a possible future

USAGE SUMMARY

"a possible future" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to an uncertain predicted future. For example, "Climate change is a major issue that threatens a possible future of destruction and chaos."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Business as usual is not a possible future".

The Guardian

Community currencies are a window into a possible future.

The Guardian

Burchill thinks Phillips is also a possible future Labour leader.

Independent

He was even seen by some as a possible future Prime Minister.

The New Yorker

Their managers discuss a possible future benefit gig for Africa together.

The Guardian

In the April college draft, they selected defensive tackle Corey Simon, a possible future Warren Sapp.

The New York Times - Sports

Aid and development agencies are warning of a possible future famine in three violence-ridden states.

The Guardian

Her name has been mentioned as a possible future member of the UK's supreme court.

The Guardian

Watching West Ham fans might have seen it as a frightening portent of a possible future.

The Guardian - Sport

Since his appearance in Waco, Mr. Schwab has been mentioned as a possible future Treasury secretary.

The New York Times

He has been described as a possible future leader of the party.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a possible future" to discuss scenarios that are not certain but are plausible based on current information or trends.

Common error

Avoid using "a possible future" when discussing events that are already guaranteed or highly predictable. Opt for phrases that reflect a higher degree of certainty in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a possible future" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI highlights, it describes a hypothetical scenario that may or may not come to pass. It is versatile enough to fit many situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a possible future" is a versatile noun phrase used to discuss potential, but uncertain, scenarios. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Appearing most frequently in news and media, and also prominently in scientific contexts, the phrase allows for speculation and planning without committing to a definitive prediction. When writing, remember to use it for plausible but unconfirmed scenarios, and consider alternatives like "a potential future" or "a likely future" to fine-tune the meaning. Avoid overstating certainty and ensure the context warrants the speculative nature of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a potential future

Replaces "possible" with "potential", suggesting a slightly higher degree of likelihood or capability.

a likely future

Emphasizes the probability of the future occurring.

a probable future

Similar to "likely future", highlighting the chances of the future coming to pass.

a conceivable future

Focuses on the ability to imagine or envision the future.

a foreseeable future

Highlights that the future can be predicted or anticipated to some extent.

a prospective future

Suggests a future that is expected or likely to happen or become.

a coming future

Focuses on the imminence or approach of the future.

a developing future

Emphasizes the process of the future unfolding or evolving.

a projected future

Implies a future that has been estimated or calculated based on current trends.

a hypothetical future

Highlights the speculative or theoretical nature of the future.

FAQs

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

You can use "a possible future" to describe scenarios that might occur but are not guaranteed, such as, "Investing in renewable energy represents an investment in "a possible future" for our planet".

What are some alternatives to "a possible future"?

Alternatives include "a potential future", "a likely future", or "a conceivable future", each emphasizing different aspects of the future's likelihood or possibility.

Is "a possible future" formal or informal?

"A possible future" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone and purpose of the communication. It's common in news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversation.

What's the difference between "a possible future" and "the future"?

"The future" refers to the general concept of time after the present, while "a possible future" refers to one specific scenario or outcome that might occur. The former is general, the latter is specific and uncertain.