a forgone conclusion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a forgone conclusion" is not correct; the correct phrase is "a foregone conclusion." You can use it when referring to a result or outcome that is certain or inevitable, often used in discussions about predictions or expectations.
Example: "After seeing the team's performance all season, it was clear that their victory in the championship was a foregone conclusion."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Having cash to make payroll is not a forgone conclusion.

The New York Times

Several analysts, however, say that slashing or eliminating it is a forgone conclusion.

The New York Times

One game is a forgone conclusion, featuring a team with a hand already held out for the wooden spoon.

The Guardian - Sport

So while its odds on Australia I for one still think it is not a forgone conclusion just yet.

The Guardian - Sport

Next spring's presidential vote is a forgone conclusion, with the Civic Platform incumbent, Bronislaw Komorowski, likely to romp home.

The Economist

Crist is expected to visit other campuses, so his ending up at Kansas is not a forgone conclusion.

The New York Times

But if Putin has his way, the referendum due by the end of the month – under the watchful gaze of Russian troops – will be a forgone conclusion.

The Guardian - Opinion

"A lot of folks in Washington believe that the twenty-first century is a forgone conclusion, and that there's nothing we can do about it," Rubio said.

The New Yorker

Mr. Seabrook has long said he would run against Mr. Engel, but his candidacy was far from a forgone conclusion among Bronx politicians.

The New York Times

Roger Goodell goal of a London-based NFL franchise is well-known, but by no means is it a forgone conclusion.

The Guardian - Sport

This clearly suggests that the likelihood of an expansion in QE by £50bn or so over the next quarter is rising, although is not a forgone conclusion".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Recognize that using "a foregone conclusion" can sometimes sound dismissive. Consider the impact on your audience and whether a more nuanced phrase might be appropriate.

Common error

The most common mistake is writing "forgone conclusion" instead of "foregone conclusion". Always double-check the spelling to avoid undermining your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as a noun phrase acting as a predicative expression, describing something considered inevitable. Despite being grammatically incorrect (Ludwig AI identifies the correct spelling is "foregone conclusion"), its frequent use makes its meaning readily understood. This contrasts with standard grammatical norms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sport

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a forgone conclusion" is frequently used to describe outcomes considered inevitable, especially in News & Media contexts. However, as Ludwig AI indicates, it is a misspelling; the correct form is "foregone conclusion". Despite the grammatical error, its widespread use ensures comprehension, even if it slightly undermines formal credibility. For more formal or nuanced contexts, alternatives like ""a certainty"" or ""an inevitable outcome"" may be more suitable. Always ensure correct spelling to maintain a high standard of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a foregone conclusion

This is the correct spelling of the original phrase. It highlights that the outcome is predetermined or predictable.

a certainty

This alternative implies an outcome that is guaranteed to happen, similar to the original phrase.

an inevitable outcome

This phrase directly states that the result cannot be avoided, emphasizing the lack of alternatives.

virtually certain

This highlights that the outcome is almost guaranteed, leaving a minimal chance of a different result.

a predetermined result

This option suggests that the outcome was decided in advance, removing any element of chance.

a sure thing

This alternative is more informal but conveys the same sense of assured success or occurrence.

a predictable outcome

This phrase emphasizes the ease with which the result could be anticipated, focusing on its foreseeability.

a done deal

More informal, this suggests that the arrangements are complete and the outcome is settled.

a wrapped-up situation

This alternative conveys that the situation is fully resolved and the outcome is already determined.

in the bag

This idiom implies that success is assured, and the task is practically completed.

FAQs

What does "a foregone conclusion" mean?

The phrase "a foregone conclusion" refers to a result or outcome that is considered inevitable or certain to happen.

What is the correct spelling, "foregone conclusion" or "forgone conclusion"?

The correct spelling is "foregone conclusion". "Forgone" is a misspelling in this context.

How can I use "a foregone conclusion" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe events or outcomes that seem inevitable. For example: "Given their superior performance, their victory was "a foregone conclusion"".

What are some alternatives to "a foregone conclusion"?

You can use alternatives like "a certainty", "an inevitable outcome", or "a sure thing" to convey a similar meaning.