Is a necessary?

[bouji]

Is "a" necessary in the expression "There's always a next time." or, in this case you could say without it like "There's always next time."

Thank you.

[Ann1977]

Is "a" necessary in the expression "There's always a next time." or, in this case you could say without it like "There's always next time."

Thank you.

I think you would hear both.

I think the first one ("There's always a next time") is used when there is no specific next time in mind.

I think "There's always next time" would perhaps be said when the next time is known, or scheduled, or confidently predicted -- essentially saying, there's always "the next one."


"Oh no! I missed my chance to get an autograph!"
"Oh well. There's always a next time."
- Some day this opportunity will crop up again.


"Oh no! I missed my appointment!"
"Oh well. There's always next time."
- Your next appointment is on Friday.