a near future

USAGE SUMMARY

"a near future" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about something that will likely happen soon, either in the present or future. For example, "Given the current trends, I think we can expect some major changes in a near future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Ion beam tests are planed in a near future.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

The play is set in a near future where people live to be 180 years old.

The Guardian

ZERO POINT is set in a near future following a Fourth Iraq War.

The Guardian

This technology is mature worldwide and we could have it in a near future," says Jones.

The Guardian

The paper presents variations of a certain passive safety containment for a near future BWR.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

Wireless sensor networks comprise an important research area and a near future for industry and communications.

Applied Soft Computing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

A near-future.

The New Yorker

In "Submission," a near-future France slouches toward theocracy.

The New York Times

John Lanchester's "The Wall" is a nightmare vision of a near-future Britain.

The Washington Post

In the first act, survivors of a near-future apocalypse comfort themselves by recounting the plot of a "Simpsons" episode.

The New Yorker

IT SOUNDS like an airport thriller: a near-future in which American firms wage private cyber-combat against Chinese rivals.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a near future" with specific areas of interest or concern to provide context, such as "a near future of renewable energy" or "a near future of automated transportation".

Common error

While it's acceptable to use "a near future" in speculative or fictional scenarios, make sure it's clear to the reader whether you are discussing a real possibility or a hypothetical situation. If necessary, add qualifiers like "in a fictional world" or "hypothetically speaking" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a near future" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an adverbial modifier indicating a timeframe close to the present. It often modifies verbs or entire clauses to specify when an event or development is expected to occur, as demonstrated by Ludwig and its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a near future" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to reference a time that is close to the present. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Science", it serves to set the stage for discussions about anticipated events and developments. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in speculative contexts and consider semantically similar alternatives like "the immediate future" or "the coming years" for nuanced expression. The authoritative sources that employ this phrase are The Guardian, The New York Times, TechCrunch, Huffington Post and Vice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the immediate future

Focuses on the sense of immediacy, suggesting a time frame that is very close.

the foreseeable future

Emphasizes the predictability or certainty of the time frame.

the coming years

Refers to a span of several years that are approaching.

in due course

Suggests that something will happen at an appropriate time without specifying when.

in the short term

Highlights a limited period, often in contrast to long-term considerations.

the approaching time

Emphasizes the sense of something drawing closer.

in the offing

Suggests something is likely to happen or appear soon.

the next chapter

Implies a new phase or development that is about to begin.

down the line

Refers to a point in the future, often used when discussing consequences or developments.

just around the corner

Indicates something is very close in time or space.

FAQs

How can I use "a near future" in a sentence?

"A near future" is typically used to discuss events or developments expected to occur relatively soon. For example, "Analysts predict significant advancements in artificial intelligence in "a near future"".

What are some alternatives to "a near future"?

Alternatives to "a near future" include "the immediate future", "the coming years", or "in "the short term"", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a near future" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a near future" is grammatically correct. It functions as a noun phrase that describes a time frame not far from the present.

What is the difference between "a near future" and "the distant future"?

"A near future" refers to a time that is relatively close and foreseeable, while "the distant future" refers to a time far off and potentially less certain.