cannot be predicted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be predicted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing events, outcomes, or phenomena that are uncertain or impossible to foresee. Example: "The weather patterns in this region are so erratic that they cannot be predicted with any degree of accuracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Scientists have cautioned that future trends cannot be predicted reliably.

The Guardian

And although growth rates cannot be predicted, one thing can.

The Economist

And the ECJ's actions cannot be predicted, he says.

The Economist

Defence officials admit that the final costs of the two projects cannot be predicted.

The Guardian

Canine temperaments are widely varied, and behavior cannot be predicted by physical features.

The New York Times

The eventual outcome of Black's mission to rise from the dead like Lazarus cannot be predicted.

The Guardian - Opinion

The long-term negative effects on this young family cannot be predicted.

The Guardian

However, the degree to which this will happen cannot be predicted with confidence by current models.

The Guardian

Also, the EU admitted that the "size of the carbon market cannot be predicted with certainty".

The Guardian

"Just when this will occur cannot be predicted," the report concluded.

The New Yorker

On the other hand, scientific theories cannot be predicted; they must be formulated and confirmed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be predicted", ensure the context clearly establishes what is impossible to foresee. For example, "The long-term effects of the policy cannot be predicted without further data."

Common error

Avoid following "cannot be predicted" with phrases that imply a degree of certainty. For instance, instead of saying "The outcome cannot be predicted, but it will likely be positive", consider "The outcome cannot be predicted; various scenarios are possible."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be predicted" functions as a passive verb phrase that attributes a property of unpredictability to a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used to express the impossibility of foreseeing a future outcome, event, or state. This usage aligns with examples found across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be predicted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating the impossibility of foreseeing an outcome or event. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it appears across a spectrum of sources, from scientific journals to news outlets, underscoring its wide applicability. While alternatives like "cannot be foreseen" and "is not predictable" exist, "cannot be predicted" maintains a formal and objective tone suitable for various contexts. When using the phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to clarify what exactly defies prediction. This phrase serves as a valuable tool for managing expectations and conveying uncertainty in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not predictable

A more direct way of stating the lack of predictability.

cannot be foreseen

Emphasizes the impossibility of seeing or knowing something in advance.

is not possible to foresee

Expands on the inability to see or know something beforehand.

cannot be anticipated

Highlights the inability to expect or prepare for something.

cannot be forecast

Focuses on the impossibility of projecting future events based on current data.

defies prediction

Indicates that something is resistant to being predicted.

cannot be estimated

Underscores the difficulty in approximating a value or quantity.

remains uncertain

Highlights the continued state of doubt or lack of clarity.

cannot be determined

Focuses on the impossibility of finding something out definitively.

remains unknown

Emphasizes that a fact or outcome is not yet known or knowable.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be predicted" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be predicted" to express that an outcome, event, or phenomenon is impossible to foresee with accuracy. For example, "The stock market's behavior "cannot be predicted" with certainty."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be predicted"?

You can use phrases like "cannot be foreseen", "cannot be anticipated", or "is not predictable" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "cannot be predicted" or "is unpredictable"?

Both "cannot be predicted" and "is unpredictable" are grammatically correct. "Cannot be predicted" is often used in more formal contexts, while "is unpredictable" is a more direct adjective phrase. The choice depends on the desired tone and style.

What does it mean when something "cannot be predicted"?

When something "cannot be predicted", it means that it is impossible to know or determine its future state or outcome based on available information or models. It signifies a high degree of uncertainty and lack of predictability.