in the coming decades

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the coming decades" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to a period of time in the future that is not specific, but spans multiple decades. For example, "In the coming decades, it is predicted that the population of the world will reach 10 billion people."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most butterflies' distribution will change in the coming decades.

The Guardian

What do you imagine will happen with poverty in the coming decades?

The New York Times

In the coming decades, ever-improving technologies will almost certainly make new sources of hydrocarbons accessible.

The New Yorker

New goals could change the playing field for social and economic development in the coming decades.

The New York Times

In the coming decades the economy might grow faster even than China's.

The Economist

Climate-driven warming alone will likely cause many opportunistic infections in corals in the coming decades.

The New York Times

In the coming decades China will have to cope with caring for an ageing population.

The Economist

Much depends, of course, on government policies in the coming decades.

The New York Times

It'll be a language of business opportunity in the coming decades.

The New York Times

Scientists predict climate change will aggravate worldwide water shortages in the coming decades.

The New York Times

As a result, the rate of innovation seems poised to increase dramatically in the coming decades.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the coming decades", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject and area you are predicting changes for. For instance, specify if you're referring to economic shifts, technological advancements, or environmental impacts.

Common error

Avoid using "in the coming decades" without specific details. Saying 'things will change in the coming decades' lacks impact. Instead, provide concrete examples or potential scenarios to make your statement more compelling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the coming decades" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying a timeframe in the future. Ludwig confirms its proper usage across diverse sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the coming decades" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a period in the future spanning several decades. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in scientific, news, and business contexts to introduce predictions or expectations. While versatile, it's most effective when followed by specific details to enhance clarity and impact. When writing, avoid vague statements and focus on concrete scenarios to make your predictions more compelling. Remember the alternative phrases to add variety to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In the next few decades

Specifies a shorter timeframe than the original phrase.

Over the coming decades

Emphasizes the progression through the period of time.

During the decades ahead

Highlights the period as one to watch out for.

In future decades

More generic term. Omits 'coming'.

In the years to come

Broadly refers to the future, not specifically decades.

In the long term

Focuses on the distant future without being time-specific.

Down the line

More informal expression referring to the future.

Looking ahead

Focuses on predictions and expectations for the future.

In the foreseeable future

Refers to a future that can be reasonably predicted.

Eventually

Simple term without time referrence.

FAQs

How can I use "in the coming decades" in a sentence?

You can use "in the coming decades" to introduce predictions or expectations about future trends. For example, "In the coming decades, renewable energy will likely become more prevalent".

What are some alternatives to "in the coming decades"?

Alternatives include "in the next few decades", "over the coming decades", or "during the decades ahead". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "in the coming decades" or "in the next few decades"?

"In the coming decades" implies a longer, less defined timeframe than "in the next few decades". Choose the phrase that best reflects the period you are discussing.

What impact does "in the coming decades" have on the tone of a sentence?

Using "in the coming decades" can create a sense of anticipation or concern, depending on the context. It suggests that changes are expected, but the specific nature or timing might be uncertain.