a preconceived outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a preconceived outcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing results or conclusions that were formed before an event or process took place, often implying bias or lack of objectivity. Example: "The researchers were criticized for their approach, as it seemed they were aiming for a preconceived outcome rather than letting the data guide their conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We kind of had the feeling that there's a preconceived outcome here," he said.

The New York Times

Even if the government does not have a preconceived outcome in mind, analysts say Law and Justice is keeping alive the memory of the Smolensk disaster as a power ploy, feeding into a romantic nationalistic notion that those who died in the crash are "the fallen", thus assimilating them into a tragic nation's history; its latest, perfect heroes.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

All of the facts must be analyzed, even if they do not support a hypothesis or preconceived outcome of the analysis.

Environmental Health Perspectives

These include that rather than responding to preconceived outcome categories, participants outlined what they perceived to be the benefits of the programme freely.

BMJ Open

Responding to critics of its downsizing and vacancies, the State Department insisted that Tillerson's reorganization is an "employee-led process with no preconceived outcomes," focused only on better achieving "our mission".

Vice

"That is a preconceived idea," he said.

The New York Times

I didn't have a preconceived idea.

The New York Times

That's clearly a preconceived idea.

The Guardian - Sport

If they do, they may already have a preconceived idea.

The New York Times

But I never go out with a preconceived idea.

The New York Times - Style

I probably had a preconceived notion, and it probably wasn't right".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a preconceived outcome", ensure the context clearly indicates whether this prior expectation influenced the process or analysis leading to the outcome. This helps readers understand potential biases or motivations.

Common error

Avoid using "a preconceived outcome" when you intend to convey that an outcome was simply expected based on reasonable assumptions. This phrase often carries a negative connotation of bias or manipulation, so choose a more neutral term like "expected result" if appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a preconceived outcome" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, indicating it correctly conveys results/conclusions formed before events unfold.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a preconceived outcome" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to express the idea of a result or conclusion formed before an event or process takes place. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for use in writing, but its rarity suggests caution. The phrase is mostly used in News & Media and Science contexts. It suggests criticism or concern about potential bias. Alternatives include "a predetermined result", "an expected result", and "a biased result". When using "a preconceived outcome", be mindful of its negative connotation and consider whether a more neutral phrase might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a predetermined result

Emphasizes that the outcome was decided in advance and unchangeable.

a foregone conclusion

Implies the outcome is inevitable and already apparent.

an expected result

Indicates an anticipated or predicted outcome.

a predetermined conclusion

Focuses on the conclusion having been decided beforehand.

a biased result

Highlights the potential for prejudice or partiality in the outcome.

a fixed outcome

Suggests the outcome has been manipulated or cannot be altered.

a pre-planned outcome

Highlights that the outcome has been planned in advance.

a pre-arranged result

Suggests the outcome was organized or agreed upon beforehand.

a set outcome

Implies that the outcome has been decided previously and is inflexible.

a settled outcome

Suggests the outcome is already decided.

FAQs

What does "a preconceived outcome" mean?

The phrase "a preconceived outcome" refers to a result or conclusion that has been formed in the mind before an event or process has taken place. It often implies a degree of bias or a lack of objectivity.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a preconceived outcome"?

Use "a preconceived outcome" when you want to suggest that someone's expectations or biases might have influenced the results of a study, experiment, or decision-making process. It carries a connotation of potential unfairness or a lack of impartiality.

What are some alternatives to "a preconceived outcome"?

You can use alternatives such as "a predetermined result", "an expected result", or "a biased result" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

How can I use "a preconceived outcome" in a sentence?

For example, you could say: "The investigation was criticized for seeming to aim for "a predetermined result" rather than objectively analyzing the evidence".