Future vs. Upcoming: What's the Difference?
By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 12, 2023
"Future" refers to all time periods that will occur after the present, while "Upcoming" denotes events or instances happening soon.
Key Differences
Both "Future" and "Upcoming" pertain to time, but their scopes differ. "Future" is a general term that can describe any span of time after the present, whether that's minutes, decades, or centuries away. For instance, one could talk about technologies or cultures of the distant future. On the other hand, "Upcoming" is specific to events or instances that are expected to happen soon, usually in the near future. When a person refers to an upcoming event, they are often talking about something scheduled or anticipated in the next few days, weeks, or months.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
"Future" is versatile, serving as both a noun and an adjective. When saying, "The future is bright," "future" operates as a noun. Yet in "Future trends indicate growth," it's an adjective. Conversely, "Upcoming" is primarily an adjective. It qualifies nouns to indicate their impending occurrence or appearance, such as in "upcoming elections" or "upcoming holidays."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
When considering usage, "Future" often carries broader or even speculative connotations. Philosophers might muse about the future of humanity, or scientists might hypothesize about life on future planets. "Upcoming" is more immediate, associated with things already planned or foreseen. For instance, businesses discuss upcoming sales or musicians talk about upcoming concerts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Lastly, while "Future" can cover abstract or theoretical concepts, like future possibilities that may or may not happen, "Upcoming" typically concerns definite, tangible events. The future can be uncertain, full of countless potentialities, while the upcoming is usually certain and specific.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Comparison Chart
Time Span
Any time after the present (can be distant or near).
Imminent events, usually in the near future.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Connotation
Broader, can be speculative.
More immediate, relates to planned or foreseen events.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Abstract or Tangible
Can be abstract or tangible.
Typically pertains to definite, tangible events.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Usage Examples
Future events, future technologies.
Upcoming meetings, upcoming birthdays.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Future and Upcoming Definitions
Future
A financial term for a contract to buy/sell at a set price on a specific date.
He traded futures in the stock market.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Future
A prospective or expected condition.
The future of renewable energy looks promising.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Future
Grammatical tense expressing an action yet to happen.
In the sentence She will go, will go is in the future tense.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Future
Something that will happen in time to come
"The future comes apace" (Shakespeare).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2022
Upcoming
Going to happen or appear soon.
There's an upcoming storm forecasted.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Future
A prospective or expected condition, especially one considered with regard to growth, advancement, or development
A business with no future.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2022
Future
Often futures A financial instrument that obligates the holder to buy or sell an asset at a set price on a specified date in the future
A market for copper futures.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2022
Upcoming
Happening or appearing in the relatively near future.
We are ready for whatever is upcoming.
The Federal budget lays out government spending for the upcoming budget year.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2022
Future
The form of a verb used in speaking of action that has not yet occurred or of states not yet in existence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2022
Future
Goodness in what is yet to come. Something to look forward to.
There is no future in dwelling on the past.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2022
Future
The likely prospects for or fate of someone or something in time to come.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2022
Upcoming
Of the relatively near future;
The approaching election
This coming Thursday
The forthcoming holidays
The upcoming spring fashions
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2022
Future
(grammar) Verb tense used to talk about events that will happen in the future; future tense.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2022
Future
Having to do with or occurring in the future.
Future generations will either laugh or cry at our stupidity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2022
Future
That is to be or come hereafter; that will exist at any time after the present; as, the next moment is future, to the present.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2022
Future
Time to come; time subsequent to the present (as, the future shall be as the present); collectively, events that are to happen in time to come.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2022
Future
The possibilities of the future; - used especially of prospective success or advancement; as, he had great future before him.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2022
Future
Bulk commodities bought or sold at an agreed price for delivery at a specified future date
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2022
Future
Yet to be or coming;
Some future historian will evaluate him
The present leader
Articles for present use
The present topic
The present system
Present observations
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2022
Future
Effective in or looking toward the future;
He was preparing for future employment opportunities
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2022
Future
Coming at a subsequent time or stage;
The future president entered college at the age of 16
Awaiting future actions on the bill
Later developments
Without ulterior argument
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2022
Future
A verb tense or other formation referring to events or states that have not yet happened;
Future auxiliary
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2022
Future
Pertaining to a later time.
Future generations will benefit from this research.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
FAQs
Can "Future" be used to describe something happening tomorrow?
Yes, "Future" can describe any time after the present, including tomorrow.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Is "Future" always certain?
No, the future can be speculative or uncertain, encompassing potentialities.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Does "Future" always mean a distant time?
No, "Future" can refer to any time after the present, be it near or far.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Can "Upcoming" describe something a year away?
Typically, "Upcoming" denotes nearer occurrences, but context matters. A year might be "upcoming" in contexts like space missions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Is "Upcoming" used only for events?
No, "Upcoming" can describe any imminent occurrence or appearance, not just events.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Is "Upcoming" always used before a noun?
Most commonly, as it's an adjective. E.g., "Upcoming event."
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
What’s another word for "Upcoming"?
"Forthcoming" can be synonymous with "Upcoming."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Can "Future" be used in financial contexts?
Yes, "Future" can refer to a type of financial contract.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Are all upcoming events in the future?
Yes, since "Upcoming" describes near-future occurrences.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Can "Upcoming" refer to the distant future?
Rarely. It usually denotes the near future.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Is "Future" used in grammar?
Yes, as a tense to describe actions yet to happen.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
Can "Future" describe possibilities?
Yes, it can be used to discuss potential future scenarios.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Do "Future" and "Upcoming" have the same connotation?
No, "Future" is broader and can be speculative, while "Upcoming" is immediate and definite.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
How do I know when to use "Future" vs. "Upcoming"?
Use "Future" for general or distant timeframes and "Upcoming" for imminent or scheduled ones.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Does "Upcoming" have a tense associated with it?
No, it's an adjective and doesn't pertain to tenses.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Is "Upcoming" definite or indefinite?
It usually indicates definite, planned, or foreseen occurrences.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Can I say "Upcoming future"?
It's redundant. Instead, use one based on context; "Upcoming" for near events and "Future" for a broader timeframe.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Are all future events upcoming?
No, as "Future" can describe distant events not considered "upcoming."
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
