as foretold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as foretold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that was predicted or prophesied in the past. Example: "The events unfolded exactly as foretold in the ancient texts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Mr. Paterson, as foretold, became governor.

The New York Times

On the night of the crash, government soldiers and irregulars in Kigali went door to door with lists, murdering the inhabitants, just as foretold.

The New York Times - Magazine

Suffice to say that there was no new Doctor - he did indeed use his amputated hand to siphon off his regenerative powers - and that one of his companions only sort-of died as foretold by the pulsating, one-eyed rubber mat that is Dalek Caan.

The Guardian

Jesus, who promised to return on a cloud, Muhammad who said he would return from the seven heavens on al-Buraq, along with Moses, Buddha and all the other prophets, who are presently living with the Elohim, will return with them to the embassy as foretold.

The New York Times

Apple has indeed updated its MacBook Air as foretold, and while the updates aren't terribly dramatic, they are solid improvements that should come as welcome news to anyone who has been waiting in the wings for a reason to upgrade.

TechCrunch

As foretold, the evil entity begins to stalk Samuel, and strange events haunt Amelia.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

If this was a painful development for England, it was also the concrete manifestation of a calamity foretold as early as the opening seconds of the game.

Independent

As awesome as the Foretold was when stalking and killing, the only downside here was that the reveal of its true nature was just a bit underwhelming.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Are we, as Pandaemonium foretold, becoming internally digitised, losing our perspective, our heart?

The Guardian - Books

James W. Loewen, a sociology professor who wrote the 1995 book "Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong," faults textbooks that describe American history as a foretold conclusion, draining its characters and events of their drama.

The New York Times

This was the kingdom of skyscrapers, those "high growths of iron, slender, strong, light, splendidly uprising toward clear skies," as Walt Whitman foretold in "Mannahatta" in 1881 (when the tallest buildings were 10 stories).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as foretold" to add a sense of destiny or inevitability to an event, especially when referencing prophecies or predictions from authoritative sources.

Common error

Avoid using "as foretold" when the event was merely expected or planned, rather than specifically predicted through prophecy or insight. Using a more neutral phrase like "as expected" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as foretold" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an event occurred in accordance with a prior prediction or prophecy. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as foretold" is a useful adverbial phrase to denote that something has happened according to a prior prediction, often imparting a sense of destiny or inevitability. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It appears most frequently in news and media, and is generally appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, though careful consideration should be given to the specific tone and intent of your writing. When something was simply expected or planned, a more neutral phrase like "as expected" may be more suitable. Alternatives to "as foretold" include "as predicted" and "as prophesied".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as predicted

Directly replaces "foretold" with a synonym, maintaining a neutral tone.

as prophesied

Replaces "foretold" with a synonym that carries a more religious or mystical connotation.

according to prophecy

Emphasizes the prophetic nature of the prediction, shifting the focus.

true to the prediction

Emphasizes the accuracy and reliability of the initial prediction.

as anticipated

Indicates something expected based on prior knowledge or expectation, rather than specific prediction.

in accordance with the prediction

A more formal and structured way of expressing that something happened as predicted.

as expected

Suggests a natural or logical outcome, lacking the predictive element of "foretold".

just as it was written

Implies a predetermined or destined outcome from a written source.

as was previously stated

Refers to a prior statement without necessarily implying prediction.

right on schedule

Implies that something happened exactly at the expected time, with an emphasis on punctuality.

FAQs

How can I use "as foretold" in a sentence?

Use "as foretold" to indicate that something is happening in accordance with a prediction or prophecy. For example, "The economic downturn occurred "as foretold" by the analysts."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "as foretold"?

You can use alternatives such as "as predicted", "as prophesied", or "as anticipated depending on the context.

Is "as foretold" formal or informal?

"As foretold" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is often used when referring to something with a sense of destiny or a previously made prediction. Consider the tone of your writing when choosing between "as foretold" and similar phrases.

What is the difference between "as foretold" and "as expected"?

"As foretold" suggests that something was specifically predicted, often with a sense of inevitability or destiny. "As expected" simply means that something happened as anticipated or planned, without necessarily involving a specific prophecy or prediction.