Part 1: Future Collocations
Collocations are words that naturally go together. These are common phrases used when talking about the future.
Common Future Collocations
| Collocation | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| near future | "We expect big changes in the near future." | Soon; not long from now |
| long-term goals | "Saving money is one of my long-term goals." | Plans for far in the future |
| make predictions | "Experts make predictions about climate trends." | Say what will happen |
| plan ahead | "It's important to plan ahead for emergencies." | Prepare for the future |
| bright future | "The young athlete has a bright future." | A future with success and opportunities |
| upcoming events | "We have several upcoming events this month." | Events that will happen soon |
More Future Collocations
| Collocation | Example |
|---|---|
| future generations | "We must protect the planet for future generations." |
| short-term plans | "My short-term plans include taking a new course." |
| expected outcome | "The expected outcome is a 10% increase in sales." |
| potential risks | "We need to consider all potential risks." |
| next steps | "Let's talk about the next steps in the project." |
Practice: Collocations
Exercise 1: Complete the collocations (no hints)
1. We need to __________ ahead if we want the project to succeed.
2. Several __________ events will take place next week.
3. She has many __________ goals, including starting a business.
4. Experts often __________ predictions about new technologies.
5. The scientist believes the discovery will benefit __________ generations.
Part 2: Future Idioms
Idioms are expressions with meanings different from the literal words. These idioms relate to the future, planning, and predictions.
Common Future Idioms:
- the sky’s the limit – there are no limits to what is possible "With her talent, the sky’s the limit."
- ahead of the game – being more advanced than others "Their company is ahead of the game in AI research."
- in the pipeline – being developed for the future "We have several new projects in the pipeline."
- just around the corner – coming very soon "A major breakthrough is just around the corner."
- on the horizon – expected in the near future "Positive changes are on the horizon."
- a sign of things to come – an early indication of the future "The new laws are a sign of things to come."
Practice: Idioms
Exercise 2: Complete the idioms (no hints)
1. With their new investment, the __________ is the limit.
2. Several exciting developments are __________ the horizon.
3. The company is already __________ the game with its new technology.
4. A major update is __________ around the corner.
5. Their first success is a sign of __________ to come.
Part 3: Future Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are verbs + prepositions that create new meanings. These are commonly used to talk about the future.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| look ahead | Think about the future | "We need to look ahead and prepare." |
| figure out | Find a solution | "We'll figure out a way to improve the process." |
| carry on | Continue doing something | "We’ll carry on with the plan." |
| move forward | Make progress | "It's time to move forward with the project." |
| set up | Prepare or arrange | "We need to set up the meeting for next week." |
Usage Tips:
Look ahead is used for planning the future.
Move forward is great for discussing progress.
Set up is essential for arranging future events.
Practice: Phrasal Verbs
Exercise 3: Complete the phrasal verbs (no hints)
1. We need to __________ ahead and think about next year’s strategy.
2. They finally __________ out a way to reduce costs.
3. It’s time to __________ forward and start the next phase.
4. You should __________ on with your studies, even if it feels hard.
5. Let’s __________ up a meeting to discuss our future plans.
Great job! Your English future is looking bright!