What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
following
Example
The following chapter will discuss the implications of these findings. [following: adjective]
Example
Following the meeting, we will have a chance to ask questions. [following: preposition]
Example
The following car was driving too close to us. [following: verb]
next
Example
I'll see you next week. [next: adverb]
Example
Who's next in line? [next: adjective]
Example
What's the next step in the process? [next: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Next is more commonly used than following in everyday language. Next is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while following is less common and tends to be used in more formal situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between following and next?
Following is more formal than next and is often used in academic or professional writing. Next is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
