could be foreseen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be foreseen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing events or outcomes that are predictable or anticipated based on current knowledge or circumstances. Example: "The financial crisis was severe, but some of its effects could be foreseen by analysts who were paying attention to the warning signs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

In view of the great variety of candidate materials, novel strategies could be foreseen to tune the catalytic activities.

Nature

As could be foreseen by anyone with a smattering of history, things have not turned out that way.

The Guardian - Opinion

This study demonstrates that BM graft added to MBCP constitute an appropriate material to be considered in case of bone defect occurring in irradiated tissue, and could be foreseen for use after bone removal for oncologic obligations.

Bone

Since the nanotubes are highly chemical insert and able to sustain a high strain (10 30%) without breakage, it could be foreseen that nanotube-related structures could be designed for nanoinstrument to create ultra-small electronic circuits and used as strong, light and high toughness fibres for nanocomposite structures.

Composites Part B: Engineering

When the polls close on 8 June, the result of the general election could be foreseen before votes are even counted.

BBC

The versatility of the method is highlighted here with four distinct applications, although there are many more that could be foreseen.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"Yesterday’s announcement suggests that BP could be foreseeing a continued shortage of deepwater rigs," said Shoemaker.

Forbes

This is an extraordinary time full of vital, transformative movements that could not be foreseen.

The Guardian - Books

What could not be foreseen was what happened an hour before a ball had even been bowled at Edgbaston.

The Guardian - Sport

That, he said, is what happened to the solar panel business, for two reasons that he maintained could not be foreseen.

The New York Times

This could not be foreseen at the time that play was restarted and made a material difference to the playability of the golf course".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be foreseen", ensure that the context provides some basis for the prediction or anticipation. Avoid using it for completely random or unpredictable events.

Common error

Avoid using "could be foreseen" when the outcome was genuinely uncertain or depended on numerous unpredictable factors. Overstating predictability can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be foreseen" functions as a passive construction, expressing the potential for an event or outcome to be anticipated or predicted. As shown by Ludwig, it describes scenarios where future events are predictable to some extent. It uses a modal verb to indicate possibility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be foreseen" effectively conveys the idea that an event or outcome was predictable or anticipatable, based on available information or circumstances. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in diverse contexts like science, news, and business. When using the phrase, ensure there's a logical basis for the prediction and avoid overstating certainty when the outcome was genuinely uncertain. Be mindful of alternative phrasing to refine your message and add shades of meaning to your writing, enhancing the depth and accuracy of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was predictable

Focuses on the quality of being predictable rather than the act of foreseeing.

was anticipatable

Highlights anticipation as a possibility but implies less certainty.

could be anticipated

Uses anticipation as an alternative to foresee but emphasizes the possibility.

might have been anticipated

Emphasizes possibility and anticipation in the past.

could have been predicted

Shifts from 'foreseen' to 'predicted', emphasizing prediction.

was to be expected

Indicates a stronger sense of expectation.

was likely to happen

Focuses on the likelihood of an event occurring.

was a foreseeable outcome

Highlights the outcome as foreseeable.

was on the cards

An idiomatic expression indicating that something was likely or inevitable.

was within the realm of possibility

Suggests that something was possible, though not necessarily foreseen.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be foreseen" to describe events or outcomes that were predictable based on available information or understanding. For example, "The consequences of neglecting infrastructure "could be foreseen" by city planners."

What are some alternatives to "could be foreseen"?

Alternatives include "was predictable", "was to be expected", or "might have been anticipated". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "could be foreseen" and "should have been foreseen"?

"Could be foreseen" indicates that something was predictable, while "should have been foreseen" implies a failure to recognize a predictable outcome. The latter suggests negligence or oversight. For example, you should check the differences between "could be foreseen" and "should have been foreseen".

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "could be foreseen"?

It's inappropriate to use "could be foreseen" when referring to events that were genuinely random, completely unexpected, or impossible to predict with the information available at the time.