what comes next

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'what comes next' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking a question about what is expected to happen next in a certain situation. For example, "Now that the exam is over, what comes next?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But what comes next?

The New York Times

So what comes next?

The New York Times - Arts

What comes next?

The New York Times

Or what comes next.

The Guardian - Sport

What comes next is unclear.

The Economist

After Eurovision, what comes next?

The New York Times

"But about what comes next.

Independent

What comes next for Ballmer?

The New Yorker

But what comes next for the Met?

The New York Times - Arts

What comes next is anyone's guess.

The New York Times

Most of all, what comes next?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what comes next" to inquire about the immediate future or the subsequent step in a process. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "what comes next" when you actually need to express a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Instead of asking "what comes next", consider using phrases like "as a result" or "therefore" to explicitly state the consequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what comes next" functions as an interrogative expression. It is used to solicit information regarding the subsequent event, action, or phase in a sequence. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and broadly applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what comes next" serves as a straightforward and grammatically sound inquiry about future actions or events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and frequently used, particularly in news and media, where clarity and directness are paramount. While versatile, it's important to distinguish its use from expressions of causation. For those seeking alternatives, phrases such as "what follows" or ""what is the next step"" offer similar meanings with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What follows from this?

This alternative emphasizes the logical consequence or result of a preceding event.

What's the next step?

This alternative focuses on identifying the immediate action required in a process.

Where do we go from here?

This alternative explores future directions or strategies after a current situation.

What happens afterward?

This alternative simply asks about the events that will occur at a later time.

What's in store?

This alternative inquires about future experiences or occurrences, often with an element of anticipation.

What will ensue?

This alternative focuses on the likely consequences or outcomes that will follow a particular action or event.

What's on the horizon?

This alternative looks to more distant future possibilities or developments.

What does the future hold?

This alternative explores the uncertain possibilities and potential outcomes of the future.

What's coming down the pike?

This alternative refers to something that is going to happen or appear soon.

How does this play out?

This alternative focuses on the development and resolution of a situation or event.

FAQs

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

You can use "what comes next" to ask about the subsequent event, action, or development in a given situation. For example, "The negotiations have concluded; "what comes next"?"

Are there more formal alternatives to "what comes next"?

While "what comes next" is versatile, more formal alternatives include "what follows" or "what is the subsequent step" for a more sophisticated tone.

How is "what comes next" different from "what happens next"?

"What happens next" and "what comes next" are largely interchangeable, but "what comes next" can subtly imply a logical progression or expected sequence, whereas "what happens next" is a more general inquiry about future events.

Can I use "what comes next" in a business setting?

Yes, "what comes next" is appropriate in business contexts to inquire about the next steps in a project, strategy, or process. For example, "We've finalized the marketing plan; "what is the next step"?"