Future vs. Upcoming: What's the Difference?
By Janet White || 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.
"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."
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.
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.
Comparison Chart
Time Span
Any time after the present (can be distant or near).
Imminent events, usually in the near future.
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Part of Speech
Noun and adjective.
Primarily an adjective.
Connotation
Broader, can be speculative.
More immediate, relates to planned or foreseen events.
Abstract or Tangible
Can be abstract or tangible.
Typically pertains to definite, tangible events.
Usage Examples
Future events, future technologies.
Upcoming meetings, upcoming birthdays.
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.
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Upcoming
Approaching in time.
The company is preparing for the upcoming audit.
Future
A prospective or expected condition.
The future of renewable energy looks promising.
Upcoming
Soon to be.
The upcoming artist has gained a lot of attention.
Future
Grammatical tense expressing an action yet to happen.
In the sentence She will go, will go is in the future tense.
Upcoming
Imminently arriving.
She's stressed about the upcoming exams.
Future
The indefinite time yet to come
Will try to do better in the future.
Upcoming
Of the near future.
I'm excited for the upcoming weekend.
Future
Something that will happen in time to come
"The future comes apace" (Shakespeare).
Upcoming
Going to happen or appear soon.
There's an upcoming storm forecasted.
Future
A prospective or expected condition, especially one considered with regard to growth, advancement, or development
A business with no future.
Upcoming
Occurring soon; forthcoming.
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.
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.
Future
The form of a verb used in speaking of action that has not yet occurred or of states not yet in existence.
Upcoming
Eggcorn of up-and-coming
Future
A verb form in the future tense.
Upcoming
Pertaining to to upcome
Future
That is to be or to come; of or existing in later time.
Upcoming
The act of coming up.
Future
The time ahead; those moments yet to be experienced.
Upcoming
Comeuppance; deserts
Future
Something that will happen in moments yet to come.
Upcoming
The activity of to upcome
Future
Goodness in what is yet to come. Something to look forward to.
There is no future in dwelling on the past.
Upcoming
Present participle of upcome
Future
The likely prospects for or fate of someone or something in time to come.
Upcoming
Of the relatively near future;
The approaching election
This coming Thursday
The forthcoming holidays
The upcoming spring fashions
Future
(grammar) Verb tense used to talk about events that will happen in the future; future tense.
Future
(finance) futures
Future
An object that retrieves the value of a promise.
Future
(sports) A minor-league prospect.
Future
Having to do with or occurring in the future.
Future generations will either laugh or cry at our stupidity.
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.
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.
Future
The possibilities of the future; - used especially of prospective success or advancement; as, he had great future before him.
Future
A future tense.
Future
The time yet to come
Future
A verb tense that expresses actions or states in the future
Future
Bulk commodities bought or sold at an agreed price for delivery at a specified future date
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
Future
Effective in or looking toward the future;
He was preparing for future employment opportunities
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
Future
(of elected officers) elected but not yet serving;
Our next president
Future
A verb tense or other formation referring to events or states that have not yet happened;
Future auxiliary
Future
The time yet to come.
We're hopeful for a brighter future.
Future
Pertaining to a later time.
Future generations will benefit from this research.
FAQs
Can "Future" be used to describe something happening tomorrow?
Yes, "Future" can describe any time after the present, including tomorrow.
Is "Future" always certain?
No, the future can be speculative or uncertain, encompassing potentialities.
Does "Future" always mean a distant time?
No, "Future" can refer to any time after the present, be it near or far.
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.
Is "Upcoming" used only for events?
No, "Upcoming" can describe any imminent occurrence or appearance, not just events.
Is "Upcoming" always used before a noun?
Most commonly, as it's an adjective. E.g., "Upcoming event."
What’s another word for "Upcoming"?
"Forthcoming" can be synonymous with "Upcoming."
Can "Future" be used in financial contexts?
Yes, "Future" can refer to a type of financial contract.
Can "Future" be an adjective?
Yes, e.g., "Future plans."
Are all upcoming events in the future?
Yes, since "Upcoming" describes near-future occurrences.
Can "Upcoming" refer to the distant future?
Rarely. It usually denotes the near future.
Is "Future" used in grammar?
Yes, as a tense to describe actions yet to happen.
Can "Future" describe possibilities?
Yes, it can be used to discuss potential future scenarios.
Do "Future" and "Upcoming" have the same connotation?
No, "Future" is broader and can be speculative, while "Upcoming" is immediate and definite.
How do I know when to use "Future" vs. "Upcoming"?
Use "Future" for general or distant timeframes and "Upcoming" for imminent or scheduled ones.
Does "Upcoming" have a tense associated with it?
No, it's an adjective and doesn't pertain to tenses.
Is "Upcoming" definite or indefinite?
It usually indicates definite, planned, or foreseen occurrences.
Can I say "Upcoming future"?
It's redundant. Instead, use one based on context; "Upcoming" for near events and "Future" for a broader timeframe.
What's the opposite of "Future"?
"Past."
Are all future events upcoming?
No, as "Future" can describe distant events not considered "upcoming."
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
