foreseeable future

USAGE SUMMARY

"foreseeable future" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when a specific time frame is not known but you would like to express that the time frame should have some foreseeable limit. For example: "We plan to reach our goal within the foreseeable future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the foreseeable future.

The Guardian - Business

Probably not in the foreseeable future.

The Economist

That is improbable in the foreseeable future.

The Economist

And contention for the foreseeable future.

The New York Times

"Not in the foreseeable future," he said.

The New York Times

At least, for the foreseeable future.

The New York Times

That, for the foreseeable future, has changed.

The Guardian - Sport

For the foreseeable future, that looks impossible.

The Guardian - Opinion

I think, for the foreseeable future, yes.

Cornell University

At least not for the foreseeable future.

The Washington Post

For the foreseeable future they will remain downtown.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "foreseeable future" when you want to indicate that a situation is expected to continue for a period that can be reasonably anticipated, but without specifying an exact duration.

Common error

Avoid using "foreseeable future" excessively in your writing. While it's a useful phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, consider using synonyms or rephrasing your sentences for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foreseeable future" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a time frame that is not precisely defined but is within the realm of reasonable prediction. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

21%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "foreseeable future" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used expression that signifies a time frame that is reasonably predictable, though not precisely defined. Ludwig AI validates its use across various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academic writing, indicating a neutral register. When using "foreseeable future", consider synonyms like ""near future"" or "short term" to avoid redundancy. The examples show its usage in various domains, emphasizing its versatility in expressing expectations about ongoing situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near future

Focuses on the immediacy of the time frame.

discernible future

Emphasizes the clarity and ease with which the future can be perceived.

predictable future

Highlights the aspect of being able to anticipate what will happen.

visible future

Indicates that the future is clear and apparent.

expected future

Suggests that the future is anticipated based on current trends or expectations.

approaching time

Refers to a period that is coming closer.

short term

Specifies a limited duration.

imminent period

Suggests a time that is about to happen.

coming years

Refers to a span of multiple years that are upcoming.

reasonable time frame

Highlights the practicality and feasibility of estimating the future.

FAQs

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

You can use "foreseeable future" to describe events or situations expected to continue for a period that can be reasonably anticipated. For example, "The company plans to expand its operations in the "near future"."

What are some alternatives to "foreseeable future"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as ""near future"", "short term", or "coming years".

Is "foreseeable future" formal or informal?

"Foreseeable future" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness largely depends on the surrounding language and the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "foreseeable future" and "immediate future"?

"Foreseeable future" refers to a period that can be reasonably anticipated but is not necessarily imminent. "Immediate future" refers to something that is about to happen very soon.