future

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "future" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a period of time in the coming days, months, or years, as well as to refer to something that is planned or expected to happen. For example: "We need to be prepared for any possible future developments in the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's the future!

The New York Times

"The great service we have provided should have guaranteed a strong future, but unfortunately our network partners have decided otherwise.

The Guardian - Business

As a part of America's higher education system, college basketball plays and important role in diversity, equality, fairness and inclusion, and will continue to do so in the future".

The Guardian - Sport

Others want to find things that support what they want the party to do in the future.

The Guardian

"Too often in the past our rhetoric undermined that positive relationship with business, and with the creation of jobs and wealth for the future.

The Guardian

You must take legal action now or you may lose the opportunity to do so due to future legal obstacles".

The Guardian - Arts

The future of the show's other two presenters - Hammond and May - is unclear, with both men's Top Gear contracts having run out.

The Guardian

But what of the future?

The New York Times

The future is now.

The Guardian - Film

Rusbridger said: "Every newspaper is on a journey into some kind of digital future.

The Guardian

That doesn't mean getting out of print, but it does require a greater focus of attention, imagination and resource on the various forms that digital future is likely to take".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "future" to refer to events that have not yet happened, but are expected or likely to occur. Consider the specific context when choosing between "future" and synonyms like "time to come" or "what lies ahead."

Common error

Avoid using "future" when you actually mean "destiny" or "fate". "Future" refers to time yet to come, while "destiny" implies a predetermined course of events. Instead of saying "Our future is written in the stars", say "Our destiny is written in the stars."

Linguistic Context

The word "future" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the time yet to come or events that will happen. It can also be used as an adjective, describing something related to that time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "future" is a versatile term that primarily functions as a noun or adjective, denoting time yet to come or events that will occur. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely applicable, appearing most frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. When using "future", it's important to consider the specific context and avoid substituting it for words like "destiny", which implies a predetermined course of events. Synonyms like "time to come", "years ahead", and "what lies ahead" can offer subtle differences in meaning depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember to consider best practices and common errors to ensure accurate and effective communication about the "future".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time to come

Focuses on the temporal aspect of what is yet to happen.

years ahead

Emphasizes the length of time extending forward.

days ahead

Highlights the short-term aspect of time yet to come.

what lies ahead

Implies uncertainty and anticipation about upcoming events.

coming times

Highlights that there will be more times in the future.

subsequent period

Adds a sense of order and sequence to future events.

the offing

Suggests that something is likely to happen soon.

eventual time

Emphasizes that a long time is needed.

sooner or later

Highlights that something will eventually happen.

down the line

Indicates a point further away in time.

FAQs

How can I use "future" in a sentence?

You can use "future" to refer to a period of time yet to come, as in, "The future of technology is uncertain". It can also refer to something that will happen, as in, "We are planning for the future".

What are some alternatives to the word "future"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "time to come", "years ahead", or "what lies ahead".

Is it correct to say "in the near future"?

Yes, "in the near future" is a common and correct idiom used to indicate that something will happen relatively soon.

What's the difference between "future" and "futurity"?

"Future" is the more common term and refers generally to time that is to come. "Futurity" is a more formal or philosophical term, often referring to the quality of being in the future or the state of being about to happen.