18+ Other Ways to Say “What to Say Next”
Knowing what to say next is a common challenge in English—especially for learners, professionals, and anyone who wants to sound confident in conversations.
Sometimes your mind goes blank. Other times, you know the idea but not the right words. That’s where alternative phrases help. Using different ways to say “what to say next” can make your speech sound smoother, more natural, and more professional. Word choice matters because it affects tone, clarity, and politeness
. A phrase that works in casual talk may feel awkward in a business meeting. In this guide, you’ll learn 18+ other ways to say “what to say next”, with clear meanings, examples, and best-use tips.
By the end, you’ll feel more confident choosing the right phrase for every situation.
What Does “What to Say Next” Mean?
The phrase “what to say next” refers to thinking about or asking for guidance on the next words, ideas, or response in a conversation, speech, or piece of writing.

Grammar Note
- It is a noun clause.
- Often used after verbs like know, wonder, decide, or figure out.
- Example: I don’t know what to say next.
When to Use “What to Say Next”
You can use “what to say next” in many situations:
- Informal conversations: when you feel unsure or nervous
- Public speaking: when planning your next point
- Writing: when organizing ideas
- Learning English: when you need help continuing a sentence
It works in both spoken and written English, but it is more common in casual or neutral contexts.
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “What to Say Next”?
Yes, “what to say next” is polite and acceptable. However, in formal or business settings, it may sound a little casual or vague. In meetings, emails, or presentations, professionals often prefer clearer or more polished alternatives like “next steps” or “how to proceed.”
Tip:
Use the original phrase in friendly talks. Use alternatives in formal communication.
Pros and Cons of Using “What to Say Next”
✅ Pros
- Easy to understand
- Natural and common in spoken English
- Good for learners and casual settings
❌ Cons
- Can sound informal in business contexts
- Not very specific
- Less confident tone in professional writing
18+ Other Ways to Say “What to Say Next”
Below are 18 strong alternatives with meanings, examples, and usage tips.
1. What comes next
Meaning: The next step or idea
Explanation: Very common and natural
Example Sentence: I wasn’t sure what comes next in the story.
Best Use: Casual, general
Worst Use: Very formal documents
Tone: Neutral
2. How to proceed
Meaning: How to move forward
Explanation: Sounds professional and clear
Example Sentence: Let’s discuss how to proceed with the project.
Best Use: Business, formal
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Formal
3. Next steps
Meaning: Actions to take next
Explanation: Common in meetings and emails
Example Sentence: I will email you the next steps tomorrow.
Best Use: Business, work
Worst Use: Personal storytelling
Tone: Professional
4. What should I say next
Meaning: Asking for guidance
Explanation: Direct and learner-friendly
Example Sentence: I’m nervous—what should I say next?
Best Use: Informal, learning
Worst Use: Corporate writing
Tone: Friendly
5. What to say afterward
Meaning: What to say after something
Explanation: Focuses on sequence
Example Sentence: I didn’t know what to say afterward.
Best Use: Storytelling
Worst Use: Instructions
Tone: Neutral
6. How to respond
Meaning: How to reply
Explanation: Clear and polite
Example Sentence: She wasn’t sure how to respond to the email.
Best Use: Formal, written
Worst Use: Very casual talk
Tone: Polite
7. What to say in response
Meaning: Words to reply with
Explanation: Slightly more formal
Example Sentence: He practiced what to say in response.
Best Use: Professional, learning
Worst Use: Slang conversations
Tone: Neutral
8. What comes after that
Meaning: The following part
Explanation: Good for explanations
Example Sentence: Explain this step and what comes after that.
Best Use: Teaching, guiding
Worst Use: Emails
Tone: Neutral
9. What to talk about next
Meaning: Next topic
Explanation: Casual and friendly
Example Sentence: I didn’t know what to talk about next.
Best Use: Conversations
Worst Use: Formal writing
Tone: Friendly
10. How to continue
Meaning: How to keep going
Explanation: Simple and flexible
Example Sentence: She paused, unsure how to continue.
Best Use: Writing, speaking
Worst Use: Instructions
Tone: Neutral
11. What to say going forward
Meaning: What to say in the future
Explanation: Professional and thoughtful
Example Sentence: We must plan what to say going forward.
Best Use: Business, strategy
Worst Use: Casual talk
Tone: Formal
12. The next thing to say
Meaning: Immediate next words
Explanation: Very close to original phrase
Example Sentence: I froze and forgot the next thing to say.
Best Use: Storytelling
Worst Use: Business writing
Tone: Casual
13. What follows
Meaning: What comes next
Explanation: Short and formal
Example Sentence: This chapter explains what follows.
Best Use: Writing, reports
Worst Use: Conversation
Tone: Formal
14. How to move forward
Meaning: Plan for progress
Explanation: Common in work settings
Example Sentence: Let’s decide how to move forward.
Best Use: Business
Worst Use: Casual talk
Tone: Professional
15. What to add next
Meaning: Additional information
Explanation: Helpful in writing
Example Sentence: I wasn’t sure what to add next.
Best Use: Writing, editing
Worst Use: Meetings
Tone: Neutral
16. What to say after that
Meaning: Next response
Explanation: Informal and natural
Example Sentence: I smiled but didn’t know what to say after that.
Best Use: Stories, casual
Worst Use: Emails
Tone: Friendly
17. What should come next
Meaning: Logical next part
Explanation: Neutral and clear
Example Sentence: Think about what should come next.
Best Use: Teaching, planning
Worst Use: Emotional talks
Tone: Neutral
18. What to say moving ahead
Meaning: Future communication
Explanation: Polite and professional
Example Sentence: We must agree on what to say moving ahead.
Best Use: Corporate, formal
Worst Use: Casual chat
Tone: Formal
Comparison Table: Top Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| How to proceed | Formal | Business |
| Next steps | Professional | Meetings |
| How to respond | Polite | Emails |
| What comes next | Neutral | General |
| What to talk about next | Friendly | Conversation |
| How to continue | Neutral | Writing |
| How to move forward | Professional | Strategy |
FAQs
1. Is “what to say next” correct English?
Yes, it is correct and very common.
2. What is a more professional way to say it?
Try “how to proceed” or “next steps.”
3. Can I use it in writing?
Yes, but formal writing needs clearer alternatives.
4. Is it okay for English learners?
Absolutely. It’s learner-friendly and natural.
Conclusion
Learning other ways to say “what to say next” helps you sound more fluent, confident, and natural in English. Each alternative carries a slightly different tone—some are friendly, some are professional, and others are neutral.
By choosing the right phrase for the right situation, you improve clarity and communication. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these expressions in speaking and writing.
The more options you know, the easier it becomes to express your thoughts clearly and confidently in any context.

I am Maria James, a passionate content writer who loves exploring English words, meanings, and language trends to help readers learn and communicate better every day.
