In future / in the future

'In future' or 'in the future' --what a difference it makes to add the word 'the'! But what exactly is the difference? After all, we don't have this sort of alternative with the expression 'in the past'. There is no context in which we can sat 'in past' (without the definite article).

The difference between 'in future' and 'in the future' is a subtle one. A simple summary is as follows: 

In future -- we use this when we are making an explicit contrast with a situation now. It is often used together with the words 'but' or 'however':

• Currently waste paper is being placed in litter bins, but in future all waste paper should be placed in the recycling bins [i.e. changes should be made from now on]

• I have approved your airfare claim this time.  In future, however, short trips should be made by economy class, not business class. [i.e. changes should be made from now on]

You can see from these two examples that 'in future' is also often used in sentences where modal verbs of obligation occur (like 'may', 'should, 'must' or 'will').

In the future -- we use this to refer to an unspecified time ahead:

• We will implement the proposals sometime in the future. [i.e. at some unspecified point]

• In the future, oil will become increasingly less used as sustainable energy is more widely embraced ['in the future' here refers to the general future experience of the human race]

With these points in mind, let's turn to the question originally asked on the Facebook post for this blog: which of the following sentences would you choose, and why?

• In future, all staff must give at least 10 days' notice before taking leave.
• In the future, all staff must give at least 10 days' notice before taking leave.

Now that we've considered the key differences between the two options, it should be possible to work this out. Notice the use of the modal verb 'must' as a verb of obligation in the sentence. This tells us that up to now, staff have not needed to give 10 days' notice. The statement is changing the status quo, and setting up a specific contrast with what is the case now and a new situation that is about to be implemented. Therefore, 'In future…' is the correct expression to choose. 

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