probably in the future

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "probably in the future" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing possibilities or predictions regarding future events or situations. Example: "We will likely see advancements in technology, probably in the future, that will change how we live."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Probably, in the future, such buildings will seem unremarkable.

The New Yorker

The teams will meet again next year and probably in the future.

The New York Times - Sports

But Jensen concedes that a restaurant is probably in the future.

The New York Times - Sports

"Listen, all of us could probably in the future just live the life of millionaires," Mr. Harvey said.

The New York Times

"If the kids who are following us see each other fight every week, probably in the future they are going to have the same," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He and I just disagree, and we have disagreed in the past and probably in the future as well," Johnson said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"They haven't gotten the blight so far, but they probably will in the future," Mr. Chezar, 64, said.

The New York Times

Faced with an economy, this group of humans with a range of emotions enjoys life styles that will probably change in the future.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, Judge Vaughn Walker said Friday that he will be postponing closing arguments to a future date—"probably weeks in the future"—to allow himself time to review all the evidence presented.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, Judge Vaughn Walker said Friday that he will be postponing closing arguments to a future date — "probably weeks in the future" — to allow himself time to review all the evidence presented.

The New Yorker

Due to current trends in legislation and normalization in the context of implementation of the Water Framework Directive, their use will probably increase in the future.

TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "probably in the future" to express a reasonable expectation or prediction about something that is likely to occur, but not certain. It softens the statement and avoids making definitive claims.

Common error

Avoid using multiple adverbs that weaken your statements. While "probably in the future" is acceptable, adding too many qualifiers (e.g., "maybe probably possibly in the future") can make your writing sound hesitant and unconvincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "probably in the future" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express a degree of likelihood regarding an event's occurrence at a later time. According to Ludwig, this usage is grammatically sound and well-accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

6.666666666666667%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6.666666666666667%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "probably in the future" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase to express a likely, but not certain, occurrence at a later time. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is well-regarded for its correct usage. You can find it in both formal contexts, like News & Media and Science, and in more informal conversations, making it versatile for a wide array of writing needs. Consider alternatives such as "likely down the line" or "potentially at a later stage" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely down the line

Emphasizes a point further along in time, with a high probability.

potentially at a later stage

Suggests a possibility at a subsequent time, highlighting the potential aspect.

conceivably in due course

Implies something may happen when the time is right or after a period of time.

possibly at some point

Indicates a possibility without specifying when, keeping it open-ended.

in all likelihood eventually

Combines high probability with the idea of something happening at the end.

it is foreseeable that

Emphasizes that something can be anticipated or predicted.

there's a good chance later on

Highlights a strong possibility in a less formal way.

it is anticipated that

Expresses an expectation or prediction about something happening.

one can expect in time

Suggests that something will happen as time passes.

with some probability afterward

Indicates a possibility following a certain event.

FAQs

How can I use "probably in the future" in a sentence?

You can use "probably in the future" to indicate a likely, but not definite, event. For example, "Self-driving cars will "probably in the future" become commonplace."

What are some alternatives to saying "probably in the future"?

Alternatives include "likely down the line", "potentially at a later stage", or "possibly at some point", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "probably in the future" grammatically correct?

Yes, "probably in the future" is grammatically correct. It functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause to indicate a likely future occurrence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct.

When should I use "probably in the future" instead of "certainly in the future"?

Use "probably in the future" when you want to express a degree of uncertainty or possibility, while "certainly in the future" implies a much higher level of confidence or assurance.