in the foreseeable future

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the foreseeable future" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to mean the near future, or a short period of time from now. For example, "We expect to have finished the project in the foreseeable future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Probably not in the foreseeable future.

The Economist

That is improbable in the foreseeable future.

The Economist

"Not in the foreseeable future," he said.

The New York Times

The odds on reunification in the foreseeable future remain long.

The New York Times

"We have to find an answer in the foreseeable future".

The New York Times

So I don't see it happening in the foreseeable future".

The New York Times

Nothing similar will be attempted in the foreseeable future.

The Guardian - Arts

There is little sign of relief in the foreseeable future.

The Guardian

Actually, no or at least, not in the foreseeable future.

The Economist

In the foreseeable future, global urbanization will continue.

Landscape and Urban Planning

This is, however, not feasible and will not be in the foreseeable future.

Advances in Space Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the foreseeable future" to indicate a period that is close enough to be reasonably predicted or anticipated, but not immediate. It's useful when discussing trends, plans, or possibilities that are not yet certain but likely to occur.

Common error

Avoid using "in the foreseeable future" when you mean something will definitely happen. It implies a degree of uncertainty and relies on current predictions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the foreseeable future" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs and clauses to specify a timeframe. It indicates when an action or event is expected to occur, qualifying the timing within a predictable range.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

35%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in the foreseeable future" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates a timeframe within reasonable prediction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, from news and scientific discussions to academic analyses, providing a temporal perspective on expected events. While versatile, writers should remain mindful of the implied uncertainty and the appropriateness of alternatives like "in the near future" for shorter time horizons. The phrase is widely accepted and understood, making it a valuable tool for expressing anticipated developments across diverse subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the near future

This alternative is a more common and slightly less formal way of expressing a similar timeframe.

in the coming years

This specifies the timeframe more concretely, focusing on a period of several years.

in the short term

This implies a shorter duration than "in the foreseeable future", suggesting immediate or near-immediate impact.

in the medium term

This refers to a timeframe longer than the short term but shorter than the long term, often spanning several years.

on the horizon

This evokes a sense of anticipation, suggesting something is approaching but not yet immediately present.

in the offing

This alternative is more idiomatic, suggesting something is likely to happen or appear soon.

in the cards

This alternative is an informal idiom that means something is likely or certain to happen.

in the long run

This contrasts with "in the foreseeable future" by referring to a more distant and less certain timeframe.

down the line

This is a more general phrase indicating a point in the future, without specifying how near or far.

coming down the pike

This is an informal and less common idiom meaning something is coming or about to happen.

FAQs

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

Use "in the foreseeable future" to refer to events or developments that are expected to happen soon. For example, "We anticipate significant advancements in technology "in the foreseeable future"".

What are some alternatives to saying "in the foreseeable future"?

You can use phrases like "in the near future", "in the coming years", or "in the short term" depending on the specific context and the time frame you want to convey.

Is "in the foreseeable future" formal or informal?

"In the foreseeable future" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for use in professional writing, news articles, and academic contexts. It is less common in very casual conversation.

What's the difference between "in the near future" and "in the foreseeable future"?

While both phrases refer to a time that is not distant, "in the near future" implies a shorter and more imminent timeframe, whereas "in the foreseeable future" suggests a period that can be reasonably predicted based on current trends and conditions.