An important point about vocabulary, is
not just to know the meaning of a word, but also to know the typical
phrases in which it occurs, and some of the words which frequently
collocate with that word. Here are some more details about some of the
phrases in the exercise:
AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE:
When we think that the future doesn't look good, we can can communicate
negative images with words like: gloomy,
grim, dire, uncertain.
- This organization faces a very uncertain future.
- Because of global warming, the future looks very grim.
A BRIGHT FUTURE:
When we think that the future looks good, we can communicate positive
images with words like: bright,
promising, secure.
- This organization could have a very bright future if
it's well-managed.
- I think that young man has a very promising future as a
pianist.
HIS FUTURE WIFE:
This meaning of future can
be found especially when talking about family relationships: future husband, parents-in-law, brother in
law etc. or with professional relationships: future boss, future employer.
- My fiancee wants me to have dinner with her family next
weekend, so I can meet my future parents-in-law.
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE:
We can use this to talk about documents, letters, information etc.
which we do not need now but which we may need to use in the future. We
often talk about keeping them or putting them in a special place for
future reference:
- Don't throw those letters away. We may need them for
future reference.
- I'll keep their address on file for future reference.
THE NEAR FUTURE:
When we talk about things that will happen in the future, do we mean
next month, next year, 10 years from now, 50 years from now, hundreds
of years from now? Of course, it is difficult to know exactly when some
future event will happen, but we can give an indication by phrases
like: the immediate future, the near
future, the not-too-distant future (similar to near future), the foreseeable future, the
distant future, the far distant future.
- Economic prospects for the immediate future look pretty
good. (within the next 2 or 3 months, maybe).
- I'd like to visit India sometime in the not-too-distant
future.
- Space tourism may become popular one day, but I don't
think it will be in the foreseeable future. (it's certainly not going
to happen for quite a long time).
- It's possible that in the far-distant future, people
from earth may immigrate to other planets.
