as predictable as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as predictable as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare the predictability of one thing to another, often in a simile format. Example: "The weather in this region is as predictable as the sunrise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Life is not as predictable as driving.

The New York Times

It's as predictable as it is sad.

The New York Times

This is as predictable as it is depressing.

The Guardian - Opinion

The vicissitudes of fandom are as predictable as a metronome.

The New York Times - Sports

MOST radio shows are as predictable as sunrise.

The New York Times - Arts

And our lives are as predictable as a novel, too".

The Guardian - Books

And it is always as predictable as it is depressing.

The Guardian - Sport

Their posturing is as predictable as it is petty.

The Economist

What follows is as predictable as it is heavy-handed.

The New York Times

It is as predictable as any old fashioned morality tale.

Independent

The result was as predictable as the Lambeau Leap.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider the context and choose a comparison that resonates with your audience and enhances the message.

Common error

Avoid pairing "as predictable as" with overused comparisons like "sunrise" or "death and taxes". Opt for fresh, original comparisons to maintain reader interest and avoid sounding trite.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as predictable as" functions primarily as a simile, used to draw a comparison between the predictability of something and another event or phenomenon. Ludwig AI data confirms it’s used to emphasize the high degree of expectedness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Sport

7%

Books

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as predictable as" is a versatile simile used to convey a sense of inevitability or a lack of surprise. Ludwig AI analysis shows it is grammatically correct and frequently used, primarily in News & Media. The effectiveness of the phrase relies on the comparison used, which should be original and relevant to the context. While versatile, it's important to avoid clichéd comparisons to maintain reader engagement. Consider using alternatives like "as foreseeable as" or "as expected as" to vary your writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as foreseeable as

This alternative uses 'foreseeable', emphasizing the ability to anticipate something before it happens.

as expected as

This is a more straightforward alternative, focusing on the expectation of an event.

just as certain as

This alternative highlights the certainty of the outcome, rather than its predictability.

easily anticipated

This phrase directly addresses the ease with which something can be anticipated.

bound to happen

This implies inevitability along with predictability.

a foregone conclusion

This idiom suggests that the result is already determined and known.

could see it coming

This is a more informal way of saying something was predictable.

written in the stars

This phrase suggests that the event was predetermined by fate.

plain as day

This emphasizes the obviousness of the outcome, rather than just its predictability.

a matter of course

This suggests the event is a normal and expected part of a process.

FAQs

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

Use "as predictable as" to illustrate something that is highly expected or easily foreseen. For example, "The politician's response was "as predictable as" a campaign promise."

What are some alternatives to "as predictable as"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "as foreseeable as", "as expected as", or "just as certain as".

Is it okay to use "as predictable as" in formal writing?

Yes, "as predictable as" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you want to convey a sense of inevitability or lack of surprise in a clear and concise manner.

What kind of comparisons work well with "as predictable as"?

Effective comparisons for "as predictable as" often involve commonly understood events or behaviors. Examples include, ""as predictable as" the changing seasons" or ""as predictable as" a toddler's tantrum".