what happen next

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "What happen next" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask a question about an uncertain future event or outcome. For example, "I'm not sure what will happen next in this story - what happen next?".

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Read more: No Stormont budget - what happen next?

BBC

This doesn't mean that your story should include a high-speed chase or a murder; your readers can want to know what happen next even if all that's happening is that two people are talking over coffee.

WikiHow

When I or any of my black friends discuss issues of police brutality online, we receive a common response: "Well see what happen next time you need the police and they aren't there to protect you".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Q: What happens next?

The New York Times

But what happens next?

The New York Times

Guess what happened next?

Independent

And what happened next?

Independent

What happens next?

The New York Times

So what happened next?

The New York Times - Sports

What happens next September?

The New Yorker

So what happens next?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In informal writing or dialogue, consider using "what happens next?" for a more grammatically sound option. While "what happen next" might be understood, it's not considered standard English.

Common error

Ensure the verb agrees with the subject. "Happen" is the base form of the verb; in most contexts, the third-person singular form "happens" is required. Therefore, "what happens next?" is grammatically correct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what happen next" functions as an interrogative phrase, typically used to solicit information about future events or the continuation of a narrative. As Ludwig AI explains, it is asking about an uncertain future event or outcome.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what happen next" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal English, with the correct form being "what happens next?". Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is usable, particularly in informal contexts. Although it's understandable, standard writing practice prefers the grammatically correct version. Usage appears in news, media, and wiki sources. To ensure clarity and correctness, it's advisable to use "what happens next?" or similar alternatives in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What happens then?

This alternative replaces "next" with "then", maintaining the question's focus on sequence but using slightly different wording.

What follows?

This option offers a shorter, more concise way of asking what comes after a particular event.

What comes after that?

Uses more common and simple language to ask about the next event.

What is the next development?

This alternative focuses on the "development" aspect, implying a progression of events.

What will occur subsequently?

This alternative utilizes more formal language, replacing "happen" with "occur" and "next" with "subsequently".

What's coming up?

A more casual way to ask about near-future events or plans.

What's the next step?

This focuses on the immediate action or stage that needs to be taken.

What will ensue?

Replaces "happen next" with a single, more formal verb, "ensue".

What unfolds from here?

Replaces the directness of "happen next" with a more metaphorical expression.

What's in store?

Offers a more indirect and anticipatory way of asking about future events.

FAQs

Is "what happen next" grammatically correct?

No, the grammatically correct form is "what happens next?" The verb should agree with the implied subject, which is singular.

What's a more formal way to ask "what happen next"?

You can use alternatives like "What will occur subsequently?" or "what follows" for a more formal tone.

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

You can use it to express curiosity about future events. For example, "The hero is trapped; what happens next?"

What can I say instead of "what happen next" in a casual conversation?

Alternatives include "what's next?" or "what's coming up?", which maintain a similar informal tone.