looking at the future

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking at the future" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea of considering what will come in the future or what might happen in the future. For example, "We must look at the future and plan for our retirement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After all, we're looking at the future.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We're just not looking at the future," she rued.

The New York Times

"We're not really looking at the future too much.

The New York Times - Sports

We may just be looking at the future.

The New York Times

Girardi knew he was looking at the future.

The New York Times - Sports

But we are looking at the future costs.

The Guardian

"We are looking at the future of transportation more holistically," he said.

The New York Times

"We are looking at the future of five, 10, 15 years.

The New York Times

"The team needed to keep looking at the future of the Yankees behind the plate".

The New York Times - Sports

We need to think about ways of looking at the future.

Yale University

"You're looking at the future when you walk down those halls," Massa said.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "looking at the future", be specific about the area or aspect you are considering. For example, instead of saying "We are looking at the future", specify "We are looking at the future of renewable energy".

Common error

Don't use "looking at the future" as a placeholder for actual planning or analysis. Ensure your statement is followed by concrete actions or considerations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking at the future" functions primarily as a verbal phrase that often serves as an introduction to a discussion or analysis of potential future events, trends, or plans. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looking at the future" is a versatile and commonly used expression that serves to introduce discussions about potential future scenarios, plans, or trends. As verified by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and broad applicability make it suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and scientific discourse.

When using "looking at the future", it is best practice to be specific about the aspect of the future under consideration to enhance clarity and impact. While numerous alternatives exist, such as "considering future prospects" or "planning for what's to come", the choice depends on the desired nuance and context. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "looking at the future" to communicate forward-thinking ideas and strategies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considering future prospects

Focuses on evaluating potential outcomes and possibilities in the time ahead.

planning for what's to come

Emphasizes the act of making arrangements and preparations for upcoming events or changes.

anticipating future developments

Highlights the expectation and awareness of potential advancements or changes.

envisioning the shape of things

Suggests a creative and imaginative process of forecasting future scenarios or conditions.

forecasting the times ahead

Focuses on predicting the conditions and events that will occur in the future.

assessing long-term implications

Highlights the analysis of the consequences and effects that will manifest over an extended period.

pondering tomorrow's possibilities

Implies thoughtful consideration of the opportunities and potential outcomes of the future.

mapping out future strategies

Emphasizes the strategic planning and development of approaches for achieving future goals.

considering future challenges

Focuses specifically on thinking about the difficulties and obstacles that may arise in the future.

taking a long view

Emphasizes the need to consider the potential effects on the business over a number of years.

FAQs

How can I use "looking at the future" in a sentence?

You can use "looking at the future" to introduce a discussion about potential developments or plans. For example, "Looking at the future, we need to invest in sustainable technologies".

What are some alternatives to "looking at the future"?

Alternatives include phrases like "considering future prospects", "planning for what's to come", or "anticipating future developments", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify what aspect of the future I'm "looking at"?

While not always necessary, specifying the aspect often adds clarity and focus to your statement. Instead of just saying "looking at the future", consider specifying: "Looking at the future of urban planning..."

When is it appropriate to use "looking at the future" in a formal context?

It is appropriate in formal contexts when discussing strategic planning, forecasting, or long-term goals. Ensure that the phrase is followed by substantive analysis or proposed actions to maintain a professional tone.