next
/nekst/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Coming immediately after something in time, order, or position. It can describe the following person, thing, day, or step.
- Who is next in line?
- The next chapter is shorter.
- See you next Monday.
adverb
After this one; following in sequence. It often shows what happens after something else.
- Next, add the sugar.
- The train stops here next.
- What happens next?
noun
The next person or thing in a sequence. It is often used in phrases like 'the next' or 'take the next'.
- You're the next to speak.
- Take the next exit.
- The next is mine.
Adinary Nuance
Next means the one that comes immediately after. It is not the same as after, which can mean any later time or place. It is also different from following, which often sounds a little more formal or written. In speech, next is the simplest and most common choice.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tiếp theo
- Spanish
- siguiente
- Chinese
- 下一个
- Japanese
- 次の
- Korean
- 다음
Etymology
From Old English næxta, the superlative form of nēah, meaning 'near'. It has been used in English since early times for what comes closest after something else.
Common phrases
next tonext in linenext weekwhat's next
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is next formal or informal?
- It is neutral. You can use it in speech, email, and writing.
- What's the difference between next and after?
- Next means immediately after. After can mean any time later.
- Can I use next in business writing?
- Yes. It is common in reports, plans, and instructions.
- How do I use next in a sentence?
- Use it before a noun: 'next week', 'next step', or 'next person'.