In the offing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In the offing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is likely to happen soon or is imminent. Example: "With the new product launch scheduled for next month, exciting changes are in the offing for our company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Of course I know this is not in the offing.

Huffington Post

Havoc seemed in the offing.

The New York Times

None is in the offing.

The Economist

A film is, inevitably, in the offing.

The Economist

A food crisis is in the offing.

The New Yorker

There is an election in the offing.

The Economist

Is there a cookbook in the offing?

Independent

A CBBC app is in the offing.

Independent

Other ambitious plans are in the offing.

The Economist

But nothing tangible is in the offing.

The Economist

Investment facilitation: Another fad in the offing?

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the offing", consider the tone and context. It's suitable for formal writing but can also be used effectively in news reporting and general communication to add a layer of sophistication.

Common error

Avoid using "in the offing" when describing events that are happening right now or are imminent. This phrase suggests a future possibility, not a present reality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the offing" functions as an adjective phrase, often modifying a noun to indicate that something is likely to happen or is approaching. Ludwig examples show its use in describing potential events or developments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

19%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the offing" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate that something is likely to happen in the future. With a "Correct" grammatical status, as confirmed by Ludwig, it is frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, making it suitable for formal and neutral registers. While alternatives like "on the horizon" or "in the pipeline" exist, "in the offing" adds a distinctive flavor of anticipation. As Ludwig's examples show, it’s best employed when the event is expected but not immediate, enriching your writing with a touch of sophistication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the horizon

Emphasizes visibility or anticipation of an event, like something appearing in the distance.

in the pipeline

Suggests that something is under development and will be available in the future.

coming soon

A straightforward expression indicating an imminent arrival or occurrence.

in the cards

Implies that something is a likely possibility, often due to circumstances or fate.

about to happen

Directly indicates the immediacy of an event.

on the verge of

Suggests being at the brink of something occurring.

in the works

Indicates that something is being planned or prepared.

approaching

Highlights the act of drawing closer, suggesting a temporal proximity.

in view

Similar to "on the horizon", but can also mean under consideration.

loom

Suggests that something large and significant is about to appear or happen. It can also create a sense of foreboding.

FAQs

How can I use "In the offing" in a sentence?

Use "in the offing" to indicate that something is likely to happen or appear in the near future. For example, "With the new negotiations, a resolution seems "in the offing"."

What are some alternatives to "In the offing"?

You can use alternatives such as "on the horizon", "in the pipeline", or "coming soon" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "In the offing" formal or informal?

"In the offing" leans towards the formal side, often used in professional, news, or academic contexts. For more casual conversations, phrases like "coming up" or "on the horizon" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "In the offing" and "Imminent"?

"In the offing" suggests something is likely to happen in the foreseeable future but not necessarily immediately. "Imminent" implies that something is about to happen very soon. Therefore, "in the offing" has a broader and less urgent sense than "imminent".