looking ahead

USAGE SUMMARY

"looking ahead" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "As we look ahead to the future, we must consider our long-term goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's obviously important looking ahead".

The New York Times - Sports

But she kept looking ahead.

The New Yorker

We're looking ahead".

The New York Times - Sports

He was looking ahead.

The New York Times - Sports

And he's looking ahead.

The Guardian

But looking ahead to 2050 poses challenges.

The New York Times

Israelis are looking ahead with worry.

The New York Times

And looking ahead... April 8: Trenton.

The New York Times

Third, you have to keep looking ahead.

The Economist

"Don't worry," he said, looking ahead.

The New York Times

1.21pm: Giftedcynic is looking ahead.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looking ahead" to introduce a discussion or analysis of future possibilities, plans, or expectations. It's particularly effective when transitioning from current situations to future considerations.

Common error

Do not use "looking ahead" when describing something that needs to be done right now. The phrase implies a focus on the future, not the present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking ahead" functions as a verb phrase that typically serves as an introductory element to indicate a shift in focus towards future considerations or planning. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Sports

18%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

12%

Wiki

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looking ahead" is a versatile verb phrase used to transition discussions toward future considerations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse sources like news, sports and business. While it serves to introduce future prospects, remember to avoid using it when referring to immediate actions. Alternatives such as "planning for the future" or "anticipating upcoming events" can offer nuanced expressions. Understanding these subtle differences enables more effective communication when projecting into the future.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

planning for the future

Focuses on the act of creating a detailed strategy for what is to come, rather than just considering it.

considering future prospects

Emphasizes evaluating potential opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead.

anticipating upcoming events

Highlights the expectation and preparation for specific events that are about to occur.

preparing for what's next

Implies readiness and taking necessary actions to handle future situations.

envisioning the future

Stresses the imaginative aspect of creating a mental picture of what the future might hold.

taking a forward-thinking approach

Indicates a proactive and strategic mindset aimed at long-term success.

forecasting future trends

Concentrates on predicting patterns or developments that are likely to happen.

projecting into the future

Emphasizes the act of extending current data or trends to estimate future outcomes.

bearing the future in mind

Highlights the need to remember the future to not make bad decisions now.

pondering tomorrow

Highlights the need to think about what could be happening tomorrow.

FAQs

How can I use "looking ahead" in a sentence?

You can use "looking ahead" to introduce a discussion about future plans or expectations. For instance, "Looking ahead, we anticipate significant growth in the next quarter".

What are some alternatives to "looking ahead"?

Alternatives include phrases like "planning for the future", "considering future prospects", or "anticipating upcoming events", each carrying a slightly different emphasis.

Is it correct to say "looking ahead, I think"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. It serves as an introductory phrase to express your thoughts or predictions about the future. For example, "Looking ahead, I think we'll see more innovation in that field".

What's the difference between "looking ahead" and "looking forward"?

"Looking ahead" generally refers to considering future plans or expectations, while "looking forward" often expresses anticipation or excitement about something specific.