Phrasal Verbs for Talking About the Future in English

Talking about the future is a common part of everyday English. We often discuss plans, goals, hopes, predictions, and expectations.

Native English speakers usually prefer phrasal verbs instead of long or formal expressions when talking about future events.

For example, they say look forward to instead of anticipate or plan ahead instead of prepare in advance.

In this lesson, you will learn useful phrasal verbs for talking about the future, along with clear meanings and simple example sentences.

These phrasal verbs will help you sound natural, confident, and fluent in conversations, presentations, and exams like IELTS Speaking.

What are Phrasal Verbs?

A phrasal verb is a two- or three-word phrase that consists of a verb and a preposition or adverb.

For example:

• Look after = to take care of.
• Give up = to stop doing something.

Phrasal verbs can be tricky because the meaning is not always the same as the verb’s original meaning. However, once you get the hang of them, they will make your English sound more fluent and natural.

Why Use Phrasal Verbs for the Future?

When we talk about future events, plans, or predictions, we can use certain phrasal verbs to make our speech more interesting and dynamic. They can help you explain your intentions, make predictions, or talk about what you are planning to do.

Now, let’s look at some phrasal verbs that are commonly used to talk about the future.

1. Look forward to

Meaning: To be excited or happy about something that will happen in the future.

Example:

• I look forward to meeting you tomorrow.
• She looks forward to her summer vacation.

This is a great phrasal verb to use when talking about something you are eagerly anticipating.

2. Plan on

Meaning: To intend to do something in the future.

Example:

• I plan on visiting Paris next year.
• They plan on starting a new business in the future.

This phrasal verb is often used to talk about your future intentions.

3. Go ahead

Meaning: To continue with a plan or action.

Example:

• You can go ahead with your presentation now.
• They decided to go ahead with the trip despite the weather.

Use this when you want to say that something can begin or continue as planned.

4. Set up

Meaning: To arrange or plan something for the future.

Example:

• We are going to set up a meeting for next week.
• He has already set up an appointment for tomorrow.

This is useful when talking about organizing or preparing something in advance.

5. Come up with

Meaning: To think of or create an idea or plan.

Example:

• They are trying to come up with a new marketing strategy.
• I need to come up with a good excuse for being late.

You can use this phrasal verb when you are brainstorming or planning something new.

6. Carry on

Meaning: To continue doing something.

Example:

• You should carry on with your studies, even if it’s difficult.
• After the break, we will carry on with the project.

This phrasal verb is often used to talk about continuing something in the future.

7. Look into

Meaning: To investigate or examine something in detail.

Example:

• We need to look into the details of the proposal before making a decision.
• I will look into that issue and get back to you.

When you want to say that you will investigate something in the future, this is the perfect phrasal verb.

8. Put off

Meaning: To delay or postpone something.

Example:

• We had to put off the meeting because of the rain.
• They decided to put off their wedding until next year.

If something is delayed or rescheduled, you can use this phrasal verb.

9. Take on

Meaning: To accept or agree to do something in the future.

Example:

• I decided to take on a new project at work.
• She is going to take on more responsibilities next month.

This phrasal verb is useful when talking about agreeing to do something or accepting a challenge.

10. Work out

Meaning: To find a solution or plan for something.

Example:

• We still need to work out the details of the event.
• I hope everything works out for you in the end.

This phrasal verb is perfect for talking about making plans or solving problems for the future.

11. Turn up

Meaning: To arrive or appear at a place.

Example:

• I hope he turns up on time for the meeting.
• The weather turned up sunny for the picnic.

Use this phrasal verb when talking about someone arriving or something happening unexpectedly in the future.

12. Follow through

Meaning: To complete a task or continue with a plan until it is finished.

Example:

• I promised to help her, and I will follow through with my commitment.
• They didn’t follow through with their plans to launch the product.

This is useful for talking about carrying out a plan or task completely.

13. Show up

Meaning: To appear at a location, usually after being expected or planned.

Example:

• We’re waiting for Sarah to show up at the party.
• He didn’t show up for his job interview.

This phrasal verb is great for talking about someone’s arrival at an event or location in the future.

14. Hold off

Meaning: To delay or postpone an action.

Example:

• We decided to hold off on buying the tickets until next week.
• They are going to hold off on the new product launch.

This is used when you want to delay something in the future.

15. Keep up with

Meaning: To continue doing something at the same level or pace.

Example:

• I’m struggling to keep up with all the tasks at work.
• You need to keep up with your studies if you want to pass the exam.

Use this phrasal verb when talking about staying on track with future tasks or responsibilities.

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Conclusion

Phrasal verbs are an important part of speaking and writing in English. When talking about the future, they can help you express your thoughts more clearly and naturally.

By using these phrasal verbs, you will be able to talk about your plans, predictions, and intentions in a more interesting and fluent way.

Start practicing these phrasal verbs today, and you’ll soon notice how much more comfortable you feel when speaking about the future in English. Keep learning and keep practicing!

Do you have any favorite phrasal verbs for the future? Share them in the comments below!