Ever had someone say, “Let’s meet next Friday,” and then both of you show up a week apart? You’re not alone.
The phrases “Next Friday” and “This Friday” confuse even native English speakers. The tricky part is that their meaning can shift depending on when you say them.
This complete guide breaks down the difference with 8 real-life examples, visual timelines, and easy rules to make sure your next plan doesn’t go sideways.
Understanding the Core Difference Between “This Friday” and “Next Friday”
Let’s start simple.
- This Friday means the Friday coming up in the same week.
- Next Friday means the Friday of the next week — after this week ends.
But here’s where it gets messy: the meaning changes depending on which day of the week it is right now.
Imagine today is Monday:
- “This Friday” → the one coming in a few days.
- “Next Friday” → the one after that.
If it’s Friday today, “this Friday” usually means today, and “next Friday” means seven days from now.
Let’s visualize it.
| Today | “This Friday” Refers To | “Next Friday” Refers To |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Friday this week | Friday next week |
| Thursday | Tomorrow | Friday next week |
| Friday | Today | Friday next week |
| Sunday | Friday coming this week | Friday the week after next |
How Context Shifts the Meaning
Context matters more than grammar here.
The phrase “next Friday” doesn’t live in isolation—it depends on the mental calendar people use.
Early Week (Monday–Tuesday)
Most people agree that:
- “This Friday” = the upcoming Friday (within this week)
- “Next Friday” = the Friday after that
Example:
You’re on Monday, November 3.
“Let’s meet this Friday” → November 7.
“Let’s meet next Friday” → November 14.
Midweek (Wednesday–Thursday)
Things start to blur. Some people switch how they think about “this” and “next.”
If it’s Thursday, many assume “this Friday” means tomorrow.
But some might interpret “next Friday” as tomorrow instead of the one after.
Tip: Always clarify if the meeting involves different time zones or teams.
End of the Week (Friday–Sunday)
By Friday, “this Friday” means today.
On Saturday or Sunday, “this Friday” can refer to the upcoming Friday (five or six days away), while “next Friday” may mean the one after that.
This is where most confusion begins.
8 Real-Life Examples: How “This Friday” and “Next Friday” Change
Here are eight examples you can actually use in daily life.
Example 1: Monday Conversation
“We’re having a meeting this Friday.”
✅ Means: The upcoming Friday of this week.
❌ Misunderstanding: Some might think next week’s Friday.
Example 2: Tuesday Discussion
“Let’s grab lunch next Friday.”
✅ Means: Not this week’s Friday, but the next one.
💡 Tip: Always confirm by saying “next Friday, the 14th.”
Example 3: Wednesday Chat
“We’ll finish the project this Friday.”
✅ Means: The closest Friday coming up (two days away).
Example 4: Thursday Meeting
“I’ll see you next Friday.”
⚠️ Possible confusion: Do you mean tomorrow or the Friday after?
✅ Clarify: “I’ll see you Friday next week.”
Example 5: Friday Morning
“Let’s meet next Friday.”
✅ Means: The Friday of the following week (seven days away).
Example 6: Saturday Text
“This Friday we’re going to the beach.”
✅ Means: The upcoming Friday (less than a week away).
Example 7: Sunday Planning
“Next Friday works best.”
✅ Means: Not this week’s Friday, but the Friday of the next week.
Example 8: Workplace Scenario
“Our review call is this Friday.”
✅ Means: The upcoming Friday within the same business week.
💡 In offices, “this Friday” aligns with the current workweek.
Common Misconceptions About “Next Friday”
Here’s why so many people get it wrong.
1. Assuming “Next Friday” Always Means Seven Days Away
Not necessarily. If it’s Monday, “next Friday” is seven days away. But if it’s Friday, “next Friday” means the one in seven days, not today.
2. Different Week Start Days
In the US, the week starts on Sunday. In the UK, it starts on Monday. That small difference changes everything.
3. Casual vs. Professional Context
In casual speech, people often stretch “next” to mean “upcoming.”
In business or scheduling contexts, “next” strictly refers to the following week.
How Days of the Week Shape Understanding
Our brains use mental “time zones” for days. When someone says “this Friday,” your brain checks whether Friday still fits into your current mental week.
- Monday to Wednesday: Friday feels close → “this Friday.”
- Thursday: The week feels nearly done → “this Friday” = tomorrow.
- Saturday: A new week mentally begins → “this Friday” = the next one coming.
