Next Friday or This Friday: Which Is Correct?
Updated · Which One Is Correct editorial team
Quick answer: When planning your week, knowing the difference between this Friday and next Friday is crucial for clear communication. This Friday refers to the immediate upcoming Friday, while next Friday typically means the one after that, so always confirm the specific date to avoid scheduling conflicts.
The Short Answer
This Friday is the coming Friday, whereas next Friday often means the one after, so you should always confirm the date.
People confuse these terms because next can imply the next occurrence in a sequence, but in casual conversation it frequently skips the immediate one, creating ambiguity about which week is actually intended.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Form | Status | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| This Friday | Standard | Referring to the immediate upcoming Friday in the current week. |
| Next Friday | Ambiguous | Referring to the Friday after the immediate one, usually in the following week. |
| Friday | Context-Dependent | Speaking generally about the day without specific temporal reference. |
| This coming Friday | Clarified | Emphasizing the immediate Friday to eliminate any potential doubt. |
Correct Example Sentences
- Please submit the report by this Friday to ensure timely review.
- I will see you at the park this Friday afternoon.
- The store closes early this Friday for a private event.
- We have a deadline next Friday, so start preparing now.
- Next Friday is a holiday, so the office will be closed.
- Let us meet this Friday instead of waiting until next week.
- The concert tickets go on sale this Friday at noon.
- I am free next Friday if you need to reschedule.
- This Friday marks the start of our new project phase.
- Next Friday is too far away for such urgent matters.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
- See you next Friday if we are talking about tomorrow.
- See you this Friday if we are talking about tomorrow.
- The deadline is this Friday, meaning the one in two weeks.
- The deadline is next Friday, meaning the one in two weeks.
- I will call you next Friday since it is in four days.
- I will call you this Friday since it is in four days.
- Next Friday is the immediate one we need to focus on.
- This Friday is the immediate one we need to focus on.
- Let us plan for this Friday when we mean next week.
- Let us plan for next Friday when we mean next week.
- This Friday refers to the date after the upcoming one.
- Next Friday refers to the date after the upcoming one.
A Quick Test You Can Use
To determine the correct phrase, count how many Fridays lie between today and the intended date. If the target is the immediate upcoming Friday, use this Friday; if you must skip that one and wait for the following week, use next Friday to be precise.
Related Word Pairs
- Then vs Than
- Use then for time sequences and than for comparisons.
- Affect vs Effect
- Affect is usually a verb; effect is usually a noun.
- Its vs It's
- Its shows possession; it's is a contraction for it is.
- Your vs You're
- Your shows possession; you're is a contraction for you are.
- Lie vs Lay
- Lie means to recline; lay means to place something down.
More Example Sentences
- The client confirmed their arrival this Friday morning.
- We will hold the team meeting next Friday to discuss the budget.
- Please finalize the draft by this Friday evening.
- The museum exhibits its new collection next Friday.
- I booked the restaurant for this Friday at seven o'clock.
- Next Friday is the last day to register for the course.
- The software update releases this Friday without fail.
- We should reschedule the interview to next Friday.
- This Friday marks the deadline for tax submissions.
- Next Friday promises warmer weather for the picnic.
Quick Practice
If today is Monday, the upcoming Friday is Friday.
this
The party scheduled for the Friday after next is Friday.
next
We need to submit the forms by Friday, which is in three days.
this
The conference does not start until Friday, which is nine days away.
next
I will drop off the package Friday before lunch.
this
Let us plan the outing for Friday to allow more preparation time.
next
Frequently Asked Questions
Does next Friday always mean the week after?
Not always, but it often does. To avoid confusion, it is safer to specify the exact date or use this Friday if you mean the immediate upcoming one.
Is it wrong to use next Friday for the immediate one?
It is technically ambiguous and often considered incorrect in formal contexts. Using this Friday for the immediate date ensures clarity and prevents misunderstanding among your audience.
How do I clarify the date in an email?
Include the specific calendar date alongside the phrase, such as this Friday, October 12th. This removes all doubt about which Friday you are referring to.
Can I use this coming Friday instead?
Yes, this coming Friday is a very clear alternative that emphasizes the immediate upcoming Friday. It is an excellent choice when you want to avoid any potential confusion.
