in future terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in future terms" is not commonly used in written English and may cause confusion.
It can be used when discussing concepts or ideas that will be relevant or applicable in the future, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "In future terms, we need to consider the long-term effects of our decisions on the environment."

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Avoid numbering the question, since if you reuse the question in future terms on a different survey, the numbering may change.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Do write questions that will be applicable now and in future terms, avoiding term-specific dates or language in order to compare answers over time.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

(Examples of Likert question text are: "Reading assignments contributed to my learning," "Managed discussions well," and "Learn the dynamics of engineering"). Avoid numbering the question, since if you reuse the question in future terms on a different survey, the numbering may change.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Procrastination Is Expensive The problem is that Todd's financial choices are expensive, not only in current terms, but even more so in future terms.

Forbes

"Acute and diverse", it is the expression used by Europol [1] to describe the actual terrorist threat across Europe, but these adjectives not only exist in future terms.

European Journal of Futures Research

User benefits consist of possibilities for networking, although scientific or clinical benefits are mostly defined in future terms, such as advances in medical research enabled through the use of information on the platform or through research recruitment via the platform.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

However, students are allowed to enroll in the Student Health Plan in the future terms as needed.

Johns Hopkins University

When do I learn about and enroll in courses for future terms?

University of California, Berkeley

Justices accord such a courtesy to one another in the knowledge that in some future term, they might be the ones requesting more time.

The New York Times

Applicants who wish to attend Berkeley in a future term must reapply for admission and compete with other applicants who apply for the same term.

University of California, Berkeley

Would I like to go further in future [in terms of raising the inheritance tax threshold]?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Using "in future terms" can sometimes sound awkward, especially in informal contexts. Opt for simpler wording to enhance readability.

Common error

Avoid using "in future terms" when simpler alternatives like "in the future" or "later on" convey the same meaning without adding unnecessary complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in future terms" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun by indicating a future perspective or condition. It suggests considering something from a future standpoint. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically acceptable but not as frequently used as other alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

38%

News & Media

38%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in future terms" is a grammatically acceptable but somewhat uncommon way to express ideas related to the future. As noted by Ludwig, it is advisable to consider simpler alternatives like "in the future" or "going forward" for greater clarity and impact. While the phrase appears in academic, news, and scientific contexts, it's important to ensure it fits the overall tone and style of your writing to avoid sounding awkward or overly complex.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the future

More direct and common way to refer to events that will happen later.

going forward

Implies a continuation from the present into the future, often in a planning context.

in coming years

Specifies a time frame in the future, focusing on the next several years.

in subsequent periods

More formal; refers to later periods or timeframes, often in academic or business contexts.

down the line

Informal way to talk about events that will occur further into the future.

in due course

Suggests that something will happen at the appropriate time in the future.

in later stages

Focuses on future phases or parts of a process or plan.

prospectively

Refers to something that is expected or likely to happen in the future.

looking ahead

Indicates consideration of future plans or possibilities.

in the long run

Focuses on the eventual outcome or effects over an extended period.

FAQs

What is a simpler alternative to "in future terms"?

You can often replace "in future terms" with simpler phrases like "in the future", "going forward", or "subsequently" for clearer communication.

When is it appropriate to use "in future terms"?

While grammatically correct, "in future terms" is not always the most idiomatic choice. It can be used when discussing how something will be considered or expressed in the future, but simpler alternatives are usually preferred.

How can I make my writing sound more natural when discussing future events?

Focus on using common phrases that directly indicate time, such as "in the coming years", "down the line", or "prospectively", instead of more complex constructions.

Is "in future terms" always grammatically correct?

Yes, "in future terms" is grammatically correct, but it's not always the most natural or common way to express a future-oriented idea. Consider whether a simpler phrase would be more effective.