an inevitable development

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an inevitable development" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or change that is certain to happen and cannot be avoided. Example: "The rise of technology in our daily lives is an inevitable development that we must adapt to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

This might simply be an inevitable development.

The Guardian - Sport

Two thoughts occur to me about what is, when you think about it, an inevitable development.

Independent

But "this was an inevitable development" because of the high costs of research and development, he said.

The New York Times

In Mr. McGreevey's hometown, Woodbridge, some residents said that the governor's sexuality was an open secret, and that the announcement was less a bombshell than an inevitable development.

The New York Times

The scholar James Buhler argues that such a system was an inevitable development, given the novelty of long-form visual stories: "Musical accompaniment became an obvious red thread of orientation within the confusing field of narrative integration".

The New Yorker

For a while, it seemed as though free access to all music was an inevitable development, but pay music sites seem to have found a workable model, for the time being at least.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Kaufman fathered a movement that is so unmistakably the bastard child of the arts as to seem fatherless; the gag comedy was perfectly suited to the commercial mass art of the movies, so that it appears to be an almost inevitable development.

The New Yorker

Dumbledore spends a good deal of time in The Order of the Phoenix as a fugitive - he is sacked as headmaster - and this expulsion from Eden is an almost inevitable development for Rowling, as it is for Potter and the reader.

The Guardian - Books

Treatment for advanced prostate cancer is still unsatisfactory, with an almost inevitable development of hormone resistance [ 4].

BioMed Research International

As a developing Pacific nation, Samoa has long viewed trade as a necessary and inevitable development strategy to build the national's economy and reduce poverty [ 1].

BMC Public Health

This evolution from liberal Christian denomination to a theism-optional religion has often been seen, both within and without the movement, as a natural, perhaps inevitable development.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add emphasis, follow "an inevitable development" with a reason, consequence, or adaptation strategy to make your point stronger, thus helping the audience understand the broader implications of the unavoidable nature of the said development.

Common error

Avoid using "an inevitable development" as an excuse for inaction or complacency. Acknowledge the inevitability, but focus on proactive responses and mitigation strategies to maintain relevance and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an inevitable development" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or appositive. Ludwig's examples showcase it describing events or trends viewed as unavoidable outcomes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an inevitable development" is a phrase used to describe situations or changes that are considered certain to occur. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in neutral to formal contexts. While not extremely common, it appears frequently in news and media, science, and wiki sources. It's important to use the phrase judiciously, avoiding its use as an excuse for inaction, and instead focusing on adaptation and mitigation strategies. Related phrases, like "a certain outcome" or "an unavoidable consequence", can offer nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a certain outcome

Focuses on the certainty of the result, differing slightly in emphasis from the process.

an unavoidable consequence

Highlights the cause-and-effect relationship, emphasizing the impossibility of prevention.

a foregone conclusion

Implies that the result was known or predictable in advance.

a destined event

Suggests a predetermined or fated occurrence, adding a layer of inevitability.

an inexorable progression

Emphasizes the unstoppable and continuous nature of the development.

an impending occurrence

Focuses on the nearness and certainty of the event.

a predictable evolution

Highlights the gradual and expected unfolding of events.

a sure thing

Simplifies the inevitability to a colloquial expression of certainty.

a natural course

Suggests the development is a normal and expected part of a process.

an expected turn of events

Focuses on the anticipation and predictability of the unfolding situation.

FAQs

How can I use "an inevitable development" in a sentence?

You can use "an inevitable development" to describe situations that are certain to occur. For example, "The increasing reliance on renewable energy is "an inevitable development" given the growing concerns about climate change."

What are some alternatives to saying "an inevitable development"?

Alternatives include "a certain outcome", "an unavoidable consequence", or "a foregone conclusion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "inevitable development" or "unavoidable development"?

"Inevitable" generally implies a stronger sense of certainty and predetermination than "unavoidable". While both suggest something cannot be stopped, "inevitable" carries a connotation of being destined or inherently part of a process. "Unavoidable" simply means it could not be avoided but not necessarily fated.

Can "an inevitable development" have a negative connotation?

Yes, it can. While the phrase itself is neutral, its connotation depends on the context. It can imply acceptance of something undesirable, such as "The decline in traditional media is "an inevitable development" due to the rise of digital platforms". However, focusing on the strategies for adapting to such changes can reduce the negativity.