Is Next A Conjunction? 5 Facts(When, Why & Examples)

In English, we have a category of adverbs, that are known as adverbial conjunctions or conjunctive adverbs that more or less does the job a conjunction.

The word “next” can be regarded as an adverbial conjunction or a conjunctive adverb, since it falls under the category of adverbs, and also does the function of a conjunction by joining or connecting two clauses along with modifying them.

We shall explore in this article in detail about various facts related to the word “next” and why it is referred as a conjunction.

When is “next” a conjunction?

Now we already know, that the word “next” is an adverbial conjunction, let us here find out at what places (when), the word “next” will be a conjunctive adverb.

The word “next” can be an adverbial conjunction (of sequence) when it does the function of connecting the clauses by stating the sequence of activities or actions happening in the clauses.

Example: We shall now play hockey; next, we shall play basketball.

In this sentence, the word “next” is a conjunctive adverb or an adverbial conjunction, since it is not only modifying the sequence or the order of playing the games, but is also connecting the two clauses into a single sentence.

How is “next” a conjunctive adverb

There is a reason why the word “next” is a conjunctive adverb and here we are going to find out that reason (how “next” is a conjunctive adverb).

The word “next” is a conjunctive adverb since it does the dual role of modifying and connecting (associating). The word “next” not only modifies the sequence or the order of the actions happening but also links the clauses together by associating the ideas in the clauses.

Example: Ruhi will first go to Delhi, and next to Mumbai.

In the above sentence, the word “next” is a conjunctive adverb as it is performing the roles of an adverb as well as a conjunction. As an adverb it is telling us when Ruhi will go to Mumbai, and as a conjunction, it is connecting the clause “and next to Mumbai” with the main clause “Ruhi will first go to Delhi”.

Examples of “next” as conjunction

With the help of example sentences, we shall understand better about the usage of the word “next” as a conjunction (adverbial conjunction).

The table below comprises of the list of examples where the word “next” is utilized as conjunction (adverbial conjunction).

Examples	Explanations
1. Sundar has finished his oral test, and next is your turn.	Here, the word, “next” is functioning as an adverbial conjunction, since it is connecting the clauses, “Sundar has finished his oral test” and “and next is your turn” by telling us when is the oral test for “you”.
2. We are in Ooty now; next, we will be in Kodaikanal.	The word “next” here is an adverbial conjunction. As an adverb it is telling us when we will go to Kodaikanal and as a conjunction it is linking the clauses “we are in Ooty” and “next we will be in Kodaikanal”.
3. Riya has recovered now; next, all that she needs in mental peace.	Here, the word, “next” is functioning as an adverbial conjunction, since it is connecting the clauses, “Riya has recovered now” and “next all that she needs is mental peace” by telling us when Riya needs rest.
4. Hari has gone to Mr. Sinha’s house, but next he will visit you.	The word “next” here is an adverbial conjunction. As an adverb it is telling us when Hari will visit “you” and as a conjunction it is linking the clauses “Hari has gone to Mr. Sinha’s house” and “but next he will visit you”.
5. Now that we have already finished shopping; next, we have to go out for dinner.	Here, the word, “next” is functioning as an adverbial conjunction, as  it is connecting the clauses, “now that we have already finished shopping” and “next we have to go out for dinner” by telling us when “we” have to go out for dinner.

When is “next” not considered as conjunction

The word “next” can function as an adverb conjunction or conjunctive adverb, but not always. Let us here get to know when “next” is not a conjunction.

The word “next” cannot be considered as a conjunction when it takes up the role of an adjective, adverb, preposition, determiner, and pronoun. Based on the place where it is placed and depending on the way it is used, the word “next” takes up the various parts of speech.

Example: It is okay, we shall catch the next bus.

In this sentence, the word “next” is not an adverbial conjunction since it does not connect any clauses. Here, it is functioning as an adjective, as it is describing the naming word (noun) “bus”.

Examples of “next” not considered as conjunctions

We are already clear that the word “next” is not always a conjunction and can also function as other parts of speech. Let us understand it better with examples.

The table below consists of example sentences where the word “next” is not functioning as an adverbial conjunction.

Examples	Uses	Explanations
1. The answer to this question is in the next page.	Used as an adjective	The word “next” here is telling us more information about the noun “page”, by telling us in which page we can find the answer to the question. Thus, in this sentence, the word “next” is an adjective as it is describing the naming word (noun) “page”.
2. Rashi will come home next week.	Used as a determiner	The word “next” here is conveying to us that Rashi will come home the week after the present week. Thus, in this sentence, the word “next” is functioning as a determiner that modifies the noun “week”.
3. Buy the fruits in the next nearest shop.	Used as an adverb	The word “next” here is giving us more information about the adjective “nearest”, by telling us the more about the nearest shop. Thus, in this sentence, the word “next” is functioning as an adverb modifying the adjective.
4. Vihaan sat next to me in the class.	Used as a preposition	The word “next” here is telling the position of the noun “Vihaan” to the noun “me”, by telling us where Vihaan sat in the class. Thus, in this sentence, the word “next” is a preposition showing the relation between one noun to the other.
5. My grandparents will stay in our house this month and the next.	Used as a pronoun	The word “next” here is substituting the noun “month”, by taking up its place. Thus, in this sentence, the word “next” is a pronoun used in the place of the noun.

Conclusion

Thus, this article helps us to understand clearly that the word “next” is not a normal conjunction, but is an adverbial conjunction or a conjunctive adverb that acts as both adverb conjunction.