in the not too distant future

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the not too distant future" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase generally implies that something is expected to happen at an indefinite time soon, without specifying an exact date or time frame. For example, "I look forward to seeing you in the not too distant future!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

And doing it in the not too distant future.

MIT Technology Review

Expect more paper avalanches in the not too distant future.

The Economist

The Davis Cup, in the not too distant future.

The New York Times - Magazine

But such flying vehicles could become available in the not too distant future.

MIT Technology Review

In the not too distant future, Germans, French and Britons might yet merge into Europeans.

The Guardian - Books

In the not too distant future, we may struggle to tell the difference.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Of course, I know debt-yet-again-ageddon lurks somewhere in our not too distant future.

The New Yorker

implementation at some point in the not-too-distant future.

Stanford University

In the not-too-distant future, digital still- and motion-picture photography may become exclusively HDR.

High Dynamic Range Imaging Acquisition, Display, and Image-Based Lighting

In the not-too-distant future, space travel could be accessible to all.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It will become more valuable, potentially much more so, in the not-too-distant future.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the not too distant future" to create a sense of anticipation or expectation without committing to a specific timeline. For example, "We expect significant technological advancements in the not too distant future."

Common error

While suitable for many contexts, avoid overuse of "in the not too distant future" in highly formal or scientific writing where more precise language is preferred. Consider alternatives like "in the coming years" or "in the short term" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the not too distant future" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify when an action or event is expected to occur. It indicates a time frame that is not immediate but also not far off. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and common in English writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the not too distant future" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something is expected to happen relatively soon. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, but may require more precise alternatives in formal writing. While expressing a prediction or expectation, it is essential to consider the context to ensure the chosen alternative is appropriate. The phrase generally maintains a neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the foreseeable future

Implies an event is likely to happen within a period that can be reasonably predicted.

in the near future

Suggests an event will occur soon, without specifying a precise timeframe.

shortly

Indicates an event will happen very soon or immediately.

coming soon

Used to announce that something will be available in a short period of time.

in due course

Implies something will happen at the appropriate time in the future.

on the horizon

Suggests an event is impending or about to happen.

just around the corner

Indicates that something is about to happen very soon.

in the offing

Suggests that something is likely to happen in the near future.

in short order

Implies that something will happen quickly or without delay.

before long

Means that something will happen relatively soon.

FAQs

How can I use "in the not too distant future" in a sentence?

This phrase is generally used to indicate that something is expected to occur relatively soon. For example, "Self-driving cars may become commonplace in the not too distant future."

What are some alternatives to "in the not too distant future"?

You can use alternatives such as "in the foreseeable future", "in the near future", or "shortly" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "in the not too distant future" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral and can be used in a variety of contexts. However, for highly formal writing, more precise alternatives may be preferable.

Which is more appropriate, "in the not too distant future" or "in the distant future"?

While both phrases refer to a time in the future, "in the not too distant future" implies that the event is expected to occur relatively soon, whereas "in the distant future" suggests a much later, more undefined timeframe.