What is future? Pronunciation and usage in English

future means . Learn how to pronounce and use future through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of future

futurenoun

/ˈfjuːtʃə/
Definition & pronunciation of future

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "future" in English! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • FYOO-cher

Let's break that down further:

  • FYOO: This sounds like "fee-oo" (as in "fee" and "too"). The "y" is pronounced as a long "ee" sound.
  • cher: This sounds like "chair" (as in the piece of furniture). The "r" is quite subtle – don’t overemphasize it.

Here's a helpful way to visualize it:

Think of it as saying "fee-oo-cher".

Tips to help:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("FYOO").
  • Don't over-emphasize the 'r': The 'r' in "future" is often quite faint. It's not a strong, rolled "r" like in Spanish.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to get it right is to hear it. You can find many audio pronunciations on websites like:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you an example sentence with "future" pronounced correctly?

Usage and examples with the word future in English

Let's break down how to use the word "future" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and ways to incorporate it into your speech and writing.

1. As a Noun (Referring to Time):

  • The basic meaning: “Future” refers to the time yet to come. This is the most common usage.
    • "I'm looking forward to the future." (Meaning: I'm excited about what's ahead.)
    • “What are your plans for the future?” (Asking about someone's long-term goals.)
    • “The future of this company is uncertain.” (Meaning: We don’t know what will happen to the company in the long run.)
    • “Let’s think about the future generations.” (Thinking about the impact on people who will come after us.)

2. As a Noun (Referring to Possibilities/Predictions):

  • Potential outcomes/Predictions: "Future" can also refer to what might happen.
    • "The future holds many possibilities." (Suggests a range of potential events.)
    • “He's a visionary; he can see the future.” (Meaning: He’s able to predict or anticipate events.)
    • “Scientists are researching ways to predict the future of climate change.” (Looking at potential consequences.)

3. As an Adjective (Describing something related to the future):

  • Futuristic: Describes something that is characteristic of the future.
    • "This car is incredibly futuristic with its self-driving technology."
    • “She designed a futuristic cityscape in her artwork.”
  • Future-oriented: Describes someone or something that focuses on the future.
    • “The company needs to be more future-oriented if it wants to remain competitive."
    • “He’s a future-oriented investor.” (Someone who invests with an eye toward long-term growth)

4. Common Phrases with "Future":

  • Look to the future: To plan and think about what's ahead.
  • The future is uncertain: A statement acknowledging that we can’t know what will happen.
  • Shape the future: To influence or affect what is to come.
  • A bright future: A good, positive future.
  • A dark future: A bad, negative future.
  • Future tense: (Grammar) The form of a verb used to talk about actions that will happen in the future. ("I will go" is future tense.)

Here’s a table to summarize the uses:

Part of Speech Meaning/Usage Example
Noun Time yet to come "The future is waiting for us."
Noun Potential outcomes "The future of space exploration is exciting."
Adjective Futuristic/Modern "A futuristic robot."
Adjective Future-focused "A future-oriented leader."

Tips for Using "Future" Effectively:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "future" depends heavily on the context of the sentence.
  • Varied Vocabulary: While "future" is common, consider using synonyms like “prospect,” “outcome,” “developments,” “tomorrow,” or “ahead” to add variety to your writing and speech.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use "future" in? (e.g., a story, an essay, a conversation, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word future

Idioms of the word future

for/in the foreseeable future
for/in the period of time when you can predict what is going to happen, based on the present circumstances
  • The statue will remain in the museum for the foreseeable future.
  • It's unlikely that the hospital will be closed in the foreseeable future (= soon).
in future
from now on
  • Please be more careful in future.
  • In future, make sure the door is never left unlocked.
in the not too distant future
not a long time in the future but fairly soon
  • I hope we’ll see each other again in the not too distant future.

Practice with vocabulary future

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company's strategic planning for the immediate __________ involves significant investment in renewable energy.
  2. Looking ahead, we anticipate that artificial intelligence will play a major role in the __________ of education.
  3. Despite initial setbacks, the overall __________ for the project remains positive.
  4. Effective leadership requires not just managing the present but also having a clear __________ for what's next.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The university is preparing its students for the challenges of the rapidly evolving digital ______. A) present B) future C) past D) upcoming era

  2. Governments worldwide are focusing on sustainable development for ______ generations. A) eventual B) future C) current D) subsequent

  3. The CEO articulated a bold ______ for the company's expansion over the next decade. A) vision B) prospect C) future D) outlook

  4. The immediate ______ is to stabilize the system before implementing new features. A) priority B) past C) objective D) outcome

  5. This research provides critical insights into the long-term ______ of climate change on biodiversity. A) effects B) predictions C) implications D) outcomes

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The team is currently preparing for the time to come. (Rewrite the sentence, using "future")
  2. This innovative technology is expected to be widely adopted in the years ahead. (Rewrite the sentence, using "future" or a related word form)
  3. The company's plan is to achieve market leadership in the coming period. (Rewrite the sentence, without using "future" or its synonyms)

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. future
  2. future
  3. outlook
  4. vision

Exercise 2:

  1. B) future, D) upcoming era
  2. B) future
  3. A) vision, C) future
  4. A) priority, C) objective
  5. A) effects, C) implications, D) outcomes

Exercise 3:

  1. The team is currently preparing for the future.
  2. The future holds great promise for the wide adoption of this innovative technology.
  3. The company's plan is to achieve market leadership in the subsequent period.

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