Say What You Mean, and Mean What You Say

Two of the most ambiguous words in the English language prohibit us from doing just that; the words subsequent and next. 

"Take the next exit"  -  this one ?  "No, the next"

  

"Let's meet next Thursday" - next week ?  "No, this week" (then it should be let's meet this Thursday; or not this Thursday, but the next [week].

  

"That's next to impossible!" -  does that mean it is almost impossible, or one degree below (or possibly even higher than) impossible?!

 

The word "next" can cause a great deal of confusion and can be quite vague actually! 

As a Paralegal, I have also encountered the word "subsequent" in statutes, regs, administrative law or other legal codes.  "Subsequent" can mean either before... or after; e.g. "subsequent to judgment" (also note that judgment has no e) when referring to civil procedure.  Does that mean before judgment is entered or after judgment is rendered?!   "Subsequent to receiving your travel Visa documents, you must also ..."  Does this mean before my travel Visa document is issued or after it is issued, I must do X? 

Why the ambiguity ?  Why can't we simply say before or after for the word "subsequent"; and clearly define "next" ?!