Other ways to talk about the future

  Other ways to talk about the future

  1. Phrases: be on the verge of, brink of, and point of to say that something will happen soon:

  • People are on the verge of starvation as the drought continues

  • She was on the point of collapse. 

  • Scientists are on the brink of making major advances in the fight against AIDS. 


Phrases: "be on the verge of," "brink of," and "point of" for Imminent Events:

  1. The Economy is on the Verge of Recession Amidst Global Uncertainty:

    • Economic analysts warn that the global economy is on the verge of recession due to increasing uncertainties and geopolitical tensions.
  2. The Negotiations are on the Brink of Collapse as Deadlock Persists:

    • Diplomats express concern that the ongoing negotiations are on the brink of collapse, with a persistent deadlock hindering progress.
  3. The Company is on the Point of Declaring Bankruptcy Without Immediate Intervention:

    • Financial experts stress that the struggling company is on the point of declaring bankruptcy, underscoring the urgency of immediate intervention to salvage the situation.
  4. The Environment is on the Verge of Catastrophe Without Urgent Conservation Efforts:

    • Environmentalists warn that the planet is on the verge of catastrophe, emphasizing the critical need for urgent and widespread conservation efforts to mitigate climate change.
  5. Global Health Systems are on the Brink of Overwhelm Amidst the Pandemic Surge:

    • Health officials caution that global health systems are on the brink of overwhelm as the pandemic experiences a surge in cases, necessitating swift and coordinated responses.
  6. The Political Situation is on the Point of Escalation Without Diplomatic Resolution:

    • Analysts highlight that the political situation in the region is on the point of escalation, emphasizing the imperative of diplomatic efforts to prevent further tensions.


  1. Be due to (is expected to happen at a particular time), be sure, be bound to (something is likely or certain to happen), be set to (something is ready to happen)

  • The company chief is due to retire next year, but following today's announcement of further losses she is sure to be asked to leave sooner. 

  • There is bound to be somewhere to get a coffee at the station

  • Her new film is set to be a great success. 

Expressions: "Be due to," "Be sure," "Be bound to," and "Be set to" for Future Events:

  1. The Mayor is Due to Inaugurate the New City Park Next Month:

    • City officials announce that the mayor is due to inaugurate the new city park next month, marking a significant event for the community.
  2. Following the Recent Surge in COVID-19 Cases, Stricter Measures are Sure to be Implemented:

    • In light of the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, health authorities are sure to implement stricter measures to curb the spread of the virus.
  3. With the Ongoing Climate Crisis, Changes in Weather Patterns are Bound to Affect Agriculture:

    • Agricultural experts express concern that, with the ongoing climate crisis, changes in weather patterns are bound to have significant and potentially adverse effects on agriculture.
  4. Considering the Market Trends, the Launch of the New Product Line is Set to Boost Company Profits:

    • Analyzing current market trends, industry experts predict that the launch of the new product line is set to boost company profits, generating positive outcomes for the business.
  5. The International Conference is Due to Convene Next Week to Discuss Global Environmental Policies:

    • Environmental policymakers announce that the international conference is due to convene next week to discuss and formulate global environmental policies.
  6. With the Recent Technological Advances, the Next Generation of Smartphones is Set to Revolutionize Communication:

    • Tech enthusiasts anticipate that, with the recent technological advances, the next generation of smartphones is set to revolutionize communication, introducing innovative features and capabilities.


  1. Intentions. Infinitive. (Aim, agree, expect, hope, intend, mean, plan, promise, propose, resolve, undertake, want)

  • We guarantee to refund your money. 

  • I aim to get to Mexico by the end of June.  


Intentions with Infinitive Verbs:

  1. The Company Aims to Launch a Sustainable Product Line by Next Year:

    • In a commitment to sustainability, the company aims to launch a new product line focused on eco-friendly practices by next year.
  2. They Agree to Cooperate on the Joint Research Project:

    • After negotiations, the two research institutions agree to cooperate on a joint research project, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.
  3. The Team Expects to Achieve Record Sales Figures in the Coming Quarter:

    • With strategic initiatives in place, the sales team expects to achieve record figures in the coming quarter, anticipating positive outcomes.
  4. I Hope to Complete My Dissertation by the End of the Semester:

    • Expressing personal goals, a student shares that they hope to complete their dissertation by the end of the semester, indicating a desired achievement.
  5. She Intends to Pursue a Master's Degree in Environmental Science:

    • Outlining future educational plans, she expresses her intention to pursue a Master's degree in environmental science, signaling a clear career goal.
  6. The CEO Means to Improve Workplace Diversity and Inclusion:

    • Addressing diversity concerns, the CEO emphasizes that the company means to improve workplace diversity and inclusion, signaling a commitment to positive change.
  7. The City Plans to Implement a New Public Transportation System:

    • In efforts to enhance urban mobility, the city plans to implement a new public transportation system, aiming to improve the overall commuting experience.
  8. He Promises to Complete the Project Ahead of Schedule:

    • In a commitment to efficiency, he promises to complete the project ahead of schedule, instilling confidence in project stakeholders.
  9. The Government Proposes to Allocate Additional Funding for Education:

    • In a move to prioritize education, the government proposes to allocate additional funding for schools and educational programs.
  10. The Team Resolves to Overcome Challenges and Deliver High-Quality Results:

    • Faced with challenges, the team resolves to overcome obstacles and deliver high-quality results, demonstrating a strong determination to succeed.
  11. They Undertake to Revise the Company's Code of Ethics:

    • Recognizing the need for ethical guidelines, the board undertakes to revise the company's code of ethics, ensuring adherence to responsible business practices.
  12. The Organization Wants to Foster Innovation Through Research and Development:

    • Expressing organizational goals, the leadership emphasizes that the organization wants to foster innovation through increased investments in research and development.


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