probable future

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "probable future" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential outcomes or events that are likely to occur based on current information or trends. Example: "In the probable future, we may see significant advancements in renewable energy technology that could change the landscape of energy consumption."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Planners usually choose one "most probable" future environment as the basis of their thinking.

Harvard Business Review

THE PROBABLE FUTURE, by Alice Hoffman.

The New York Times - Books

15 1 THE PROBABLE FUTURE, by Alice Hoffman.

The New York Times - Books

Then Dilfer summed up his current predicament, and probable future, this way.

The New York Times - Sports

"Mr. [X] from HSBC told me also that USA and Syria are revising probable future cooperation".

The Guardian

The resulting ensembles of possible outcomes, when averaged, point to the most probable future.

The New York Times - Science

What is the probable future of the sustainability function in this organization?

Columbia University

The paper concludes with a summary of probable future design provisions for these composite systems.

Journal of Constructional Steel Research

GOLD TAKEN FROM THE BANK Market Much Confused In Calculations as to Probable Future Action on the Rate.

The New York Times

Expectations begin to adjust to take into account this dynamic; firms build in larger price increases to take into account probable future wage rises, and workers build in larger wage demands to take into account probable future price increases.

The Economist

The criteria for visiting the space station emphasize background reviews of candidates, including past behavior "to predict probable future actions that may adversely impact" the station program.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing scenarios, be specific about the factors influencing the "probable future" to add credibility to your analysis.

Common error

Avoid presenting the "probable future" as a guaranteed outcome. Use qualifiers like 'likely' or 'potentially' to acknowledge inherent uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "probable future" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "probable" modifies the noun "future". As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase frequently acts as a subject or object, describing a likely course of events or condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "probable future" is a common and grammatically correct way to discuss potential future events deemed likely based on current knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. It functions as a noun phrase, often serving to forecast or analyze outcomes in diverse fields such as science, business, and media. While applicable across various registers, it leans towards neutral to formal contexts. As noted in Ludwig AI, the phrase is most frequently encountered in "News & Media" and "Science", making it essential for clear and informed communication about potential developments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely future

Replaces "probable" with a synonym emphasizing a high degree of likelihood.

expected future

Emphasizes anticipation based on current trends and knowledge.

potential future

Highlights the possibility of a future outcome, without necessarily implying certainty.

projected future

Suggests a forecast based on data and analysis.

foreseeable future

Focuses on events that can be predicted with reasonable confidence.

anticipated future

Highlights the act of anticipating what might happen.

imminent future

Indicates that the future being discussed is close in time.

approaching future

Emphasizes the future as drawing closer.

coming future

A more casual and general way of referring to what will happen.

ensuing future

Refers to the future that follows a specific event or period.

FAQs

How can I use "probable future" in a sentence?

You can use "probable future" to discuss events or conditions that are likely to occur. For example, "The study examines the probable future of renewable energy."

What's a good alternative to "probable future"?

Alternatives include "likely future", "expected future", or "potential future", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "probable future" grammatically correct?

Yes, "probable future" is grammatically correct. "Probable" is an adjective modifying the noun "future".

How does "probable future" differ from "possible future"?

"Probable future" suggests a higher likelihood based on current information, while "possible future" simply indicates that something could happen without implying likelihood.