the very future

USAGE SUMMARY

"the very future" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to refer to something that will happen or will be experienced in the distant future. For example: "The next generation will have to deal with the very future we are creating today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's the very future of a community".

The New York Times - Science

They could threaten the very future of the lake itself.

The New York Times - Science

They fear for the very future of the market.

The Guardian

The very future of the currency union is in doubt.

The Guardian - Opinion

They hold in their hands the very future of reading.

The New York Times

The very future of monasticism - and therefore the episcopate - was under threat.

The Guardian

We are defending the very future of the Post Office in this country".

The Guardian - Business

If the stakes – the very future of the EU – are high, the sums required are not.

The Guardian - Opinion

Consider: we have a referendum next year on the very future of the UK.

The Guardian - Opinion

The very future of how we consume media rests on the movie star shoulders of Will Smith.

The New York Times - Tech

And the very future of employees depends not on their qualifications and skills, but their capacity to self-brand.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the very future", consider the specific aspect of the future you want to emphasize. Use it when you want to highlight the critical importance or potential impact of something on what is to come.

Common error

Avoid using "the very future" when discussing short-term or insignificant events. The phrase carries a weight that is best reserved for matters of considerable consequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very future" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or a complement to a verb. It encapsulates a sense of immense significance or high stakes regarding forthcoming events or developments, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very future" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that serves to emphasize the critical importance or potential consequences of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is often found in news and media contexts, signifying its role in highlighting matters of significant impact. While versatile, it is best reserved for situations where a long-term and substantial impact is genuinely present, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the foreseeable future

Refers to a future that can be predicted based on current trends or knowledge.

the immediate future

Focuses on the period closest to the present moment.

what lies ahead

Highlights the uncertainty and potential of the future.

the shape of things to come

Emphasizes the form or nature that future events or developments will take.

generations to come

Emphasizes the long-term impact on future generations.

the coming years

Specifies a period in the near future.

the long-term outlook

Refers to a broad perspective on future possibilities and trends.

the world to come

Suggests a future that is radically different or transformative.

the days ahead

Highlights the period that immediately follows the present.

the unfolding events

Focuses on the way the future reveals itself over time.

FAQs

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

Use "the very future" when you want to emphasize the significant impact or potential consequences something has on what is to come. For example, "Investing in renewable energy is crucial for "the very future" of our planet."

What phrases are similar to "the very future"?

Similar phrases include "the immediate future", "the foreseeable future", or "what lies ahead". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "the very future" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "the very future" carries a formal tone. It's generally more suitable for formal writing, news reports, or academic discussions than for casual conversation or informal writing.

What are common mistakes people make when using "the very future"?

A common mistake is using "the very future" in contexts that are too trivial or short-term. This phrase implies significant long-term impact and should be reserved for situations where that impact is genuinely present.