40 Other Ways to Say “What Are the Next Steps?” (With Examples)

Asking about the next steps in a conversation or project is common, but there are many ways to phrase it. Whether you’re in a meeting, working with a team, or just trying to be more creative in your language, it’s helpful to have a variety of options. In this article, we’ll explore 40 different ways to ask “What are the next steps?” along with examples to help you sound more engaging and professional.

What Does “What Are the Next Steps?” Mean?

The phrase “What are the next steps?” is commonly used to ask about the following actions in a process or plan. It helps to clarify what should be done next or what the next part of a project involves. Whether in meetings or daily tasks, it’s a way to move things forward by defining the actions needed.

When to Use “What Are the Next Steps?”

Use “What are the next steps?” when you need to know what comes after the current task or stage. It’s helpful in meetings, project discussions, or any scenario where planning the future is important. This question encourages clear action points, ensuring everyone knows what to do next to keep things progressing smoothly.

40 Other Ways to Say “What Are the Next Steps?”

1. What’s the plan moving forward?

• Meaning: Asking about the next course of action.
• Explanation: Seeks to understand the future actions or decisions to be taken.
• Example: “Now that we’ve completed the planning phase, what’s the plan moving forward?”
• Best Use: During a meeting or after a project milestone.
• Worst Use: When there are already clear next steps outlined.
• Tone: Casual, neutral.

2. What’s our game plan?

• Meaning: Inquiring about the detailed strategy ahead.
• Explanation: Refers to a more strategic or detailed approach to the next phase.
• Example: “We’re almost done with the research phase. What’s our game plan for the next steps?”
• Best Use: In team discussions with a focus on strategy.
• Worst Use: In situations where tactical execution is more relevant than strategy.
• Tone: Casual, slightly informal.

3. What are we doing next?

• Meaning: Asking what actions will follow.
• Explanation: A straightforward question to clarify upcoming tasks.
• Example: “We’ve finished the testing. What are we doing next?”
• Best Use: During ongoing projects or tasks.
• Worst Use: In formal settings where a more strategic question is needed.
• Tone: Direct, neutral.

4. What comes after this?

• Meaning: Seeking information about what happens next in a sequence.
• Explanation: Looking for clarity on subsequent actions.
• Example: “We’ve reached the final step of the proposal. What comes after this?”
• Best Use: At the end of a process or phase.
• Worst Use: When the path ahead is already defined.
• Tone: Curious, neutral.

5. What’s our next move?

• Meaning: Inquiring about the next action in a sequence.
• Explanation: Looking for the next critical step to take.
• Example: “We’ve completed the analysis. What’s our next move?”
• Best Use: During problem-solving or decision-making phases.
• Worst Use: If the next move has already been established.
• Tone: Confident, neutral.

6. What’s on the agenda now?

• Meaning: Asking about what’s planned for the next portion of time.
• Explanation: Asking for the next item to address or focus on.
• Example: “We’ve covered all the initial points. What’s on the agenda now?”
• Best Use: In meetings or organized discussions.
• Worst Use: In casual or informal contexts.
• Tone: Professional, neutral.

7. What actions should we take next?

• Meaning: Seeking guidance on the next actionable steps.
• Explanation: Looking for specific tasks to undertake.
• Example: “The draft has been reviewed. What actions should we take next?”
• Best Use: In a team environment where tasks need to be assigned.
• Worst Use: In a situation where actions are already outlined.
• Tone: Professional, neutral.

8. What’s the next step in the process?

• Meaning: Requesting the next formal action or step in a procedure.
• Explanation: A request for a structured continuation of the process.
• Example: “We’ve finished the first round of approvals. What’s the next step in the process?”
• Best Use: When following a process that requires specific steps.
• Worst Use: When there is no formal process or steps involved.
• Tone: Formal, neutral.

9. What’s the follow-up here?

• Meaning: Asking what needs to be done next as a follow-up.
• Explanation: Requesting what actions should come after the current phase.
• Example: “We’ve discussed the points. What’s the follow-up here?”
• Best Use: After a meeting or conversation requiring action.
• Worst Use: In situations where no follow-up is required.
• Tone: Professional, neutral.

10. How do we proceed from here?

• Meaning: Asking about the next phase or action to take.
• Explanation: Requesting guidance on how to move forward.
• Example: “The budget has been approved. How do we proceed from here?”
• Best Use: When looking for direction after a significant milestone.
• Worst Use: If proceeding is obvious or already determined.
• Tone: Professional, neutral.

11. What’s our next task?

• Meaning: Asking about the next specific task to complete.
• Explanation: Looking for the next specific job or activity.
• Example: “We’ve submitted the report. What’s our next task?”
• Best Use: When tasks are clearly defined but not yet assigned.
• Worst Use: When the next task is already clear.
• Tone: Casual, neutral.

