Why do you always put the article "the" in front of the "future?" Would it sound awkward if I say "in future" instead?

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Yes! As a noun, "future" is always used with an article in front of it unless it is modifying a noun that follows it. "In future" is grammatically incorrect unless "future" is describing a noun. Ex: I want to be a lawyer in the future. (Needs article because it is used as a noun) Ex: I would like to see a more sustainable future. (Needs article because it is used as a noun) Ex: I see many future possibilities. (No article because it modifies noun that follows)

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12/21

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