It was predictable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "It was predictable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or outcome that was expected or anticipated. Example: "The ending of the movie was predictable, as the plot followed a common formula."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was predictable and predicted.

Forbes

It was predictable.

The New Yorker

It was predictable, and L.S.U.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was predictable," Mr. Mann said.

The New York Times - Arts

"It was predictable the far right would do well.

The Guardian - Film

It was predictable they would be accused of anti-Semitism.

The New York Times

It was predictable that there would be more arrests, more killings, more repression.

The New York Times

It was predictable nonsense, the kind of stuff that you see all the time.

The Guardian

It was predictable that the Mets' offense would come up empty with Appier pitching.

The New York Times - Sports

It was predictable that the McCain campaign would go wild over the Clark remarks.

The New York Times

It was predictable that Richard Spencer's coalition of the contemptuous would come together.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "It was predictable" to describe outcomes that could be reasonably anticipated based on prior knowledge or circumstances. This adds a sense of understanding or resignation to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "It was predictable" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and analytical language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "It was predictable" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a clause, indicating that an event or outcome was expected. Ludwig AI shows this is typically used to express a lack of surprise or to underscore the obviousness of a result.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "It was predictable" is a common expression used to denote that an event or outcome was expected, based on prior knowledge or circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms this, highlighting its prevalence in news, formal business settings, and scientific discourse. While generally grammatically correct and versatile, caution should be exercised in overly formal contexts where more precise language may be preferred. Alternatives such as "it was expected" or "it was foreseeable" offer similar meanings, allowing for nuanced expression. The phrase's neutrality makes it a valuable tool for conveying a sense of understanding or resignation regarding foreseen outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It was foreseeable

Replaces 'predictable' with 'foreseeable', maintaining a similar level of formality.

It was anticipated

Uses 'anticipated' instead of 'predictable', suggesting prior expectation.

It was expected

Employs 'expected', offering a more straightforward and common alternative.

It was to be expected

Similar to 'It was expected', but with a slightly more formal tone.

It was inevitable

Replaces 'predictable' with 'inevitable', implying that the outcome was unavoidable.

It was bound to happen

Expresses inevitability in a more colloquial way.

It was a foregone conclusion

Indicates that the outcome was certain before it happened.

It was only a matter of time

Suggests that the event was certain to happen eventually.

It came as no surprise

Highlights the lack of surprise at the outcome.

It was on the cards

Uses an idiomatic expression to suggest that the event was likely.

FAQs

How can I use "It was predictable" in a sentence?

Use "It was predictable" to describe an event or outcome that was expected or foreseeable. For example, "It was predictable that the stock market would react negatively to the news".

What are some alternatives to saying "It was predictable"?

You can use alternatives like "It was expected", "It was foreseeable", or "It was anticipated" depending on the context.

Is "It was predictable" formal or informal?

"It was predictable" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise language may be preferred in highly formal writing.

What is the difference between "It was predictable" and "It was inevitable"?

"It was predictable" suggests that something could be foreseen based on available information, while "It was inevitable" implies that the outcome was unavoidable regardless of circumstances.