Next: meaning, definitions and examples

Used commonly in everyday language to refer to the immediate thing that comes after the current one.

• See you next Monday.
• What’s the next step?
• Next, we will discuss the project details.

Used to describe something that comes directly after or refers to the thing mentioned earlier. Often used in formal or instructional contexts.

• In the following weeks, we will start the new project.
• Please read the following guidelines carefully.
• The list of ingredients includes the following.

Used mainly in formal or academic settings to describe something that comes after a particular event or sequence.

• The subsequent chapters will cover advanced topics.
• There were subsequent changes to the contract.
• In the subsequent years, the company expanded internationally.

Employed in formal contexts to indicate something that follows immediately after another thing in time or order. Often used in historical or procedural descriptions.

• Succeeding generations adopted new technologies.
• In the succeeding two hours, several issues were resolved.
• The succeeding events led to a major breakthrough.

Most commonly used when listing steps or events in a sequential order. It is straightforward and neutral.

• First, preheat the oven
• Next, mix the ingredients

Used in both casual and formal contexts to show the next item or action in a sequence. It is flexible and widely applicable.

• Finish your homework, then you can watch TV

Typically used to indicate something happening at a later time, after another event. It often implies a short time gap.

• We went to the movie, and afterwards we had dinner

Used in more formal or written contexts to indicate that something happened after a previous action or event, often with a significant time interval.

• He lost his job; subsequently, he decided to move to a new city