foregone conclusion

USAGE SUMMARY

"foregone conclusion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is inevitable or certain. For example, "It was a foregone conclusion that the team would win the championship after their dominant performance throughout the season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A foregone conclusion.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's a foregone conclusion.

The New York Times

That's hardly a foregone conclusion.

The Guardian - Money

This is no foregone conclusion.

The Guardian - Sport

It's close to a foregone conclusion.

The New Yorker

His victory was a foregone conclusion.

The Economist

But it was never a foregone conclusion.

The New Yorker

But neither is a foregone conclusion".

Independent

It seemed like a foregone conclusion, really.

The New York Times

Is his confirmation a foregone conclusion?

The New Yorker

The result is a foregone conclusion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "foregone conclusion" when you want to emphasize that an outcome was predictable, inevitable, or decided in advance, even if it appears that deliberations or processes are still underway.

Common error

Don't use "foregone conclusion" simply to mean a likely outcome. The phrase carries the connotation that the outcome was already decided, potentially undermining the legitimacy of any ongoing process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foregone conclusion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig AI shows examples where it describes a situation or event whose outcome is considered certain or predetermined. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foregone conclusion" is a noun phrase signifying that an outcome is predictable, inevitable, or predetermined. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, as revealed by Ludwig's examples, and is used to express certainty about an event's outcome. When using this phrase, be aware of its connotation that the outcome has already been decided, which can undermine the legitimacy of ongoing processes. Alternatives like "certain outcome" or "predictable outcome" may be more appropriate when you simply want to suggest a high probability without implying predetermination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certain outcome

This alternative emphasizes the certainty of the result, removing the implication that it was decided beforehand.

inevitable result

This focuses on the unavoidable nature of the result, suggesting it was determined by circumstances.

predictable outcome

This alternative highlights the ease with which the result could be anticipated.

virtually certain

Emphasizes a high degree of probability without stating absolute certainty.

matter of course

This indicates that the result is expected and routine, almost automatic.

inescapable consequence

This underscores that the result cannot be avoided, often with negative connotations.

pre-determined

This implies that the outcome was decided in advance, often secretly or unfairly.

sure thing

This is a more informal way of expressing complete confidence in the result.

done deal

Implies that the arrangements for something are completed and cannot be altered. It focuses on the finality of the agreement.

preordained result

This suggests that the result was determined by fate or a higher power.

FAQs

How can I use "foregone conclusion" in a sentence?

You can use "foregone conclusion" to describe an event whose outcome is known or seems inevitable. For example: "The election result seemed a "foregone conclusion" after the incumbent's scandal."

What phrases are similar to "foregone conclusion"?

Similar phrases include "certain outcome", "inevitable result", and "predictable outcome". Each carries a slightly different emphasis on the reason for the inevitability.

Is it appropriate to use "foregone conclusion" in formal writing?

Yes, "foregone conclusion" is suitable for formal writing. It's frequently used in news articles, academic papers, and business reports to denote a high degree of certainty about an event's outcome.

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

"Likely outcome" suggests a higher probability but doesn't necessarily imply certainty. "Foregone conclusion" suggests a near-certainty, often with the implication that the outcome was predetermined or predictable based on current circumstances. You can replace "foregone conclusion" with "likely outcome" if you want to imply a less strong prediction.