future tense
noun
grammar
: a verb tense that is used to refer to the future
The future tense in English is formed with "will" or "shall."
Examples of future tense in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Victory is a concept that has morphed from the past to future tense.
—
Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 May 2024
One of my climate communication goals from is to kill the narrative of future tense and climate change impacts.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2021
This can be crucial for grammatical reasons; for example, signs representing future tense are usually made with a forward motion away from the signer’s body, whereas past tense signs move the opposite way.
—Sarah Katz, Scientific American, 26 Feb. 2021
Interestingly, in the 2007 renovations, the basement was discussed — in a future tense.
—Kevin Dayhoff, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, 16 Oct. 2020
Artists grapple with inequities in present and future tense.
—Jenna Ross, Star Tribune, 18 Sep. 2020
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 May 2024
One of my climate communication goals from is to kill the narrative of future tense and climate change impacts.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2021
This can be crucial for grammatical reasons; for example, signs representing future tense are usually made with a forward motion away from the signer’s body, whereas past tense signs move the opposite way.
—Sarah Katz, Scientific American, 26 Feb. 2021
Interestingly, in the 2007 renovations, the basement was discussed — in a future tense.
—Kevin Dayhoff, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, 16 Oct. 2020
Artists grapple with inequities in present and future tense.
—Jenna Ross, Star Tribune, 18 Sep. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Future tense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/future%20tense. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share