how things will be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how things will be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing future situations, outcomes, or conditions. Example: "I often wonder how things will be in five years, especially with the rapid advancements in technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Do you worry about how things will be interpreted?

The New York Times

"I think about how things will be when I'm dead; the guys in the boardroom don't.

The Economist

It is not yet clear how things will be different this time.

The New Yorker

It's ridiculous to consider how things will be remembered after you are dead.

The New Yorker

"We are just curious to see how things will be and we just can't wait".

The Guardian

It is how things are and how things will be for several years to come.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Keep in mind who you are inviting, how old they are, their interests, how busy things will be, and the activities you had in mind.

WikiHow

"We have no idea of how negative things will be in sectors like airlines and hotels".

The New York Times

Mr Cowen and other ministers regularly issue grim warnings of how difficult things will be in 2009.

Independent

"I really believe we're on the way to doing something great, and 20 years from now this is how these things will be taken care of," he said.

The New York Times - Science

Others picture architecture in a more dynamic sense including the physical things in the system as well as a scenario view of how those things will be used.

System Requirements Analysis

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "how things will be", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific area or aspect of the future you are referring to for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "how things will be" without providing context. Vague usage can lead to confusion. Always specify what 'things' refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how things will be" functions as a relative clause, often serving as a noun phrase within a sentence. It refers to the future state or condition of something, indicating an inquiry, expectation, or concern. Ludwig shows examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "how things will be" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to inquire about or express anticipation for future conditions. Ludwig AI identifies it primarily in news, media, and scientific contexts, suggesting a broad applicability. While neutral in register, ensure the context is specific to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "what the future holds" or "how the situation will evolve" may offer subtle shifts in emphasis. It's suitable for both formal and informal settings, according to Ludwig's analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how matters will stand

Emphasizes the state or condition of affairs in the future.

what the future holds

Focuses on the uncertainties and possibilities of the future.

how the situation will evolve

Highlights the process of change and development over time.

what lies ahead

Suggests anticipation and the unknown aspects of the future.

how the future will shape up

Focuses on the ultimate form or structure the future will take.

how the dice will fall

Implies a sense of chance or unpredictability in future outcomes.

how events will transpire

Highlights the unfolding or occurrence of future events.

how things will pan out

Focuses on the eventual result or conclusion of a situation.

the shape of things to come

Emphasizes the form and nature of future developments.

what the outlook will be

Highlights the perspective or expectations for the future.

FAQs

What does "how things will be" mean?

The phrase "how things will be" refers to the anticipated state or condition of something in the future. It expresses curiosity, concern, or expectation about future outcomes.

How can I use "how things will be" in a sentence?

You can use "how things will be" to express a question or statement about future circumstances. For example: "I wonder "how things will be" after the new policy is implemented."

What can I say instead of "how things will be"?

Alternatives include "what the future holds", "how matters will stand", or "how the situation will evolve", depending on the specific context.

Is "how things will be" formal or informal?

"How things will be" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives such as "the anticipated state" or "future conditions".