Have you ever found yourself unsure whether to use “following” or “next” in a sentence? While they may seem interchangeable, there are subtle differences between the two words that can affect the clarity of your writing.
We should establish which of the two is the proper word to use in different contexts. “Following” is typically used when referring to something that comes after another thing in a sequence or order. For example, “The following day, we went to the beach.” On the other hand, “next” is used to refer to the thing that comes immediately after the current thing. For example, “I’ll see you next week.”
It’s important to note that both words can be used interchangeably in some cases, but it’s best to use them in the context that makes the most sense for the sentence.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between “following” and “next” in more detail, and provide examples of how to use each word correctly.
Define Following
Following refers to the action of coming after something or someone, or the act of paying attention to updates or news from a particular source. In the context of social media, following someone means subscribing to their updates and receiving notifications whenever they post new content.
Following can also refer to adhering to a particular course of action or set of rules. For example, in a game or sport, following the rules is essential to ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the competition.
Define Next
Next refers to the item or event that comes after the current one in a sequence. It can also refer to the action of advancing to the following step or stage in a process or plan.
In a list or series, next refers to the item immediately following the current one. For example, if a list contains items A, B, and C, the next item after C would be D.
Next can also refer to the future or upcoming events or actions. For instance, if someone says “what’s next?” they are asking about what will happen in the future or what the next step in a plan is.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right word in a sentence is crucial for effective communication. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “following” and “next” in a sentence.
How To Use “Following” In A Sentence
The word “following” is often used to indicate something that comes after something else in a sequence. Here are some examples:
- Following the meeting, we will have a networking session.
- The following day, we received an update on the project.
- Please follow the instructions given in the following section.
It is important to note that “following” is usually used as a preposition or an adjective, and not as a verb. For example, it is incorrect to say “I am following to the store.” Instead, you should say “I am going to the store next.”
How To Use “Next” In A Sentence
The word “next” is often used to indicate something that comes immediately after something else. Here are some examples:
- Next, we will discuss the budget for the project.
- The next item on the agenda is the marketing plan.
- What are your plans for the next few months?
“Next” can be used as an adverb, adjective, or noun. As an adverb, it is used to indicate time or order. As an adjective, it is used to describe something that is immediately following. As a noun, it refers to the person or thing that follows another.
It is important to note that “next” can also be used to indicate a future point in time. For example, “I will see you next week.”
By using these words correctly, you can improve the clarity and effectiveness of your communication.
More Examples Of Following & Next Used In Sentences
In this section, we will explore more examples of how to use “following” and “next” in a sentence. These words may seem interchangeable, but they have distinct meanings and uses that we will examine in detail.
Examples Of Using Following In A Sentence
- Following the meeting, we will send out an email with the action items.
- The following day, I received a call from the recruiter.
- He was arrested for following the woman home from the bar.
- Following the recipe, I added the spices to the mixture.
- The following week, we will be on vacation.
- The company policy states that following a workplace injury, an incident report must be filed.
- Following the exam, the students were relieved it was over.
- We will proceed with the project following approval from the board.
- Following the storm, many trees were uprooted.
- The following paragraph explains the concept in more detail.
Examples Of Using Next In A Sentence
- Next, we will move on to the budget report.
- The next train to arrive is the express to downtown.
- Next week, we have a company-wide meeting.
- Please turn to the next page in your textbook.
- The next step in the process is to gather data.
- The next speaker at the conference is a renowned expert in the field.
- We will address the issue in the next meeting.
- Next on the agenda is the marketing strategy.
- He is the next in line for the promotion.
- Next time, we should plan the event more carefully.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “following” and “next,” there are some common mistakes that people often make. These mistakes can lead to confusion and miscommunication, which is why it’s important to understand the differences between these two words.
Interchanging “Following” And “Next”
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “following” and “next” interchangeably. While these words are often used to describe a sequence of events, they have distinct meanings that should not be confused.
“Following” refers to something that comes after another thing in a sequence. For example, “Following the meeting, we will have a networking session.” In this sentence, the networking session comes after the meeting.
“Next,” on the other hand, refers to something that comes immediately after another thing. For example, “Next, we will have a networking session.” In this sentence, the networking session is the very next thing that will happen.
Using these words interchangeably can cause confusion and lead to misunderstandings. For example, if someone says “Following the meeting, we will have lunch,” it may not be clear whether lunch is happening immediately after the meeting or at a later time.
Tips For Avoiding Mistakes
To avoid making the mistake of interchanging “following” and “next,” there are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Think about the order of events and whether something is happening immediately after another thing or at a later time.
- Use “following” when referring to something that comes after another thing in a sequence.
- Use “next” when referring to something that comes immediately after another thing.
