looking to the future

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking to the future" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express hoping for or expecting better things in the future. For example: "We must learn from our mistakes and look to the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Panama is looking to the future".

The New Yorker

They were looking to the future.

The Economist

He's looking to the future.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We're looking to the future".

The New York Times

They are also looking to the future.

Cornell University

"They are looking to the future".

The New York Times - Tech

So Aldeburgh is looking to the future.

The Guardian - Music

They all advocate looking to the future.

The Guardian

"I am looking to the future.

The Guardian - Sport

He was always looking to the future.

The Guardian - Arts

And he was looking to the future.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "looking to the future", ensure it's clear who is doing the looking. For example, specify "the company is looking to the future" rather than just "looking to the future, investments will be made."

Common error

Don't use "looking to the future" as a generic filler. Instead, provide specific details about the plans, goals, or expectations for the future. For example, instead of saying "We are looking to the future", state "We are looking to expand our operations into new markets."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking to the future" functions as a verbal phrase often used as part of a sentence to indicate anticipation, planning, or expectation regarding upcoming events or developments. Ludwig confirms this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

11%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looking to the future" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey anticipation, planning, or consideration of upcoming events. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. It frequently appears in news, business, and scientific contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While versatile, it's crucial to use the phrase with specificity, avoiding vagueness by clearly defining who is looking to the future and what their plans or expectations are. Alternatives like "planning ahead" or "envisioning tomorrow" can provide nuanced variations depending on the intended meaning. This phrase is more than just a filler; it's a call to thoughtful consideration of what lies ahead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thinking ahead

This is a more general term for considering future possibilities or needs.

planning ahead

This alternative focuses on the act of making plans in anticipation of future events.

focusing on what lies ahead

This phrase emphasizes concentrating on future goals and possibilities, rather than dwelling on the past.

envisioning tomorrow

This phrase emphasizes the act of imagining or foreseeing what the future might hold.

preparing for what's to come

This suggests taking actions to get ready for future events or changes.

taking a long-term view

This highlights the importance of considering the distant future when making decisions.

charting a course for tomorrow

This implies setting a direction or plan for future actions or developments.

considering future prospects

This focuses on evaluating potential opportunities or outcomes in the time ahead.

anticipating future trends

This emphasizes the prediction of future developments or patterns.

forecasting the future

This relates to making predictions or estimations about what will happen in the future.

FAQs

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

You can use "looking to the future" to express optimism or anticipation about upcoming events or developments. For example, "The company is "looking to the future" with plans for innovation and growth."

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

You can use alternatives like "planning ahead", "envisioning tomorrow", or "preparing for what's to come" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "look to the future" instead of "looking to the future"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "look to the future" is often used as a more general exhortation or instruction, while ""looking to the future"" implies a continuous or ongoing state of considering future possibilities.

What is the difference between "looking to the future" and "focusing on the future"?

"Looking to the future" suggests a broader consideration of what may come, while "focusing on the future" implies a more concentrated effort on specific goals or plans for the future.