can be foreseen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be foreseen" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is predictable or likely to happen in the future. Example: "The challenges we face in the project can be foreseen, and we should prepare accordingly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A factor greater than 2 can be foreseen with respect to the lowest usual circular orbits.

Acta Astronautica

Applications can be foreseen in fields such as molecular electronics, spintronics, sensors, catalysis and even synthesis.

Coordination Chemistry Reviews

Ms. White also vowed "as far as can be foreseen" never to return to her law firm, Debevoise & Plimpton.

The New York Times

An essential characteristic of business enterprise is that not all future developments can be foreseen or insured against.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These errors can be foreseen and corrected by feedforward control, prior to them upsetting the control loop parameters.

Practical Process Control for Engineers and Technicians

It can be foreseen that the drugs will shorten life somewhat but the purpose of the action is to reduce pain.

The Guardian

She has also vowed "as far as can be foreseen" never to return to Debevoise & Plimpton, the firm where she built a lucrative legal practice.

The New York Times

It can be foreseen that refusing burdensome treatment will result in death but that is not the main, intended thrust of the action.

The Guardian

Ms. White also vowed "as far as can be foreseen" never to return to Debevoise and planned to soon cut financial ties with the firm.

The New York Times

Orientation may control air for circulation and reduce the disadvantages of wind, rain, and snow, since in most climates the prevailing currents can be foreseen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I would say that the law is clear – it doesn't have to be a specific person whose death can be foreseen, it can be anyone.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be foreseen" when you want to emphasize the predictability of an event or outcome based on current knowledge or trends. It's suitable for formal writing and professional contexts where anticipating future developments is important.

Common error

While "can be foreseen" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make your writing seem less direct. Consider rephrasing to use an active voice when appropriate, for example, "we can foresee" instead of "it can be foreseen".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be foreseen" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating the possibility of anticipating or predicting future events. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be foreseen" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the predictability or anticipation of future events. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals its common occurrence across scientific, news, and formal business contexts, suggesting a versatile yet relatively formal register. To avoid overuse of the passive voice, consider alternative phrasings when appropriate. By understanding the nuances of its usage, writers can effectively communicate the potential for future occurrences based on present knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is foreseeable

Uses a synonym of 'foreseen' to maintain a high degree of semantic similarity.

can be anticipated

Emphasizes the act of anticipating rather than merely seeing in advance.

can be predicted

Focuses on the ability to predict outcomes based on available information.

is predictable

Replaces the modal verb construction with a more direct assertion of predictability.

is likely to occur

Highlights the probability of an event taking place.

may be expected

Implies a degree of expectation based on current conditions.

is a distinct possibility

Highlights the likelihood and clarity of a possible future event.

is within the realm of possibility

Shifts the focus to the possibility of something happening, rather than its direct foreseeability.

is a potential outcome

Emphasizes the potential nature of a future event.

is on the horizon

Suggests that something is imminent or about to happen.

FAQs

How can I use "can be foreseen" in a sentence?

You can use "can be foreseen" to indicate that something is predictable or likely to happen in the future. For example, "The potential benefits of this new technology "can be foreseen", but there are also risks."

What can I say instead of "can be foreseen"?

You can use alternatives like "can be anticipated", "can be predicted", or "is foreseeable" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "can be foreseen" and "can be predicted"?

While both phrases suggest an ability to anticipate future events, "can be foreseen" often implies a more intuitive or insightful understanding, whereas "can be predicted" suggests a more analytical or data-driven approach. "Can be predicted" often relates to statistics.

Is "can be foreseen" formal or informal?

"Can be foreseen" is generally considered to be a neutral to formal expression. It's suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts, but might sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using something like "is likely to happen" in more informal settings.