at some future time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at some future time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an unspecified point in the future when something is expected to happen or be considered. Example: "We will discuss the project details at some future time when everyone is available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The company announced that it would try again to collapse the shares at some future time.

The New York Times

They are all senators and can generate and initiate actions now, not at some future time.

The New York Times

The administration has not ruled out its use at some future time, however.

The New York Times

Lombardo states at some future time Con Ed may read its meters electronically, the way the telephone company does.

The New Yorker

She didn't go to the wedding, preferring to meet the bride at her own home at some future time.

The New Yorker

What if this radical concept had come up at some future time, when Mr. Sondheim was no longer around?

The New York Times - Arts

If they ever change at some future time then the will of the people will prevail," he said.

The Guardian

Could information about our safe sex practices – or the lack of them – be used against us at some future time?

The Guardian - Opinion

Grasp this story, and you might even know what kind of meeting you could expect to make in the world, at some future time.

The New Yorker

That is, unless, some other character, perhaps his beloved Mary, steps into a shower at some future time and declares that his death was all a dream.

The New York Times - Arts

Suppose that one wished to calculate, for each particle i in a certain subsystem of the universe, the position of that particle at some future time t = T.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at some future time" to refer to an event or action that is planned or expected to occur, but without specifying an exact date or timeframe.

Common error

Avoid using "at some future time" excessively in very formal or technical writing, where more precise language might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "subsequently" or "at a later date" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at some future time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing of an action or event. It specifies when something will happen, as demonstrated by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at some future time" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to an unspecified point in the future. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's widely used across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While it’s generally neutral, you can consider more precise language depending on the context for higher formality. Alternatives such as "at a later date" or "eventually" can offer similar meanings with slight differences in nuance. Remember that while this phrase can be used in different writing projects, it's worth noting that some better phrase alternatives could exist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a later date

A more generic and neutral alternative, simply indicating a point in the future without specifying when.

eventually

Implies that something will happen after a period of time, without specifying when.

in due course

Implies that something will happen when the time is right or appropriate; suggests a natural progression or inevitable outcome.

when the time comes

Indicates that something will happen when a specific condition or event occurs.

down the line

Informal way to say something will happen later; implies progression along a path or timeline.

sometime down the road

Similar to "down the line", but with a slightly more metaphorical sense of journey or progress.

in the fullness of time

Suggests that something will happen when the conditions are completely ready; carries a sense of patience and eventual fulfillment.

in the offing

Suggests that something is likely to happen or appear soon.

in the years ahead

Specifies a more distant future, spanning several years.

in the coming days

Refers to the near future, specifically the next few days.

FAQs

What does "at some future time" mean?

The phrase "at some future time" means at an unspecified point in the future. It indicates that an event or action is expected to occur, but the exact timing is not known or not specified.

Is "at some future time" formal or informal?

The phrase "at some future time" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or technical writing, more precise alternatives may be preferred.

What can I say instead of "at some future time"?

You can use alternatives like "at a later date", "eventually", or "in due course" depending on the context.

How do I use "at some future time" in a sentence?

You can use "at some future time" to indicate when an action will take place. For example, "We will discuss the project details "at some future time" when everyone is available".