Sometime in the future

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Sometime in the future" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an unspecified point in time that will occur later than the present moment. Example: "We will make a decision about the project sometime in the future, once we have gathered all the necessary information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sometime in the future, I hope to, yes.

The Guardian

Sometime in the future someone will start questioning why we interpreted something as a wall.

The New York Times

Sometime in the future, it will be a real issue to deal with".

The New York Times

Sometime in the future, black voters might help Republicans win the Presidency.

The New Yorker

Sometime in the future, there will be meetings to spell out what's going to transpire here.

The New York Times - Sports

Sometime in the future the bindweed will have the place back.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sometime in the future?

WikiHow

"I hope, sometime in the future," he said.

The New Yorker

When pressed, he added: "Sometime in the future.

The New York Times

Will those two face each other sometime in the future?

The Guardian - Sport

The tease is: "Dalston, east London, sometime in the future.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sometime in the future" to express uncertainty about when an event will occur. This phrasing is suitable when a specific timeframe is unknown or unimportant.

Common error

Avoid using "sometime in the future" excessively in formal writing where more precise language is expected. Instead, use specific timeframes or more formal alternatives like "at a later date" or "subsequently".

Linguistic Context

Adverbial Phrase: "Sometime in the future" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate when an action will take place. Ludwig shows that it's often used to soften commitments or predictions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

15%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sometime in the future" is a grammatically sound and widely used way to refer to an unspecified time later than the present. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is considered correct and usable. It is common across various contexts, especially in news and media, but also appears in academic and informal writing. When writing, use "sometime in the future" to express intent or expectation without committing to a specific date. However, in more formal contexts, consider using more precise alternatives. Overall, the phrase is a versatile and acceptable way to discuss future events when the timing is uncertain.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In the future

A more direct and general way of referring to any time after the present.

Eventually

A more general term indicating that something will happen after a period of time.

At a later date

Implies a specific, though unspecified, point in time.

At some future point

Emphasizes a specific, though unspecified, time later on.

Down the line

More informal, suggesting a progression to a later stage.

In due course

Implies eventual occurrence as a natural or expected outcome.

Further along

Suggests progression to a more advanced stage in time or development.

In the fullness of time

Suggests a longer, more indefinite period before something happens.

Subsequently

Indicates something that follows or comes later.

Coming up

Refers to something that will happen soon.

FAQs

What does "sometime in the future" mean?

The phrase "sometime in the future" refers to an unspecified point in time that will occur later than the present moment. It indicates that something will happen, but without a specific date or timeframe.

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

You can use "sometime in the future" to indicate a planned or expected event without specifying when it will happen. For example, "We will address this issue "sometime in the future", once we have more information."

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

Alternatives include "eventually", "at a later date", or "down the line", depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is "in the future" the same as "sometime in the future"?

While similar, "in the future" is more general and can refer to any point after the present. "Sometime in the future" implies a more specific, though unspecified, time. Use "in the future" for general references, and "sometime in the future" when you have a particular event in mind.