Looking ahead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Looking ahead" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is going to be discussed in the future. For example, "Looking ahead, we can see that the economy is likely to improve in the coming year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Looking ahead, my charts look bleak.

BBC

Looking ahead, the outlook dims.

The New York Times

Looking Ahead to a Twitter I.P.O.

The New York Times

Looking ahead, the researchers have two goals.

The New York Times - Science

Looking ahead, where should he play?

The New York Times - Sports

Looking ahead to the transition.

The New York Times

Looking ahead, her future seems occluded.

The Guardian - Opinion

Looking ahead, Abdirashid Duale plans more expansion.

The New York Times

"Looking ahead, we can expect weaker spending.

The Guardian - Business

Looking ahead, Mr. Koop is cautiously optimistic.

The New York Times

Looking ahead, Mr. Jacobs is cautious.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Looking ahead" to introduce future plans, predictions, or considerations in a clear and concise manner.

Common error

Avoid using "Looking ahead" merely as a transitional phrase without substantive content; ensure it genuinely introduces a forward-thinking perspective or plan.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Looking ahead" functions as an introductory participle phrase, modifying the main clause by setting a temporal context related to future considerations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides various examples of it introducing forward-looking statements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Looking ahead" is a common and correct introductory phrase used to orient discussions towards future considerations. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and frequently appears in news, business, and other formal contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to use it purposefully, avoiding its misuse as mere filler. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "considering the future", "planning for the future", or "anticipating future events", each offering slight nuances in meaning. Overall, "Looking ahead" serves as a valuable tool for introducing forward-thinking perspectives in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Considering the future

Focuses on the act of thinking about what's to come, omitting the sense of anticipation.

Planning for the future

Emphasizes the proactive steps taken to prepare for what's coming.

Anticipating future events

Focuses on expecting or predicting upcoming occurrences.

Forecasting what's next

Highlights the act of predicting or estimating future events.

Taking a long-term view

Emphasizes a perspective that considers distant future consequences.

Envisioning the future

Stresses the act of imagining or visualizing what might happen.

With the future in mind

Highlights the act of considering future implications.

Projecting forward

Implies extending current trends or data into the future.

Charting a course for the future

Implies setting a direction or path with future goals in mind.

Thinking about tomorrow

A more informal way of referring to future considerations.

FAQs

How can I effectively start a sentence with "Looking ahead"?

Begin with "Looking ahead," followed by a comma, then clearly state what you are anticipating or planning for, such as, "Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its operations overseas."

What are some professional synonyms for "Looking ahead"?

In a formal context, you can use phrases like "considering the future", "planning for the future", or "anticipating future events" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Is it correct to use "Looking ahead" in academic writing?

Yes, "Looking ahead" is appropriate for academic writing when discussing future research directions, potential implications, or forward-thinking perspectives, assuming it's used to clearly introduce a future-oriented discussion.

How does "Looking ahead" differ from "Looking forward to"?

"Looking ahead" generally refers to planning, anticipating, or considering future events, while "Looking forward to" expresses anticipation or excitement about a specific future event. They are not interchangeable in all contexts.