What does "next steps" mean?
"Next steps" is one of the most common phrases in business - it means the specific actions to take after a discussion. Here's how to use it well.
What it means
The specific actions to be taken after a meeting, discussion, or decision.
"Before we close, let's agree on the next steps."
"The next steps are: she drafts the proposal, he books the venue."
"What are the next steps from here?"
Why it matters
Next steps is one of the most productive phrases in business communication. Without it, meetings end with good discussion but no action. Identifying next steps means assigning who does what by when.
Best practice
- What - the specific action
- Who - the person responsible
- By when - the deadline
"Next step: Sarah to send the draft to the team by Thursday."
In emails
- Tom will contact the supplier this week.
- We'll reconvene on Friday."
Register
Professional. Used across all industries in meetings, project management, and email communication.
A native would say
- "Action points" - British preference
- "Actions" - concise version in project management
- "To-dos" - informal
- "What happens next" - plain English
What does "next steps" mean?
The specific actions to be taken after a meeting, discussion, or decision.
"Before we close, let's agree on the next steps."
"The next steps are: she drafts the proposal, he books the venue."
"What are the next steps from here?"
Is "next steps" formal or informal?
Professional. Used across all industries in meetings, project management, and email communication.
What's another way to say "next steps"?
- "Action points" - British preference
- "Actions" - concise version in project management
- "To-dos" - informal
- "What happens next" - plain English
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