The phrase “what to say next” is very common in English. People use it when they feel unsure, stuck, or need guidance on how to continue a conversation, speech, message, or piece of writing.
While this phrase is clear, using it again and again can sound repetitive or less professional—especially in business, presentations, or academic writing. Learning other ways to say “what to say next” helps you sound more fluent, confident, and natural.
Your word choice can change the tone of your message from casual to formal in seconds. In this article, you will learn 21+ alternatives to “what to say next”, with clear meanings, simple explanations, and real examples for both formal and informal English.
What Does “What To Say Next” Mean?
“What to say next” means thinking about the next words or ideas to continue speaking or writing. It shows uncertainty or a pause in communication.
Grammar Explanation
- It is a question phrase
- Often used after verbs like know, decide, wonder, or think
- Example: I don’t know what to say next.
This phrase is neutral and easy, but not always the best choice for every situation.
When to Use “What To Say Next”
You can use “what to say next” in many situations:
Informal Use
- Talking with friends
- Casual emails or chats
- Personal writing or journaling
Formal Use
- Teaching or training (limited use)
- Writing guides or instructions
- Coaching or mentoring conversations
Spoken English
- When thinking aloud
- During interviews or discussions
Written English
- Blog posts
- Learning materials
- Self-help content
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “What To Say Next”?
Yes, “what to say next” is polite and understandable. However, it may sound too simple or uncertain in professional settings. In business or academic writing, clearer and more confident phrases work better.
For example:
- ❌ I’m not sure what to say next in this report.
- ✅ I’m considering the next key point to address.
Using the right alternative shows confidence and strong communication skills.
Pros and Cons of Using “What To Say Next”
✅ Pros
- Easy to understand
- Natural in conversation
- Good for learners
- Works in casual settings
❌ Cons
- Sounds unsure
- Not very professional
- Can feel repetitive
- Weak in formal writing
21+ Other Ways to Say “What To Say Next” (With Examples)
1. What Comes Next
Meaning: The next step or idea
Explanation: Common in speech and writing
Example Sentence: I’m thinking about what comes next in the presentation.
Best Use: Neutral, general
Worst Use: Very formal reports
Tone: Neutral
2. How to Continue
Meaning: The way to keep going
Explanation: Clear and polite
Example Sentence: She paused to decide how to continue.
Best Use: Writing, speaking
Worst Use: Casual chat slang
Tone: Neutral
3. Next Steps
Meaning: Future actions or points
Explanation: Common in business
Example Sentence: Let’s discuss the next steps.
Best Use: Business, meetings
Worst Use: Storytelling
Tone: Professional
4. What to Say After That
Meaning: The following words or ideas
Explanation: Very conversational
Example Sentence: He forgot what to say after that.
Best Use: Informal talk
Worst Use: Formal writing
Tone: Casual
5. How to Respond
Meaning: What reply to give
Explanation: Focuses on answers
Example Sentence: She didn’t know how to respond.
Best Use: Emails, conversations
Worst Use: Long speeches
Tone: Neutral
6. What to Mention Next
Meaning: The next topic
Explanation: Organized and clear
Example Sentence: Let’s see what to mention next.
Best Use: Writing, planning
Worst Use: Casual jokes
Tone: Neutral
7. What to Say Moving Forward
Meaning: Future communication
Explanation: Forward-looking
Example Sentence: We must plan what to say moving forward.
Best Use: Business, strategy
Worst Use: Casual chat
Tone: Professional
8. What to Add Next
Meaning: Additional information
Explanation: Useful in writing
Example Sentence: I’m unsure what to add next.
Best Use: Essays, blogs
Worst Use: Spoken debate
Tone: Neutral
9. What to Discuss Next
Meaning: Next discussion point
Explanation: Very professional
Example Sentence: Let’s decide what to discuss next.
Best Use: Meetings
Worst Use: Personal chats
Tone: Formal
10. How to Proceed
Meaning: How to continue formally
Explanation: Polite and business-like
Example Sentence: Please advise on how to proceed.