12. What’s up next on the list?

• Meaning: Asking for the next item on the list of tasks or activities.
• Explanation: Inquiring about the order of next items to address.
• Example: “We’ve gone through the priorities. What’s up next on the list?”
• Best Use: In task management or project planning.
• Worst Use: In situations where there is no clear list of items.
• Tone: Casual, informal.

13. What’s the next phase?

• Meaning: Asking about the next major stage of a project or process.
• Explanation: Looking for information about the next large part of the process.
• Example: “The research is done. What’s the next phase of this project?”
• Best Use: When transitioning between major stages or phases of a project.
• Worst Use: When you’re still in the middle of a current phase.
• Tone: Professional, neutral.

14. What’s the follow-through here?

• Meaning: Seeking clarification on what needs to be done after a task is completed.
• Explanation: Asking for the follow-up actions.
• Example: “The team has finished their part. What’s the follow-through here?”
• Best Use: After delegating tasks or completing a phase.
• Worst Use: If follow-through is unclear or unnecessary.
• Tone: Professional, neutral.

15. How should we move forward?

• Meaning: Inquiring about the next steps to proceed with.
• Explanation: Asking for guidance on the future direction.
• Example: “We’ve solved the issue. How should we move forward?”
• Best Use: When clarification on the next steps is needed.
• Worst Use: If steps are already clear.
• Tone: Neutral, formal.

16. What do we need to tackle next?

• Meaning: Asking which task or problem to address next.
• Explanation: Seeking guidance on what to focus on next.
• Example: “We’ve handled the issues from last week. What do we need to tackle next?”
• Best Use: In project or problem-solving settings.
• Worst Use: When all tasks are already clear.
• Tone: Casual, neutral.

17. What are we looking at next?

• Meaning: Inquiring about what is the next focus or priority.
• Explanation: Seeking clarity on the next point of interest or task.
• Example: “The product launch is complete. What are we looking at next?”
• Best Use: After completing an important task.
• Worst Use: If next steps are already defined.
• Tone: Casual, neutral.

18. What should be our focus moving forward?

• Meaning: Asking for clarity on what the priorities should be next.
• Explanation: Looking for direction regarding future priorities.
• Example: “We’ve resolved the current problems. What should be our focus moving forward?”
• Best Use: In team discussions to align future efforts.
• Worst Use: In situations where the focus is already set.
• Tone: Professional, neutral.

19. What’s the immediate next action?

• Meaning: Asking for the first task or action that needs attention.
• Explanation: Looking for the next critical step or action.
• Example: “The report’s ready. What’s the immediate next action?”
• Best Use: When clarity on the immediate next step is required.
• Worst Use: In long-term planning discussions.
• Tone: Direct, neutral.

20. What’s next on our radar?

• Meaning: Asking about what is upcoming or needs attention.
• Explanation: Inquiring about the next important task or priority.
• Example: “We’ve addressed the budget issue. What’s next on our radar?”
• Best Use: In situations with multiple tasks ahead.
• Worst Use: When there’s nothing specific on the radar.
• Tone: Casual, informal.

21. What should we focus on next?

• Meaning: Asking for clarification on the priority task or issue.
• Explanation: Seeking to determine the most important next focus.
• Example: “We’ve completed the client’s request. What should we focus on next?”
• Best Use: In a setting where multiple tasks are vying for attention.
• Worst Use: When one task has already been clearly identified as the next.
• Tone: Professional, neutral.

22. What’s our next objective?

• Meaning: Asking about the next goal or target to achieve.
• Explanation: Inquiring about the next milestone or result to aim for.
• Example: “We’ve finished the planning. What’s our next objective?”
• Best Use: In goal-setting and strategic discussions.
• Worst Use: When the objective has already been set.
• Tone: Formal, neutral.

23. What action do we need to take from here?

• Meaning: Seeking the next step or decision to make.
• Explanation: Looking for a specific action or move to make.
• Example: “The review is done. What action do we need to take from here?”
• Best Use: When an action is required after a review or decision.
• Worst Use: When the action is already clear.
• Tone: Direct, neutral.

24. What’s the next course of action?

• Meaning: Asking for the next sequence of actions to be taken.
• Explanation: Inquiring about the steps to be followed.
• Example: “The test results are in. What’s the next course of action?”
• Best Use: In structured, procedural environments.
• Worst Use: When action steps have already been discussed.
• Tone: Professional, neutral.

25. What’s the next priority?

• Meaning: Asking about the most important item or task to handle next.
• Explanation: Seeking to identify the next critical task.
• Example: “We’ve finished the current project. What’s the next priority?”
• Best Use: In a project with multiple ongoing tasks.
• Worst Use: If priorities are already clear.
• Tone: Professional, neutral.

26. What’s the first step after this?

• Meaning: Inquiring about the initial action after the current task is complete.
• Explanation: Looking for the immediate next step to take.
• Example: “The initial design is ready. What’s the first step after this?”
• Best Use: At the end of a phase when it’s time to move forward.
• Worst Use: When the next step is already evident.
• Tone: Neutral, professional.

