will happen next

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will happen next" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate what is expected to occur immediately following a current event or situation. Example: "After the presentation, we will discuss what will happen next in the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

All this will happen next quarter - or next year.

Huffington Post

What will happen next time?

The Economist

What will happen next is not clear.

The New York Times

Who knows what will happen next.

The New Yorker

You never know what will happen next".

The New York Times

What do you think will happen next?

The New Yorker

What are you hoping will happen next?

Harvard University

Still, what will happen next is unclear.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

What'll happen next?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Hopefully, good things will happen next year".

The New York Times - Sports

I wonder what will happen next weekend.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "will happen next" in creative writing, consider the tone you wish to convey—is it anticipation, dread, or simple expectation?

Common error

Avoid using "will happen next" excessively in very simple narratives where the sequence of events is already obvious. Opt for more descriptive language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will happen next" functions primarily as an interrogative or declarative clause element, often used to inquire about or state the subsequent events in a sequence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "will happen next" serves as a versatile tool for inquiring about or describing subsequent events. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Appearing predominantly in News & Media and Academic contexts, its neutral tone makes it suitable for various settings, from formal discussions to casual conversations. While many sources employ "will happen next", overuse in narratives with easily predictable events should be avoided to maintain reader engagement. Alternatives include "what follows", "what comes after", and "the ensuing events", each offering a slight variation in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what comes after

Emphasizes the chronological sequence of events.

what follows

Focuses on the immediate consequence or result.

the next development

Focuses on the idea of progress or evolution of a situation.

the ensuing events

Highlights the events that predictably follow a given situation.

the unfolding scenario

Emphasizes a gradual revelation of events.

the subsequent course of action

More formal, specifically referring to planned or expected steps.

the approaching events

Highlights a time element - the events are drawing closer

what is in store

Suggests an element of anticipation or uncertainty about the future.

future proceedings

Relates mainly to formal contexts.

what's coming down the pike

More colloquial for referring to future events.

FAQs

How can I use "will happen next" in a sentence?

You can use "will happen next" to inquire about or describe subsequent actions or events in a variety of contexts. For example: "The meeting concluded; what "will happen next"?" or "Nobody knows what "will happen next" in Hong Kong or China."

What are some alternatives to "will happen next"?

Alternatives include "what follows", "what comes after", or "the ensuing events" depending on the desired nuance.

Is "what will happen next" a question?

Yes, "what will happen next" is typically used as a question to inquire about future events. It can also be used rhetorically to create suspense.

What is the difference between "what will happen next" and "what is going to happen next"?

Both phrases are similar, but "what is going to happen next" often implies a stronger sense of immediacy or certainty about the future compared to "what "will happen next"".