vague future

USAGE SUMMARY

'vague future' is not a correct phrase in written English.
You would not use it in a sentence. However, you can use the phrase "vague future prospects" to refer to unclear, undecided, or unpredictable future outcomes. For example, "The recent recession has caused many people to have vague future prospects in the job market."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Murphy and Co aren't trying to dole out the revelations or skimp on the secrets for some vague future date.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It trades on abominable but vague future threats that are absurd when you speak them out loud.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hitherto, Terminator films have generally been set in the present day, with one eye on vague future events from which time travellers are constantly popping back.

The Guardian - Film

And given the certain agony and difficulty of that — versus the vague, future possibility of a life-upending hack — I suspect most people will carry on as if nothing ever happened.

Independent

Even if you accept the BBC's theory that 40% of young people's viewing will, at some vague future date, be via catch-up, that still leaves the majority preferring to watch telly in the old-fashioned way.

The Guardian - Opinion

The other classic snare for owners is to delude themselves that spending huge sums will be much easier — so much "clearer" — in some vague future year when the free agent grass is greener.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

JCG Buy this book at the Guardian bookshop This environmental fable is set in the vague distant future (our "now"?).

The Guardian - Books

Modern art is the aesthetic and spiritual beacon that illuminates this world and points a way toward a thrilling but vague utopian future, and the rising stars circulating through this glamorous demimonde include Max Ernst and George Grosz.

The New York Times

They use intentional mental tricks to make the vague, distant future feel tangible and immediate.

Forbes

And if you do what he says, he will reward you in some vague distant future but if you don't he will punish you for all eternity but he loves you.

Huffington Post

I It Gets Better There are those videos where celebrities go on YouTube and tell baby gays who are bullied not to kill themselves because one day, in the vague, grey future, things will be better (and then ask you to buy their new album/movie/book).

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to an uncertain period ahead, consider using more precise alternatives such as "uncertain future" or "undefined future" to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on the phrase "vague future" as a standalone noun. Instead, provide specific context about what aspects of the future are uncertain.

Linguistic Context

While frequently used, the phrase "vague future" functions as a noun phrase describing a period lacking clear definition. Ludwig AI marks it as incorrect, likely due to the more standard usage of related phrases like "uncertain future".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vague future" is used to describe a time ahead that is uncertain or lacks clear definition. Despite being commonly used, Ludwig AI identifies it as an incorrect phrase. More precise and grammatically sound alternatives include "uncertain future", "unclear future", or "undefined future". These alternatives provide greater clarity and are more appropriate for formal contexts. While "vague future" appears frequently in news and media, adopting more precise language will improve writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncertain future

Focuses on the lack of certainty rather than the lack of clarity.

undefined future

Highlights the absence of specific details or clear boundaries.

unclear future

Emphasizes a lack of clarity and precision.

hazy future

Implies a lack of distinctness and definition.

nebulous future

Suggests a cloudy and indistinct image of the future.

obscure future

Highlights that the future is not easily understood or seen.

indistinct future

Stresses the lack of clear outlines or boundaries.

fuzzy future

Implies a lack of sharp focus and clarity.

distant future

Focuses more on time rather than clarity, but is often used in conjunction with descriptions of uncertainty.

unforeseeable future

Highlights the inability to predict or anticipate what's to come.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "vague future"?

You can use alternatives like "uncertain future", "unclear future", or "undefined future" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How to use a phrase like "vague future" in a sentence?

While Ludwig AI identifies "vague future" as an incorrect phrase, you can use similar and correct phrases like "The uncertain future of the company is causing anxiety among employees".

Which is correct, "vague future" or "uncertain future"?

While "vague future" is commonly used, "uncertain future" is generally considered more grammatically correct and precise.

What's the difference between "vague future" and "distant future"?

"Vague future" emphasizes a lack of clarity or definition, while "distant future" simply refers to a time far ahead, without necessarily implying uncertainty.