ambivalent future

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ambivalent future" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a future that is uncertain or has mixed feelings associated with it. Example: "As we navigate these changing times, many people feel an ambivalent future ahead, filled with both hope and anxiety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Who wants to provide an uncertain and ambivalent future for the next generation?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Furthermore, it is possible that women (and partners) are ambivalent about future childbearing.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

In this context of high access to and use of family planning methods, women who choose not to use may be ambivalent about future childbearing.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Moreover, even women who appear to have an unmet need may not be the most motivated to adopt a method if they are ambivalent about future childbearing [ 16, 26].

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

However, he also seemed ambivalent about his future in the scrap business.

The New Yorker

Jung was deeply ambivalent about the future, convinced on the one hand that America represented a liberating force and on the other that some apocalypse was about to be visited upon mankind.

The Guardian - Film

Asked if he sees himself carrying on as captain after another crushing defeat – this time by seven wickets at the Sydney Cricket Ground to seal a 3-0 capinulathen in the one-day international series – Cook was for the first time significantly ambivalent about his future.

The Guardian - Sport

He said the department were "legitimately ambivalent" towards the future of the camp.

Wikipedia

It's not surprising that many small business households continue to be ambivalent about their futures because of both the gridlock in Washington and a slowly rebuilding economy.

Huffington Post

Some natives were ambivalent about entrusting their future to a corporation, and worried about losing hunting and fishing grounds to sale or bankruptcy.

The New Yorker

For other computer pioneers, the future appeared more ambivalent.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ambivalent future", consider whether a simpler term like "uncertain future" might be clearer for your audience. "Ambivalent" can sometimes sound overly formal or complex.

Common error

Avoid using "ambivalent future" when you simply mean an undesirable future. "Ambivalent" implies mixed feelings, not just negativity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambivalent future" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "ambivalent" modifies the noun "future". Ludwig indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and understandable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ambivalent future" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a future characterized by both uncertainty and mixed feelings. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is more common in formal writing, specifically within news, media, scientific, and business contexts. While it conveys a nuanced meaning, consider whether simpler alternatives like "uncertain future" are more appropriate for your audience. When using this phrase, ensure you are accurately representing a blend of positive and negative emotions, not just a negative outlook.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncertain future

Replaces the adjective with a more common synonym, focusing on the lack of predictability.

dubious future

Highlights the questionable or doubtful aspects of the future.

unclear future

Emphasizes the lack of clarity or definition regarding what will happen.

tenuous future

Suggests a future that is fragile or easily disrupted.

precarious future

Indicates a future filled with danger and instability.

mixed prospects

Focuses on the combination of positive and negative possibilities in the future.

equivocal prospects

Similar to 'mixed prospects', but more formal and emphasizing the uncertainty.

a future filled with doubts

Rephrases the concept to highlight the presence of uncertainties and concerns.

a future of two minds

Expresses the presence of conflicting ideas and perspectives about future.

contingent future

Highlights that the future depends on certain conditions or events.

FAQs

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

You can use "ambivalent future" to describe a situation where there are mixed feelings or uncertainty about what lies ahead. For example: "Many young people feel an ambivalent future due to climate change and economic instability."

What's a simpler way to say "ambivalent future"?

Alternatives to "ambivalent future" include "uncertain future", "dubious future", or "unclear future", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "ambivalent future"?

While grammatically correct, "ambivalent future" might sound overly formal in some contexts. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use it. Simpler alternatives like "uncertain future" may be more suitable for informal communication.

What does "ambivalent future" imply that "uncertain future" doesn't?

"Ambivalent future" suggests not just a lack of certainty, but also a mix of positive and negative feelings about the possibilities. "Uncertain future" primarily emphasizes the lack of predictability.