what happens next

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "What happens next" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts to ask a question regarding the outcome of a situation or the continuation of a story. For example: In the movie, the main character had just decided to take a new job. I was wondering, what happens next?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

What happens next September?

The New Yorker

So what happens next?

The New York Times

Q: What happens next?

The New York Times

It's what happens next.

Independent

What happens next?

The New York Times

But what happens next?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Guess what happened next?

Independent

And what happened next?

Independent

So what happened next?

The New York Times - Sports

Q What happened next?

The New York Times

ABBY CADABBY: What happened next?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what happens next" in formal writing, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and doesn't introduce undue informality.

Common error

Avoid using "what happens next" excessively in formal reports or academic papers; opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "the subsequent steps" or "the ensuing consequences".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what happens next" functions primarily as an interrogative phrase. It's used to solicit information about future events or the continuation of a narrative, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

15%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what happens next" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves as an interrogative phrase to inquire about subsequent events or actions, effectively propelling narratives and conversations. Predominantly found in "News & Media" contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various audiences. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in diverse scenarios, making it a reliable phrase in both written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what's the next step

Focuses on the immediate action to be taken rather than the overall outcome.

what follows

A more concise and direct way of asking about the subsequent events.

what will ensue

Emphasizes a more formal or significant consequence.

how does it continue

Focuses specifically on the continuation of a story or process.

what's coming up

Suggests anticipation of future events or developments.

what will transpire

Focuses on the unfolding or becoming known of events.

what's on the horizon

Implies a longer-term perspective on future possibilities.

where do we go from here

Focuses on direction and future actions following a particular event or decision.

what is in store

Suggests an element of destiny or predetermination.

what's the consequence

Emphasizes the result or effect of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "what happens next" to inquire about the continuation of a story, the results of an action, or the future course of events. For example, "The negotiations have stalled; what happens next?"

What's a more formal alternative to "what happens next"?

In formal settings, consider using phrases like "the subsequent course of action", "the ensuing consequences", or "the next phase" instead of "what happens next".

Is "what happens next" suitable for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "what happens next" might be too informal for some academic contexts. Assess the overall tone of your paper and choose a more formal alternative if necessary.

What is the difference between "what happened next" and "what happens next"?

"what happened next" refers to a past event or situation, while "what happens next" inquires about future or ongoing events.