In the immediate future

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In the immediate future" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time frame that is very close or soon to happen. Example: "We expect to see significant changes in the immediate future regarding our project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the immediate future England must identify a captain for the West Indies games.

The Guardian - Sport

In the immediate future, this only leads us directly to what David Cameron is thinking.

The Guardian

In the immediate future, I'd like to return to researching a second novel.

The New Yorker

"In the immediate future the biggest impact will be in terms of trade and finance.

The New York Times

In the immediate future, Mr Nazarbaev may succeed in neutralising his foes.

The Economist

In the immediate future, they want to be Cabinet ministers, quite an ambition in itself.

Independent

In the immediate future, just getting to the parks may become much more difficult.

The New York Times

"In the immediate future we have to find a system that suits the squad here.

Independent

In the immediate future, West Africa's treasures will remain a secret.

Independent

In the immediate future is the establishment of a Li Na Tennis Academy, providing scholarships for future Chinese players.

The Guardian - Sport

In the immediate future he is expected to run his own company under the umbrella of Ernst and Young, the accountancy firm.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the immediate future" when you want to emphasize that something will happen very soon, rather than at some distant or unspecified point in time. It conveys a sense of urgency or direct relevance to the present situation.

Common error

Avoid using "in the immediate future" to predict events with absolute certainty. This phrase indicates proximity in time, but not guaranteed outcomes. Instead, use it to express expectations or plans for the near term, acknowledging that unforeseen circumstances may still alter events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the immediate future" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify a timeframe. Ludwig AI confirms that is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the immediate future" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that specifies a timeframe very close to the present. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in neutral and formal contexts, predominantly within News & Media. While offering alternatives like "shortly" or "in the short term" is valuable, it is essential to ensure using "in the immediate future" does not imply a certainty that cannot be guaranteed, focusing instead on near-term expectations and plans.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In the short term

Focuses on a limited period, highlighting the brief duration.

In the near term

Similar to "in the short term" but can sometimes imply slightly longer duration.

Coming up shortly

Emphasizes the imminence of the events.

In the approaching days

Highlights the progression toward the events.

Over the coming period

Focuses on a continuous stretch of time that is soon to arrive.

For the time being

Indicates a provisional state, relevant for a limited time window.

In the present circumstances

Highlights the current setting and its impact on near plans.

Right around the corner

An idiomatic way of expressing something that is very close to happening

On the horizon

Suggests that something is becoming apparent and will happen before long

In the wings

Implies that something is prepared and ready to be put into use or take place

FAQs

What's the difference between "in the immediate future" and /s/in+the+near+future?

"In the immediate future" suggests a shorter, more urgent timeframe than "in the near future". The former implies something will happen very soon, while the latter is more general.

How can I use "in the immediate future" in a sentence?

You can use "in the immediate future" to describe plans, expectations, or predictions for the very near term. For example: "We expect to see significant changes in the immediate future regarding our project timeline."

What are some alternatives to "in the immediate future"?

Alternatives include "shortly", "in the short term", or "soon", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to use "in the immediate future" in formal writing?

Yes, "in the immediate future" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to indicate a timeframe that is close or soon to happen.