foregone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foregone" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is predetermined or inevitable, often in the context of a decision or outcome that is already decided. Example: "The outcome of the election seemed foregone, with polls showing a significant lead for the incumbent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Better Together leader Alistair Darling said: "These polls can and must now serve as a wake-up call to anyone who thought the referendum was a foregone conclusion".

The Guardian

Mayoral candidates from the major parties say the fraught contest, to be held on Thursday, is far from a foregone conclusion.

The Guardian

Just a few years ago, when Bingu wa Mutharika was at his most eccentric, this was not a foregone conclusion.

The Guardian

Moreover, the deal must be ratified by all 28 government chiefs in the council of ministers, by no means a foregone conclusion: Greece's new ruling party Syriza has warned it has no intention of approving the pact.

The Guardian - Business

Paul, gesturing toward the acrimony that persists in the Senate even after the vote made passage of the USA Freedom Act a foregone conclusion, said his Republican opponents were rooting for a terrorist attack to embarrass him.

The Guardian

I know some people have a negative reaction to bands who win [polls], 'cos it's like a foregone conclusion they'll be successful.

The Guardian - Music

Never mind that Tyson was technically superior in all areas, the fear factor made the result a foregone conclusion.

The Guardian - Sport

It is understood that a vote by the people of the city would be needed before the government acted - but given the overwhelming nationalist majority the outcome is a foregone conclusion.

The Guardian

There were no changes to the superannuation concessions that see $27bn in foregone revenue each year.

The Guardian - Business

The result is a foregone conclusion.

The Guardian

ALTHOUGH he just can't seem to say it aloud, Yoshiro Mori's resignation as Japan's prime minister is a foregone conclusion.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "foregone" to indicate that a conclusion or outcome is so predictable or inevitable that it's practically settled. It's strongest when implying a sense of resignation or inevitability.

Common error

Avoid using "foregone" when the outcome is simply likely but not virtually certain. Overusing it can weaken your writing by suggesting inevitability where none truly exists.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "foregone" is as an adjective, typically modifying nouns like "conclusion", "result", or "opportunity". It describes something that is predetermined or inevitable. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples of its use in similar contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "foregone" is commonly used to describe something as inevitable or predetermined, predominantly in news and formal business contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting frequent use in describing events or conclusions that are virtually certain. When using "foregone", ensure that the context accurately reflects near certainty to avoid weakening the impact of your writing. Consider alternatives like "inevitable" or "predetermined" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inevitable conclusion

Replaces "foregone" with "inevitable", emphasizing the unavoidable nature of the conclusion.

predetermined outcome

Uses "predetermined" to highlight that the outcome was decided in advance.

certain to happen

A more straightforward way of saying something is sure to occur.

assured result

Indicates a high degree of confidence in the outcome.

inescapable consequence

Emphasizes the lack of alternatives and the certainty of the result.

unavoidable eventuality

Highlights that the eventuality cannot be dodged or prevented.

preordained destiny

Suggests a fate that was already decided.

settled matter

Implies that the decision has already been made and cannot be changed.

unquestionable certainty

Emphasizes the high level of assurance and lack of doubt.

virtually guaranteed

Indicates a near-perfect probability of occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "foregone" in a sentence?

You can use "foregone" to describe a conclusion or result that is inevitable or predictable, such as: "The election result seemed a "foregone conclusion"." It's often used to imply a lack of genuine suspense or uncertainty.

What can I say instead of "foregone"?

Alternatives to "foregone" include "inevitable", "predetermined", or "certain" depending on the nuance you want to convey. Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of inevitability or predetermination.

Which is correct, "foregone conclusion" or "forgone conclusion"?

"Foregone conclusion" is the correct spelling and phrase. "Forgone conclusion" is a common misspelling; "foregone" means decided or determined in advance, while "forgone" means given up or abstained from.

What's the difference between "foregone conclusion" and "likely outcome"?

A "foregone conclusion" implies near certainty and a lack of suspense. A "likely outcome" suggests a high probability but acknowledges that other results are still possible. The former is more definitive and less open to alternatives than the latter.