27. What do we tackle next?

• Meaning: Asking what problem or task should be dealt with next.
• Explanation: Seeking clarity on which issue or task should be addressed.
• Example: “The issues have been resolved. What do we tackle next?”
• Best Use: In a project with multiple issues or tasks.
• Worst Use: If there is no immediate task to tackle.
• Tone: Casual, neutral.

28. What’s on the horizon?

• Meaning: Inquiring about what’s coming up next in a broader sense.
• Explanation: Looking for the upcoming priorities or tasks.
• Example: “We’ve completed the current initiative. What’s on the horizon?”
• Best Use: After a major milestone or when planning the future.
• Worst Use: When future tasks are not yet defined.
• Tone: Casual, neutral.

29. What’s our next focus area?

• Meaning: Asking where to focus attention next.
• Explanation: Looking for the next priority or area of attention.
• Example: “We’ve tackled the first quarter. What’s our next focus area?”
• Best Use: In project planning or prioritization.
• Worst Use: When the focus is already decided.
• Tone: Professional, neutral.

30. What’s the next item on the agenda?

• Meaning: Asking for the next point of discussion or action.
• Explanation: Looking to move forward to the next planned activity.
• Example: “We’ve wrapped up the current issue. What’s the next item on the agenda?”
• Best Use: During meetings or structured discussions.
• Worst Use: In informal settings or when no agenda is set.
• Tone: Formal, neutral.

31. What do we need to accomplish next?

• Meaning: Inquiring about the next goal or task to complete.
• Explanation: Asking for the next achievement or task to complete.
• Example: “The report is finished. What do we need to accomplish next?”
• Best Use: In task-driven environments where clear objectives are needed.
• Worst Use: When the next task is already obvious.
• Tone: Professional, neutral.

32. What’s next in line?

• Meaning: Asking about the next task or project in sequence.
• Explanation: Looking to move onto the next thing on the list.
• Example: “We’ve completed the current phase. What’s next in line?”
• Best Use: In organized environments with a set list of tasks.
• Worst Use: When there’s no specific order.
• Tone: Casual, neutral.

33. What should we turn our attention to now?

• Meaning: Asking where to direct focus next.
• Explanation: Seeking guidance on where to focus attention.
• Example: “The first project is finished. What should we turn our attention to now?”
• Best Use: When shifting focus from one task to another.
• Worst Use: If attention is already directed elsewhere.
• Tone: Professional, neutral.

34. What needs to be addressed next?

• Meaning: Inquiring about the next problem or issue to solve.
• Explanation: Looking for the next task or challenge that requires attention.
• Example: “We’ve completed the review. What needs to be addressed next?”
• Best Use: In situations where issues or problems need to be addressed.
• Worst Use: When there are no problems or concerns to address.
• Tone: Professional, neutral.

35. What’s the next logical step?

• Meaning: Asking for the most logical or appropriate action to take.
• Explanation: Looking for the next decision or move based on the current situation.
• Example: “We’ve finished the design phase. What’s the next logical step?”
• Best Use: When the next step seems clear but needs confirmation.
• Worst Use: When steps aren’t clear or logical.
• Tone: Neutral, professional.

36. What’s the best way forward?

• Meaning: Seeking advice on the best possible course of action.
• Explanation: Looking for the most optimal decision to make.
• Example: “We’ve discussed the issue. What’s the best way forward?”
• Best Use: When there are multiple ways to proceed and guidance is needed.
• Worst Use: When the course of action is already determined.
• Tone: Professional, neutral.

37. Where do we go from here?

• Meaning: Asking about the next step after completing a phase.
• Explanation: Seeking clarity on the direction to take after the current phase.
• Example: “The analysis is done. Where do we go from here?”
• Best Use: After reaching a significant milestone.
• Worst Use: If the next step is already known.
• Tone: Neutral, slightly informal.

38. What’s our next action item?

• Meaning: Inquiring about the next specific action to take.
• Explanation: Looking for clarity on the next concrete task.
• Example: “We’ve finished the discussion. What’s our next action item?”
• Best Use: During meetings or structured work sessions.
• Worst Use: When all action items are already decided.
• Tone: Professional, neutral.

39. What’s the next step in our strategy?

• Meaning: Asking for the next step in a strategic plan.
• Explanation: Seeking to move forward with the larger strategic plan.
• Example: “We’ve implemented phase one. What’s the next step in our strategy?”
• Best Use: When discussing long-term goals and planning.
• Worst Use: When dealing with short-term or immediate tasks.
• Tone: Professional, neutral.

40. What’s the next point of action?

• Meaning: Asking what the next action or move will be.
• Explanation: Looking for the next critical step.
• Example: “We’ve resolved the first issue. What’s the next point of action?”
• Best Use: In project management or decision-making.
• Worst Use: When all actions are already clear.
• Tone: Professional, neutral.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using different ways to ask about the next steps can improve your communication. It shows you’re engaged and thinking ahead, making you sound more polished and thoughtful in any situation.

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