Best Use: Emails, business
Worst Use: Friendly talk
Tone: Formal
11. What to Say at This Point
Meaning: Current moment response
Explanation: Time-focused
Example Sentence: I didn’t know what to say at this point.
Best Use: Stories, reflection
Worst Use: Instructions
Tone: Neutral
12. What Comes After
Meaning: The following part
Explanation: Simple and clear
Example Sentence: Think about what comes after the intro.
Best Use: Teaching
Worst Use: Legal writing
Tone: Neutral
13. What to Say in Response
Meaning: A reply to something
Explanation: Formal version of respond
Example Sentence: She planned what to say in response.
Best Use: Business emails
Worst Use: Casual texting
Tone: Formal
14. What to Cover Next
Meaning: Next topic or point
Explanation: Structured and neat
Example Sentence: Let’s decide what to cover next.
Best Use: Presentations
Worst Use: Small talk
Tone: Professional
15. How to Move On
Meaning: Change topic or continue
Explanation: Casual but useful
Example Sentence: He didn’t know how to move on.
Best Use: Informal speech
Worst Use: Business writing
Tone: Casual
16. What to Say From Here
Meaning: Future direction
Explanation: Reflective tone
Example Sentence: I wondered what to say from here.
Best Use: Writing, stories
Worst Use: Reports
Tone: Neutral
17. What Follows Next
Meaning: Sequence-based
Explanation: Clear and formal
Example Sentence: Explain what follows next.
Best Use: Academic writing
Worst Use: Casual talk
Tone: Formal
18. What to Bring Up Next
Meaning: Next topic to mention
Explanation: Informal and natural
Example Sentence: I didn’t know what to bring up next.
Best Use: Conversations
Worst Use: Business emails
Tone: Friendly
19. What to Say Going Forward
Meaning: Long-term communication
Explanation: Strategic
Example Sentence: We must plan what to say going forward.
Best Use: Corporate use
Worst Use: Casual talk
Tone: Professional
20. How to Continue the Conversation
Meaning: Keep talking
Explanation: Clear and learner-friendly
Example Sentence: She learned how to continue the conversation.
Best Use: Social skills
Worst Use: Formal reports
Tone: Friendly
21. What to Address Next
Meaning: Next issue
Explanation: Professional and serious
Example Sentence: Let’s decide what to address next.
Best Use: Business meetings
Worst Use: Casual chat
Tone: Formal
22. What to Say Afterward
Meaning: Following response
Explanation: Time-based
Example Sentence: He thought about what to say afterward.
Best Use: Stories
Worst Use: Instructions
Tone: Neutral
Comparison Table: Top Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Next Steps | Professional | Business |
| How to Proceed | Formal | Emails |
| What Comes Next | Neutral | General |
| How to Respond | Neutral | Replies |
| What to Discuss Next | Formal | Meetings |
| How to Continue | Neutral | Writing |
| What to Bring Up Next | Friendly | Conversation |
FAQs
1. Is “what to say next” grammatically correct?
Yes, it is correct and commonly used.
2. Can I use it in business emails?
It’s better to use formal alternatives like how to proceed.
3. What is the most professional alternative?
Next steps or what to address next.
4. Is it okay for beginners to use this phrase?
Yes, it is simple and learner-friendly.
5. Can these alternatives improve fluency?
Yes, variety makes your English sound natural.
Conclusion
Learning other ways to say “what to say next” helps you communicate clearly and confidently.
The right phrase can make your message sound friendly, professional, or thoughtful. By using different alternatives, you avoid repetition and improve your English fluency. Try practicing a few new phrases each week in writing and conversation.
Over time, your English will feel more natural and polished. Small changes in word choice can make a big difference in how others understand you.
David Jonson is an experienced English language writer who specializes in clear, practical, and learner-friendly content. He helps students and professionals improve their communication skills with confidence.