Here’s a simplified guide:
| Day You Speak | Your Brain Thinks “This Friday” Is | “Next Friday” Is |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 4 days away | 11 days away |
| Thursday | Tomorrow | 8 days away |
| Saturday | 6 days away | 13 days away |
“This Friday” Explained
“This Friday” refers to the Friday that falls within the current calendar week.
When It’s Used
- During the workweek (Monday–Thursday): “This Friday” = the upcoming Friday.
- On Friday itself: “This Friday” = today.
- On Saturday/Sunday: “This Friday” = the Friday coming in five or six days.
Examples
“The concert is this Friday.”
✅ Listeners expect it to happen within the same week.
“Let’s catch up this Friday after work.”
✅ Means the Friday that’s about to happen soonest.
“Next Friday” Explained
“Next Friday” means the Friday that falls in the following week, after this current week ends.
Key Points
- “Next” shifts the time to after the weekend boundary.
- It’s never the same as “this Friday” unless spoken on a Friday itself.
Example
“I’ll submit the report next Friday.”
✅ Means one week from now, not in two days.
Diagram:
If today is Monday the 3rd, then:
- “This Friday” → November 7
- “Next Friday” → November 14
Avoiding Confusion: How to Communicate Clearly
1. Add the Date
“Let’s meet Friday, November 8.”
✅ Removes all ambiguity.
2. Specify the Week
“Friday this week” or “Friday next week.”
✅ Immediately clear.
3. Confirm When Plans Matter
If it’s for work, travel, or deadlines — never rely on “next” or “this.”
4. Use Technology
Calendar apps automatically assign dates. Use phrases like “Friday (calendar invite)” instead of just “Friday.”
Regional and Cultural Variations
Different English-speaking countries interpret “next Friday” differently.
| Region | Common Interpretation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| United States | “Next Friday” = Friday next week | Clear distinction between “this” and “next” |
| United Kingdom | Often use “next Friday” to mean the upcoming Friday | Causes confusion in global teams |
| Australia | Varies regionally; can align with either UK or US meaning | Best to specify “Friday this week” |
| India | Adopts mixed usage; business English leans toward US style | “Next Friday” = Friday next week |
Quote:
“The English language is not set in stone—it’s shaped by how we use it.”
Quick Reference Table
| Situation | Say This | People Usually Mean | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | “This Friday” | The Friday this week | Confirm with date |
| Friday | “Next Friday” | Friday next week | Add the date |
| Saturday | “This Friday” | The upcoming Friday | Use “Friday this week” |
| Sunday | “Next Friday” | Friday next week | Clarify before planning |
When “Next Friday” Means Something Else
1. Workweek Reset
If your workweek starts on Monday, Friday is mentally “the week’s end.” So “next Friday” automatically shifts to the next week.
2. Calendar Apps
Google Calendar, for instance, assumes “next Friday” means the next week’s Friday, not the upcoming one.
3. Academic or Cultural Calendars
In schools or religious contexts, “next Friday” may tie to fixed weekly events, like prayers or exams.
The Smart Habit: Always Anchor Your Fridays
The safest way to avoid mix-ups is to use specific dates.
Example:
Instead of “next Friday,” say “Friday, November 15.”
This is especially useful in:
- Work emails
- Event invitations
- Texting across time zones
Case Study:
A software team once missed a product deadline because half the team thought “next Friday” meant this week’s Friday. The project got delayed by seven days — all because of one ambiguous phrase.
Lesson:
Dates > vague Fridays. Always.
Summary
- “This Friday” → The Friday in the current week.
- “Next Friday” → The Friday in the following week.
- Meaning shifts with context (especially after Thursday).
- Use dates or phrases like “Friday this week” for clarity.
- Remember that regional differences exist — confirm when it matters.
Being precise saves confusion, time, and sometimes embarrassment. The next time someone says “next Friday,” you’ll know exactly which one they mean.
FAQs About “Next Friday” vs “This Friday”
What does “this Friday” mean if today is Friday?
It means today. If you’re already on Friday, “this Friday” refers to the current day.
If it’s Sunday, does “this Friday” mean the upcoming one?
Yes. On Sunday, “this Friday” usually refers to the Friday of the same calendar week.
Why do people interpret “next Friday” differently?
Because of different cultural week-start norms and personal habits. Americans and Brits often interpret it differently.
Can I say “Friday next week” instead of “next Friday”?
Yes, and it’s clearer. “Friday next week” eliminates confusion completely.
How do I teach this to English learners?
Use a calendar or timeline diagram. Mark “today,” “this Friday,” and “next Friday” visually — it’s easier to grasp.
I’m Sameer — a passionate English enthusiast who loves exploring words, grammar, and the art of effective communication. ✍️