Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
In the following year
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "in the following year" is correct and usable in written English
You can use it when referring to a year after the current one or after a particular year mentioned previously in a sentence. For example: "I applied for the job last year and was offered the position in the following year."
✓ Grammatically correct
Encyclopedias
News & Media
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
In the following year peace was concluded.
Encyclopedias
In the following year fortune changed.
Encyclopedias
In the following year he excommunicated John.
Encyclopedias
In the following year Chrysler bought control.
Encyclopedias
In the following year, there were reports of widespread fraud.
Academia
"What did that investment create in the following year?
Academia
In the following year, the number was minus 26,829.
News & Media
The agreement was effected early in the following year.
Encyclopedias
Late in the following year the first microprocessor was introduced.
Encyclopedias
It became the Evening Standard in the following year.
News & Media
He died in the following year at age 60.
Encyclopedias
Expert writing Tips
✓ Best practice
When using "in the following year", ensure the context clearly establishes the initial year being referenced to avoid ambiguity.
⚠ Common error
Avoid using "in the following year" when referring to a past event without establishing a clear timeline. Ensure your sentence structure provides a reference point for the year being followed.
Linguistic Context
The phrase "in the following year" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, modifying a verb or clause by specifying when an event occurred. Ludwig AI's examples clearly show its use in establishing chronological order and temporal relationships. It indicates when something happened relative to a previously mentioned year.
Expression frequency: Very common
✓ Frequent in
Encyclopedias
32%
News & Media
45%
Academia
13%
⚠ Less common in
Science
6%
Wiki
3%
Formal & Business
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "in the following year" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate a chronological sequence, specifically referring to the year immediately after a previously mentioned year. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across diverse contexts, including encyclopedias, news media, and academic writing. While alternatives like "the next year" and "a year later" exist, "in the following year" offers a slightly more formal and precise tone. When employing this phrase, ensure clear temporal context to avoid ambiguity and maintain coherence in your writing.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
the subsequent year
Replaces "following" with "subsequent", emphasizing a direct sequence.
the next year
Uses "next" for simplicity, denoting the immediately succeeding year.
the year after
Emphasizes the temporal gap of one year.
in the year after that
Adds "that" for additional emphasis of a previous year reference.
a year later
Focuses on the time elapsed (one year).
the succeeding year
A more formal substitute using "succeeding".
FAQs
How can I use "in the following year" in a sentence?
Use "in the following year" to refer to the year immediately after a previously mentioned year. For example, "The company was founded in 2020, and "in the following year", it went public."
What are some alternatives to "in the following year"?
You can use alternatives like "the next year", "the subsequent year", or "a year later" depending on the context. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance in temporal reference.
Is it correct to say "in the next year" instead of "in the following year"?
Yes, "in the next year" is generally acceptable and often interchangeable with "in the following year". However, "in the following year" may sound more formal or precise in certain contexts.
How does "in the following year" compare to "the year after"?
"In the following year" and "the year after" are very similar. "The year after" is slightly more informal, while "in the following year" adds a touch of formality and is commonly seen in written texts and reports.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested