Understanding expressions related to the future can enhance your English communication skills. This blog post will introduce you to 20 common expressions that convey future intentions, predictions, and plans. Let’s explore these useful expressions to help you sound more fluent and natural in your conversations.
1. Ahead of the curve
Meaning: Innovative, leading
Example: Their technology is ahead of the curve.
2. Around the corner
Meaning: Coming soon
Example: A new year is just around the corner.
3. Be in the pipeline
Meaning: In progress, coming
Example: New projects are in the pipeline.
4. Be on the horizon
Meaning: Likely to happen
Example: Big changes are on the horizon.
5. Down the road
Meaning: In the future
Example: We will discuss this down the road.
6. Going places
Meaning: Likely to succeed
Example: She is going places in her career.
7. In the cards
Meaning: Likely to happen
Example: A promotion is in the cards for him.
8. In the works
Meaning: In preparation
Example: New policies are in the works.
9. Just a matter of time
Meaning: Sure to happen
Example: Success is just a matter of time.
10. On the brink of
Meaning: About to happen
Example: They are on the brink of bankruptcy.
11. On the cusp of
Meaning: At the point of
Example: We are on the cusp of a breakthrough.
12. Plan ahead
Meaning: Prepare for future
Example: It’s smart to plan ahead for emergencies.
13. Play it by ear
Meaning: Be flexible
Example: We’ll play it by ear next weekend.
14. See how it pans out
Meaning: Wait to see result
Example: Let’s see how it pans out before deciding.
15. Shape up for
Meaning: Prepare for future
Example: We need to shape up for the exam.
16. Take a rain check
Meaning: Postpone
Example: I’ll take a rain check on our meeting.
17. Think ahead
Meaning: Consider future
Example: It’s important to think ahead about investments.
18. To be foreseen
Meaning: Predicted
Example: No issues to be foreseen in the project.
19. Up and coming
Meaning: Emerging, promising
Example: She is an up and coming artist.
20. Wait and see
Meaning: Be patient
Example: We’ll wait and see what happens.