- Double-check your usage of these words to ensure that you are using them correctly.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid making common mistakes when using “following” and “next” and ensure that your communication is clear and effective.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “following” and “next,” context plays a crucial role. The choice between the two words can change depending on the situation in which they are used. Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “following” and “next” might vary:
Sequential Order
In a sequential order, the choice between “following” and “next” might depend on the order of events. For example, if you are describing a sequence of events that occur one after the other, you might use the word “following” to indicate that one event comes after another. On the other hand, if you are describing a list of items that will be covered in a specific order, you might use the word “next” to indicate which item will be covered after the current one.
Time
When describing events that occur over a period of time, the choice between “following” and “next” can depend on the time frame being discussed. For example, if you are talking about events that occur in the immediate future, you might use the word “next” to indicate what will happen after the current event. However, if you are talking about events that occur over a longer period of time, you might use the word “following” to indicate what will happen after a series of events have taken place.
Contextual Meaning
In some cases, the choice between “following” and “next” can depend on the contextual meaning of the words themselves. For example, if you are describing a list of items and you use the word “following,” it might imply that the items are related to one another in some way. On the other hand, if you use the word “next,” it might imply that the items are not necessarily related to one another, but are simply being presented in a specific order.
Overall, the choice between “following” and “next” can depend on a variety of factors, including the order of events, the time frame being discussed, and the contextual meaning of the words themselves. By understanding these factors, you can choose the right word for your specific situation and ensure that your message is clear and effective.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “following” and “next” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. Here are a few instances where the rules may not apply:
1. In Certain Contexts, “Next” Can Refer To A Sequence That Comes After A Gap Or Break.
While “next” typically implies immediate succession, it can also refer to a sequence that comes after a gap or break. For example:
- After taking a year off to travel, she plans to start her next job in the fall.
- We missed our flight, so the next available one isn’t until tomorrow.
In both of these cases, “next” refers to a sequence that comes after a break in time or action.
2. “Following” Can Be Used As A Preposition To Mean “After.”
While “following” is typically used as a participle or adjective, it can also function as a preposition to mean “after.” For example:
- Following the meeting, we will have a networking reception.
- The company announced its earnings report following the market close.
In both of these cases, “following” is used to indicate a sequence of events where one thing happens after another.
3. In Some Cases, “Following” Can Be Used To Mean “In Accordance With.”
Another exception to the rules for “following” and “next” is that “following” can be used to mean “in accordance with.” For example:
- Employees are expected to adhere to the company’s policies and procedures following the code of conduct.
- Following the guidelines set forth by the FDA, the drug was approved for use in clinical trials.
In both of these cases, “following” is used to indicate that something is being done in accordance with a set of rules or guidelines.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of following and next in sentences is to practice. Here are a few exercises that you can use to test your knowledge:
Exercise 1:
Choose the correct word (following or next) to complete each sentence:
| 1. | After finishing his breakfast, John went to the gym the _______ day. | Answer: next |
| 2. | _________ the instructions carefully, he was able to complete the project successfully. | Answer: Following |
| 3. | She finished her work and _______ went to bed. | Answer: next |
| 4. | _________ the meeting, we will discuss the budget for the upcoming quarter. | Answer: Following |
Exercise 2:
Complete the following sentences using either following or next:
- _________ the instructions is crucial to completing the task.
- After finishing his homework, Tom decided to play video games the _______ day.
- _________ the road for a few miles, you will see a gas station on the left.
- I finished my work and _______ went to grab some lunch.
Answers:
- Following
- Next
- Following
- Next
By completing these exercises, you can improve your understanding of the appropriate use of following and next in sentences. If you have any questions or need further clarification, refer to the explanations below:
Explanations:
Exercise 1:
- Use “next” to indicate the following day
- Use “following” to indicate a sequence of events
- Use “next” to indicate the immediate next action
- Use “following” to indicate what comes after the meeting
Exercise 2:
- Use “following” to indicate a sequence of events
- Use “next” to indicate the immediate next action
- Use “following” to indicate a sequence of events
- Use “next” to indicate the immediate next action
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between “following” and “next,” it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and usage in the English language. While “following” refers to something that comes after or follows in a sequence, “next” specifically refers to the thing that comes immediately after the current one.
It is important to understand the nuances of these words in order to communicate effectively and avoid confusion. Choosing the right word can make a significant difference in the clarity and precision of your writing.
Key Takeaways
- “Following” refers to something that comes after or follows in a sequence.
- “Next” specifically refers to the thing that comes immediately after the current one.
- Understanding the differences between these words can improve the clarity and precision of your writing.
Overall, developing a strong grasp of grammar and language use is essential for effective communication. By continuing to learn and improve your skills, you can become a more confident and successful writer.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.