, fundamentally reshaped the field.

The New Yorker

What came next was the truly inspired step.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what came next" to create narrative flow, especially when transitioning between events or steps in a process. It clearly signals to the reader that you are continuing the story or explanation.

Common error

While versatile, avoid relying too heavily on "what came next" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated transitions to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what came next" functions as a relative clause or a linking phrase, used to transition between events or steps in a sequence. As Ludwig AI explains, it effectively prompts for the continuation of a narrative or explanation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what came next" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that functions as a relative clause or linking phrase, effectively prompting for the continuation of a story or explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic writing. Remember to use it to maintain narrative flow and guide your readers through chronological sequences. Be cautious of overuse in very formal contexts to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what followed

A more concise and direct way of asking about the events that took place immediately after a particular event.

what took place afterward

Emphasizes the temporal sequence of events, indicating that the events happened at a later time.

what happened subsequently

Emphasizes the chronological order of events, highlighting that the events occurred after a specific point in time.

what unfolded next

Suggests a sense of revelation or unveiling, implying that the subsequent events were gradually revealed or became apparent.

what ensued

Focuses specifically on what followed as a consequence or result, implying a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

what then occurred

A more formal and somewhat detached way of asking about what happened after a specific point in time, suitable for objective reporting.

what transpired thereafter

A more formal and somewhat literary way of asking about what happened after a specific event, suggesting a narrative context.

what resulted from that

Highlights the outcome or consequence of a prior event, focusing on the effects or changes that occurred.

what developed from there

Focuses on the evolution or progression of events, emphasizing how things unfolded or grew out of the initial situation.

how did things proceed

Focuses on the manner in which events unfolded, emphasizing the process or course of action that was taken.

FAQs

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

You can use "what came next" to inquire about the subsequent events in a story, process, or situation. For example, "After the initial investment, what came next?" or "He finished his presentation, and everyone wondered what came next."

What are some alternatives to "what came next"?

Alternatives to "what came next" include "what followed", "what happened subsequently", or "what ensued" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to use "what came next"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "what came next". It functions as a relative clause, commonly used to inquire about the sequence of events or actions following a specific event.

How formal is the phrase "what came next"?

The phrase "what came next" is generally considered neutral in formality. It's suitable for most conversational and narrative contexts but may be less appropriate for highly formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "what transpired thereafter" in more formal situations.