next

The word "next" is used when something or someone is in a sequence. The person or thing that’s next is available or second after something else:

• I’ll see you next Wednesday on April 22. (Not this Wednesday, April 15.)
• Next month will be May. (This month is April.)
• We’re planning on taking a trip to Mexico next year. (2016)
• Our package should arrive within the next day. (the next day = within 24 hours)
• After that plane leaves, our plane will be the next one ready for take off.
• In the next lesson, you’ll learn how to form the present tense.

When living in the United States, you’ll hear the word "next" often in stores, restaurants, government office buildings, etc. as people are being helped or served.

• Who’s next?
• I can help whoever is next.
• I can take whoever is next. (take = help)
• Would the next person in line please step up to the window?

The word "next" is also used when talking about future plans:

• What are you going to do next?
• What’s your next move going to be?
• This will be next.

When a person lives on one side of your house or apartment, that person lives next door:

• Who lives next door?
• Do you know your next door neighbors?
• Run next door and see if our neighbor has any eggs we could borrow.

The words "next to" form a preposition. "Next to" means on the side or side by side.

• Who lives next to you?
• The bike is next to the garage.
• Stand next to each other so that I can take your picture.

The sign next to the road tells of

upcoming road conditions.

Click here to go to the Word of the Day page.

April 14, 2015