in the not-so-distant future

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the not-so-distant future" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time period that is relatively soon or imminent, often in discussions about plans, predictions, or expectations. Example: "We anticipate significant advancements in renewable energy technologies in the not-so-distant future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

A third medical school may open on Long Island in the not-so-distant future.

The New York Times

Yet there appears to be scope to double that in the not-so-distant future.

The New York Times

"We're hopeful that things work out in the not-so-distant future and we'll have a bowl game".

The New York Times

And a warning: prepare your mind for a possible Jags-Raiders AFC title game in the not-so-distant future.

The Guardian - Sport

Some of them, however, are hoping Ukraine will look very different in the not-so-distant future.

The Guardian

A banking union is still in limbo but might complete the picture in the not-so-distant future.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

In some ways, it represents the distant past and the not-so-distant future of this city.

Vice

The not-so-distant future is here: We are living in the United States of Adderall.

Huffington Post

And when we say the "not-so-distant future," really, it's already happening.

TechCrunch

What does this part of the not-so-distant future's picture look like?

Huffington Post

There's nothing sweeter than anticipating unique occasions planned for the not-so-distant future.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the not-so-distant future" to create a sense of anticipation or expectation when discussing upcoming trends, developments, or changes. For example, "In the not-so-distant future, we expect to see more personalized learning experiences in education".

Common error

Avoid using "in the not-so-distant future" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "soon", "in the near future", or "shortly" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the not-so-distant future" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an event is expected to occur. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showing it commonly introduces predictions or expectations about upcoming developments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the not-so-distant future" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something is expected to happen relatively soon. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While it is generally neutral in tone, writers should avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "in the near future" or "soon" to maintain reader engagement. This phrase serves to create anticipation and frame discussions about potential future scenarios, making it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In the near future

Focuses on the proximity of the event.

In the foreseeable future

Highlights that the event is predictable based on current trends.

Just around the corner

Emphasizes the imminence of the event.

In the coming years

Emphasizes a slightly longer timeframe.

Before long

Implies that the waiting time will not be extensive.

In due course

Suggests that something will happen when the time is right.

Down the line

Suggests a future point in time, but not immediately.

Shortly

Indicates that something will happen very soon.

Presently

Indicates something will occur quite soon.

In the offing

Suggests that something is likely to happen or appear soon.

FAQs

What is the meaning of "in the not-so-distant future"?

The phrase "in the not-so-distant future" refers to a time that is relatively near but not immediate. It suggests that something is likely to happen or become reality soon.

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

You can use "in the not-so-distant future" to discuss upcoming events, technological advancements, or expected changes. For example, "In the not-so-distant future, self-driving cars may become commonplace."

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

Some alternatives include "in the near future", "soon", "shortly", or "in the coming years", depending on the specific context.

Is "in the not-so-distant future" formal or informal?

The phrase "in the not-so-distant future" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal writing. However, for highly formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "in the near future".