doubtful to predict that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doubtful to predict that" is not correct in English.
Did you mean "doubtful that it is possible to predict"? You can use a corrected version of this phrase when expressing uncertainty about the ability to make predictions regarding a specific situation or outcome. Example: "Given the unpredictable nature of the market, it is doubtful that we can accurately predict the next trends."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's pretty hard to predict that".

The New York Times

"Unfortunately" future developments were so difficult to predict that it would become doubtful whether it is possible at all to draw lessons for today's governance.

European Journal of Futures Research

"That is difficult to predict".

The New York Times

That is hard to predict.

The New York Times

Zhang says that's hard to predict.

Science Magazine

"We can use that to predict things".

The New York Times

Nevertheless, the knowledge accrued thus far in such models suggests that their usefulness to predict therapeutic indices of cancer chemopreventive agents is rather doubtful (Corpet and Pierre, 2003).

British Journal of Cancer

"Beyond that, it's hard to predict.

The New York Times

That's pretty easy to predict.

Forbes

Correlation analysis showed that CDGT-V had no correlation with non-residual V fractions, indicating that it is doubtful whether BCR extraction alone can be used to predict the bioavailability of V in this study.

Journal of Hydrology

That said, collapses are hard to predict.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "doubtful to predict that" in formal writing. It is grammatically awkward. Rephrase for clarity and correctness using terms like "difficult to predict" or "it is doubtful that...".

Common error

A common mistake is directly linking 'doubtful' with an infinitive ('to predict'). Instead, ensure 'doubtful' is followed by 'that' and a clause, or rephrase to use 'difficult' or 'hard' with the infinitive. For example: "It is doubtful that we can predict..." or "It is difficult to predict...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doubtful to predict that" attempts to express uncertainty about the ability to make a prediction. However, according to Ludwig AI, the phrase does not conform to standard English grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "doubtful to predict that" may appear in various texts, it is considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI also agrees with this conclusion. To convey the intended meaning of uncertainty regarding a prediction, it's advisable to use more standard constructions like "difficult to predict" or "it is doubtful that [clause]". Choosing grammatically sound alternatives enhances clarity and credibility in writing. Always ensure that 'doubtful' is correctly followed by 'that' and a clause to avoid misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to anticipate

Replaces "doubtful" with "difficult" and "predict" with "anticipate", focusing on the challenge of foreseeing something.

hard to foresee

Substitutes "doubtful" with "hard" and "predict" with "foresee", emphasizing the lack of clarity about the future.

unlikely to be forecast

Changes the structure to passive voice, indicating a low probability of something being predicted.

improbable to project

Replaces "doubtful" with "improbable" and "predict" with "project", highlighting the low likelihood of an accurate projection.

uncertain to estimate

Substitutes "doubtful" with "uncertain" and "predict" with "estimate", focusing on the lack of confidence in making an estimation.

questionable to foresee

Uses "questionable" instead of "doubtful" and "foresee" instead of "predict", suggesting that one should challenge or investigate possible expectations.

dubious to foretell

Replaces "doubtful" with "dubious" and "predict" with "foretell", indicating uncertainty about one's ability to see the future

unpredictable

Simplifies the phrase to a single adjective, emphasizing the inherent inability to predict.

hard to determine

Changes the focus to the difficulty of determining a future outcome.

difficult to ascertain

Emphasizes the difficulty of finding something out for certain.

FAQs

How can I correctly express uncertainty about a prediction?

Instead of "doubtful to predict that", use phrases like "difficult to predict", or "it is doubtful that [clause]". The latter provides a grammatically sound way to express uncertainty.

Is "doubtful to predict that" grammatically correct?

No, "doubtful to predict that" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to say "difficult to predict" or use a construction like "it is doubtful that...".

What are some alternatives to "doubtful to predict that" that maintain a similar meaning?

Consider alternatives such as "hard to foresee", "unlikely to be forecast", or simply "unpredictable". These options offer clearer and more grammatically correct ways to express uncertainty.

Which is the correct phrasing: "doubtful to predict that" or "difficult to predict that"?

"Difficult to predict that" is more appropriate. This is because "doubtful to predict that" is grammatically awkward, and sounds incorrect. Alternatively, one could also say "it is doubtful that it is possible to predict".