what lies ahead

USAGE SUMMARY

"what lies ahead" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is a phrase that is used to describe the future and is often used as a transition between two ideas. For example, "Though we have achieved much, there is still much work to be done. What lies ahead will require more dedication and effort than before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lies, and what lies ahead.

Huffington Post

What lies ahead for Amazon?

The New York Times - Books

Who knows what lies ahead?

Independent

What lies ahead is jarring.

The New York Times - Sports

Protesters and what lies ahead.

The New Yorker

What lies ahead in 2014?

The Guardian - Tech

Now consider what lies ahead.

The New York Times

What lies ahead for him?

The Washington Post

The International Criminal Court: What lies ahead?

Harvard University

So what lies ahead for Almos?

The Guardian

"I look forward to what lies ahead".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what lies ahead" when you want to transition smoothly into discussing future possibilities or challenges after establishing a current context.

Common error

Avoid using "what lays ahead", as 'lay' (to place) is different from 'lie' (to be in a horizontal position or to exist). "What lies ahead" is the correct and idiomatic phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what lies ahead" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a topic related to the future, prompting consideration of upcoming events, possibilities, or challenges. According to Ludwig, this is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

23%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what lies ahead" is a versatile and widely used phrase that functions as a noun phrase to introduce discussions about the future. Grammatically sound and contextually flexible, it serves to prompt reflection and anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and frequent usage in both formal and informal writing. Predominantly found in news and academic sources, this phrase offers a seamless transition into exploring future possibilities. While alternatives like "the future" or "the days to come" exist, "what lies ahead" remains a concise and effective way to engage an audience in contemplating what the future holds.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the future

This is a more general term that refers to all time coming after the present.

the days to come

This phrase suggests a passage of time and events unfolding gradually.

what's coming

This is a more informal and direct way of asking about the future.

the outlook

This refers to a forecast or prospect for the future.

the prospect

This suggests a potential or possibility for something to happen.

the shape of things to come

This phrase implies a sense of anticipation and curiosity about the future.

the horizon

This metaphorically refers to the limit of what can be seen or known about the future.

the unfolding events

This phrase highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of future happenings.

forthcoming events

This is a formal phrase to indicate future events.

future developments

This refers specifically to progress or changes that will occur in the future.

FAQs

How can I use "what lies ahead" in a sentence?

The phrase "what lies ahead" is typically used to introduce a discussion about future possibilities, challenges, or developments. For instance, "We've overcome many obstacles; now let's consider "what lies ahead"."

What are some alternatives to "what lies ahead"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "the future", "the "days to come"", or "what's coming" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "what lays ahead" instead of "what lies ahead"?

No, "what lays ahead" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is ""what lies ahead"", using the verb 'lie' which means to exist or be situated.

What's the difference between "what lies ahead" and "what's in store"?

While both phrases refer to the future, ""what lies ahead"" is generally used for more predictable or anticipated events, whereas "what's in store" often implies a sense of mystery or unexpectedness.