A2 Expression 中性 2分钟阅读

When's the next train?

Next departure

Use this phrase to quickly find out when the next train departs in any travel situation.

15秒了解

  • Ask for the next available departure time.
  • Use 'When's' for a natural, conversational flow.
  • Add a destination to be more specific.

意思

You use this to ask for the time of the next available train departure. It is the most common way to check a schedule while traveling.

关键例句

3 / 6
1

At a busy station

Excuse me, when's the next train to Liverpool?

When's the next train to Liverpool?

🤝
2

Running late with a friend

We missed it! When's the next train?

When's the next train?

😊
3

Asking a station official

Hello, could you tell me when's the next train to the airport?

When's the next train to the airport?

💼
🌍

文化背景

Train travel is deeply rooted in British and North American history. In cities like London or New York, the 'commuter culture' makes this phrase one of the most frequently uttered sentences in public spaces. It reflects a society that is highly dependent on precise scheduling and public infrastructure.

💡

The 'To' Rule

Always add 'to' before your destination, like `When's the next train to Paris?` It makes you sound much more fluent.

⚠️

Don't forget the 's

Saying `When the next train?` is a common mistake. Always include `is` or the contraction `'s`.

15秒了解

  • Ask for the next available departure time.
  • Use 'When's' for a natural, conversational flow.
  • Add a destination to be more specific.

What It Means

This phrase is your best friend when traveling. It asks for the very next time a train leaves. It is simple, direct, and very clear. You are looking for the immediate future departure. It works for subways, commuters, or long-distance rail.

How To Use It

Walk up to a ticket window or a staff member. Say the phrase clearly. You can add a destination at the end. For example, When's the next train to London? It is a short version of When is. Use the contraction When's to sound like a native speaker. It flows better and sounds less like a robot.

When To Use It

Use it at the station when you miss your ride. Use it when the big display board is confusing. It is perfect for checking if you have time for coffee. If you are standing on a platform, ask the person next to you. It is a great way to start a small conversation. Just don't be surprised if they check their phone for you!

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this for buses or planes. For those, use When's the next bus? or flight. Avoid using it if you are looking for a specific train. If you want the 9:00 AM train, ask about that time instead. Also, don't use it if the station is clearly closed. That might lead to some very awkward silence.

Cultural Background

In many English-speaking countries, trains are a way of life. In the UK or NYC, people are always in a rush. Asking this question is a daily ritual for millions. There is a shared feeling of stress when a train is late. Asking this often leads to a shared eye-roll about delays. It is a very 'human' moment in a busy city.

Common Variations

If you want to be extra polite, add Excuse me. You can also say What time is the next train? This sounds a bit more precise. In a very casual setting, you might just say Next train? while pointing. But When's the next train? is the gold standard. It works everywhere from London to New York to Sydney.

使用说明

This is a neutral phrase suitable for almost any situation. Use the contraction 'When's' to sound natural, and always remember to specify your destination if you are at a large station with many lines.

💡

The 'To' Rule

Always add 'to' before your destination, like `When's the next train to Paris?` It makes you sound much more fluent.

⚠️

Don't forget the 's

Saying `When the next train?` is a common mistake. Always include `is` or the contraction `'s`.

💬

Platform Bonding

In the UK, if a train is cancelled, asking `When's the next train?` is a common way to start complaining together about the rail service!

例句

6
#1 At a busy station
🤝

Excuse me, when's the next train to Liverpool?

When's the next train to Liverpool?

Adding a destination makes the question much more helpful.

#2 Running late with a friend
😊

We missed it! When's the next train?

When's the next train?

Used here to express urgency after missing a departure.

#3 Asking a station official
💼

Hello, could you tell me when's the next train to the airport?

When's the next train to the airport?

A slightly more formal setup for a professional setting.

#4 Texting a partner
😊

Just missed the 5:00. When's the next train? I'll be late for dinner.

When's the next train?

Common in text messages to update someone on your arrival time.

#5 A humorous travel mishap
😄

I've been here for hours. When's the next train? Next year?

When's the next train?

Adding a joke about the wait time to show frustration.

#6 Feeling stressed about an interview
💭

Oh no, the board is blank. When's the next train? I can't be late!

When's the next train?

Shows high anxiety regarding a schedule.

自我测试

Complete the question to ask about a trip to London.

When's the next train ___ London?

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: to

We use 'to' to indicate the destination of the train.

Choose the most natural contraction for a native speaker.

___ the next train?

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: When's

'When's' is the standard contraction for 'When is' in spoken English.

🎉 得分: /2

视觉学习工具

Formality of 'When's the next train?'

Informal

Next train?

To a friend

Neutral

When's the next train?

To a stranger

Formal

Could you please inform me when the next train departs?

To a high-level official

Where to use this phrase

When's the next train?
🎫

Ticket Office

Asking the clerk

🚉

Platform

Asking a commuter

📞

Phone Call

Checking with the station

📱

Text Message

Updating family

常见问题

10 个问题

Technically no, you should say When's the next bus?. Using 'train' for a bus will confuse people.

Yes, it is neutral. To be extra polite, just add Excuse me at the beginning.

It is a contraction of When is. It is very common in spoken English.

Yes, that is perfectly correct and means the same thing. It's a great alternative.

Just add to [City Name] at the end, like When's the next train to Manchester?.

It's not too formal, but it sounds a bit stiff. When's sounds more natural.

You can ask When's the next train from platform 4? to be very specific.

Yes! In NYC or London, people use this for the subway or the Tube all the time.

Forgetting the verb is. Don't say When next train? as it sounds broken.

Absolutely. It is standard across all English-speaking countries.

相关表达

What time does it leave?

Asking for the departure time of a specific vehicle.

Is this the train to...?

Confirming the destination of a train currently at the platform.

How often do the trains run?

Asking about the frequency of the service.

Which platform for...?

Asking where to wait for a specific destination.

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