be predictive of

USAGE SUMMARY

"be predictive of" is a legitimate phrase used in written English.
You can use it in situations when you are trying to indicate that something is predictive, or likely to cause something else. For example, "The decrease in temperature is predictive of an upcoming cold front."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If someone fit none, then mental illness was highly unlikely to be predictive of violence.

The New Yorker

Just don't tell him the award is a meaningless bauble that may or may not be predictive of future success.

The Guardian - Sport

But, Dr. Zipes said, in someone who has had a heart attack, "they may be predictive of a future life-threatening problem".

The New York Times

Noninvasive methods of sampling are used to identify signals that may be predictive of laminitis.

The New York Times

Methods of diagnosis that may be predictive of outcome.

Gynecological Surgery

Angiogenic biomarkers may be predictive of preeclampsia before clinical symptoms.

Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada

Influenza-like prodrome may be predictive of adverse outcome in PVL-secreting MSSA necrotizing pneumonia.

Annals of Intensive Care

We expect higher levels of risk-taking to be predictive of entrepreneurial attitudes.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Further, group size did not appear to be predictive of performance.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

Specific future research pathways may include: 1. Methods of diagnosis that may be predictive of outcome.

Gynecological Surgery

This confirms that understanding evolution can be predictive of its acceptance, but not vice versa.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be predictive of", ensure that you have a clear understanding of the factors that support the prediction. For example, rather than stating "this data is predictive of success", specify "this data, which shows a consistent upward trend, is predictive of future success."

Common error

Avoid using "be predictive of" when the evidence is weak or the relationship is merely correlational. Overstating predictive power can mislead your audience. Instead, use more cautious language like "suggests a possible trend" or "may indicate a correlation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be predictive of" functions as a linking verb phrase followed by a predicate adjective ("predictive") and a prepositional phrase ("of" + object). It connects a subject with the quality of being able to forecast or indicate a future outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a valid and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

19%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be predictive of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for indicating that something can reliably forecast a future outcome, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, where precision and analytical language are preferred. When using the phrase, make sure to clearly define the predictive factors and avoid overstating the strength of the prediction. Alternatives such as "indicate future outcomes" or "forecast future trends" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indicate future outcomes

Focuses on the act of showing or pointing out what might happen, rather than the inherent predictive quality.

forecast future trends

Emphasizes projecting trends or patterns into the future, often based on current data.

suggest likelihood of

Highlights the probability or chance that something will occur, implying less certainty.

point toward future events

Uses a directional metaphor, suggesting a guide or signpost to what's coming.

be indicative of

Implies that something serves as a sign or symptom of a future condition.

presage future developments

A more formal term suggesting that something foreshadows upcoming changes or advancements.

hint at potential results

Suggests a subtle clue or indirect indication of what the outcome might be.

foreshadow coming consequences

Implies that something serves as an omen or warning of future repercussions.

signal forthcoming outcomes

Highlights the role of something as a sign or alert about results that are on their way.

augur well for future

An idiomatic expression suggesting that something is a good omen or promising sign for what's ahead.

FAQs

How can I use "be predictive of" in a sentence?

You can use "be predictive of" to indicate that a particular factor or set of factors can reliably forecast a future outcome. For example, "Early test scores can "be predictive of" college performance" or "Rising interest rates are "be predictive of" a housing market slowdown."

What are some alternatives to "be predictive of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "indicate future outcomes", "forecast future trends", or "suggest likelihood of".

Is it better to say "is predictive of" or "predicts"?

The choice between "is predictive of" and "predicts" depends on the desired emphasis and formality. "Predicts" is a more direct and active verb, while "is predictive of" is more descriptive and often used when discussing the predictive quality of something in a more analytical or scientific context.

What does it mean for something to "be predictive of" something else?

When something ""be predictive of"" something else, it means it provides a reliable indication or forecast of a future outcome or event. It implies that there is a consistent relationship or pattern between the predictive factor and the outcome.