what will be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'what will be' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a future possibility or probability. For example: "I wonder what will be the outcome of the election."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What will be cut?

BBC

What will be next?

Forbes

Imagine what will be next.

The Economist

What will be Hollande's platform?

The New York Times

What will be most missed?

The New Yorker

What will be our cause?

The New York Times

But what will be?

The Guardian

What will be banned?

The Guardian

What will be big?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What will be different?

The Guardian

What will be important to them?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what will be", consider the degree of certainty you want to convey. It can suggest inevitability or simply future possibility.

Common error

Avoid using "what will be" when you want to express a desire to influence the future. It can create a sense of resignation rather than empowerment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what will be" functions as a nominal clause or a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It introduces an element of futurity or destiny.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what will be" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express future possibilities, inquiries about upcoming events, or acceptance of inevitable outcomes. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used. Its neutral register and broad applicability make it suitable for various contexts, from news reporting to casual conversation. While it often conveys a sense of inevitability, remember to consider the context and desired tone when using this phrase, ensuring it aligns with your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is going to happen

This alternative emphasizes the unfolding of future events without focusing on the predetermined nature.

what is destined to be

This phrase implies a stronger sense of fate or predetermination than "what will be".

what the future holds

This option shifts the focus to the inherent uncertainty and potential of the future.

what awaits us

This alternative emphasizes the perspective of those experiencing the unfolding future.

the shape of things to come

This phrase is a more figurative way of referring to future events or developments.

the inevitable outcome

This emphasizes that the outcome is unavoidable, stronger than "what will be".

the coming events

This phrase focuses on specific future occurrences rather than a general state of being.

the prospective future

This is a more formal way of referring to the future and its possibilities.

the predicted course

This alternative implies a degree of forecasting or expectation about the future.

what is in store

This implies that something is waiting to happen, and it's unknown or concealed.

FAQs

How can I use "what will be" in a sentence?

You can use "what will be" to express curiosity or acceptance about a future event. For example, "I wonder "what will be" the next technological advancement?" or "What will be, will be."

Is "what will be, will be" a common saying?

Yes, "what will be, will be" is a common idiom that expresses a sense of acceptance and resignation about the future, suggesting that some things are inevitable.

What's the difference between "what will be" and "what might be"?

"What will be" suggests a higher degree of certainty or inevitability, while "what might be" indicates possibility or speculation about different outcomes.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "what will be"?

It's appropriate to use "what will be" when you're discussing future events or possibilities that are largely out of your control, and you want to express a sense of acceptance or curiosity.