18 Phrases for Talking About the Future
Talking about the future is a part of everyday conversation, whether you’re making plans, setting goals, or discussing possibilities. Using the right phrases helps you express different levels of certainty and intention. Learning these 18 phrases for talking about the future will help you discuss what’s ahead with clarity and confidence.
Common Ways to Discuss What’s Ahead
Definite Plans & Arrangements
- I’m going to… Expresses a firm decision or intention about the future. “I’m going to start my own business next year.”
- I’m planning to… Indicates you have thought about and organized a future action. “I’m planning to visit Japan in the spring.”
- I’ve decided to… Shows you have made a firm choice about a future action. “After much thought, I’ve decided to accept the job offer.”
- I’m about to… Used for something that will happen very soon. “I’m about to leave for the airport, so I can’t talk long.”
- It’s going to happen… Expresses certainty about a future event. “The concert is going to be amazing!”
Intentions & Possibilities
- I’m thinking of… Suggests you are considering an action but haven’t decided yet. “I’m thinking of taking a Spanish course next semester.”
- I might… Expresses a possibility (about 50% chance). “I might go to the party if I finish my work on time.”
- I may… Similar to “might,” but slightly more formal. “I may work from home tomorrow if the weather is bad.”
- I’m hoping to… Expresses a desire or wish for the future. “I’m hoping to graduate by next summer.”
- I intend to… A formal way to express a firm plan or purpose. “I intend to complete the project ahead of schedule.”
Predictions & Expectations
- It will probably… Expresses a high likelihood of something happening. “It’s very cloudy; it will probably rain this afternoon.”
- I expect that… Indicates a belief about what is likely to happen. “I expect that prices will continue to rise next year.”
- It’s likely that… A formal way to say something will probably happen. “It’s likely that we’ll see more remote work opportunities in the future.”
- I doubt that… Expresses skepticism or disbelief about a future event. “I doubt that he will arrive on time with all this traffic.”
- There’s a chance that… Acknowledges a possibility without high certainty. “There’s a chance that the meeting will be rescheduled.”
Scheduled Events & Timelines
- It’s due to… Used for scheduled events, especially in formal contexts. “The new policy is due to take effect next month.”
- We’re scheduled to… Indicates a fixed plan or appointment. “We’re scheduled to meet with the client at 2 PM tomorrow.”
- It’s set to… Emphasizes that arrangements are confirmed. “The product launch is set to happen in November.”
- We’re on track to… Suggests progress toward a future goal is going as planned. “We’re on track to finish the project by the deadline.”
Real-Life Dialogues
Friend A: What are your plans for the weekend?
Friend B: I’m going to visit my family. I’m hoping to leave early on Friday to avoid traffic.
Friend A: That sounds nice. I’m thinking of going hiking if the weather is good.
Manager: How is the quarterly project progressing?
Team Member: Very well. We’re on track to complete it by the end of the month. I expect that we’ll even be a few days early.
Manager: Excellent. The product launch is set to happen in early next quarter.
Quick Tips: Talking About the Future
| Situation | Recommended Expression | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Personal plans and decisions | I’m going to… or I’m planning to… | These are natural and common for discussing personal intentions. |
| Professional timelines | We’re on track to… or It’s set to… | They convey progress and confirmed arrangements in a business context. |
| Uncertain possibilities | I might… or There’s a chance that… | They appropriately express uncertainty without commitment. |
| Predictions based on evidence | It’s likely that… or I expect that… | They sound reasoned and are suitable for analytical discussions. |
Practice Tip
Think about your plans for next week. Try describing them using three different phrases from these 18 phrases for talking about the future, such as one definite plan, one possibility, and one prediction.
Why This Matters
- Using the right future phrases helps you communicate your intentions clearly and avoid misunderstandings.
- It allows you to express different levels of certainty, from definite plans to mere possibilities.
- Knowing these 18 phrases for talking about the future makes your English sound more natural and nuanced in both casual and professional conversations.
Being able to discuss the future effectively is essential for making plans, setting goals, and sharing ideas. With these phrases, you can express everything from definite arrangements to distant possibilities with confidence. Happy learning! 😊
