prospective

Everyday

1. Likely or expected to be or become something in the future: «prospective parents». tree →
2. (formal) Going to happen or take effect in the future. tree →

In the lessons

Used in adult life and school: «prospective pupils» visit on open day; «prospective buyers» look at a house. It tells the reader the person is not yet that thing. Phrases: «prospective students», «prospective buyers», «prospective parents».

Examples

• Prospective pupils toured the school on open day. tree →
• The prospective buyers looked round our house. tree →
• She met her prospective in-laws for the first time. tree →
• The coach watched the prospective players at trials. tree →
• Prospective parents asked about the lunch menu. tree →
• The prospective changes to the timetable were explained. tree →

Note

Goes before a noun. Different from «perspective» (a point of view) — a common confusion. Formal; in everyday talk say «future» or «possible».