in the distant future

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the distant future" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a period of time in the future that is not easily defined or specified. For example: "I hope to travel to the moon in the distant future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But politics lay in the distant future.

The Economist

It will be in the distant future".

The New York Times - Sports

Will he still be feted in the distant future?

The Guardian

So lightsabers are, theoretically, possible in the distant future.

The Guardian - Film

But that, he says, is "in the distant future".

The Economist

"Solar is thought of as an ultimate energy technology off in the distant future.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

By starting to go after things that are much less in the distant future like Arctic.

Columbia University

Quitting smoking provides more than just a promise of better health in the distant future.

University of California, Berkeley

Maybe, in the distant future, some genius will figure out a way to remove the walls.

The Guardian - Sport

And we're not just talking about disasters in the distant future, either.

The New York Times

I was content waiting for "someday" to rise gradually in the distant future.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the distant future", consider the reader's perspective. Will they find the concept inspiring, daunting, or simply abstract? Tailor your language accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "in the distant future" when a more specific timeframe is possible or necessary. Overusing the phrase can weaken your message by making it seem vague or unrealistic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the distant future" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying when an action or event will occur. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

22%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the distant future" is a grammatically correct and widely used adverbial phrase that serves to project events and possibilities into a far-off timeframe. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is valid and its usage in examples reflect its common usage.

It is most frequently found in news and media, academia, and scientific contexts, and carries a neutral to slightly formal tone. When employing this phrase, remember to be mindful of the level of precision required and avoid overuse in contexts where a more specific timeframe would be appropriate. By doing so, you can effectively harness the power of "in the distant future" to enrich your writing and inspire your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

far into the future

Emphasizes the considerable length of time until the event or situation occurs.

in the remote future

Highlights the unlikelihood or uncertainty of the event happening.

in the far-off future

Similar to "distant", but with a slightly more poetic or imaginative tone.

in times to come

Suggests a future that will unfold gradually, possibly over a long period.

down the line

More informal, implying a point in time further ahead but not necessarily extremely distant.

years from now

Simple and direct, focusing on the passage of years.

at a later date

A more generic phrase that refers to an unspecified future time.

in posterity

Referring to a time after one's death, or the time of future generations.

in days to come

Similar to "in times to come", with a slightly more archaic feel.

eventually

Implies that something will happen at some undefined point in the future.

FAQs

How can I use "in the distant future" in a sentence?

Use "in the distant future" to refer to events or possibilities that are far off in time. For example: "In the distant future, humans may colonize other planets."

What are some alternatives to "in the distant future"?

Alternatives include "far into the future", "in the remote future", or "years from now", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "in the distant future" or "in the near future"?

The choice depends on the timeframe you're referencing. "In the distant future" implies a long time from now, while "in the near future" suggests a short time from now.

What implications does using "in the distant future" have on the reader?

Using "in the distant future" can evoke a sense of speculation, possibility, or uncertainty, encouraging the reader to consider scenarios that are not immediately relevant but may have long-term consequences.