foretell

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "foretell" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the word "foretell" when you want to talk about a predicted event, or a warning. For example: "The ancient prophecy foretells that the world will end in 2021."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The war was the first catastrophe that manifested the terror that Chekhov seemed to foretell for his characters.

The Guardian

The dreams of powerful men or women could become famous; a class of people emerged whose job was to decipher them, since they might foretell the fate of the clan or nation.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, his 495-foot shot in 2009 turned out to foretell his setting the Japanese league's single-season home-run record in 2013.Mr Rodríguez, who currently ranks fifth on baseball's all-time career home run list, certainly fits in with this formidable company.

The Economist

Since every challenge to a law under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) must be analysed in terms of the compelling governmental interest it purports to serve, and the question of whether it is the least restrictive means to serving it, it is a truism that no one could foretell the outcome of a particular religious objection to a rule.

The Economist

But there was another trouble that goes far beyond Vestas.If you must subsidise wind power, as many governments believe, the worst way is by short-term, on-off measures whose future no one can foretell.

The Economist

Given how hard it is to foretell which firms will succeed, bankruptcy rules seem more likely to sort entrepreneurs by optimism than by business acumen.That said, Mr Schrager warns that generous exemptions might also attract unsavoury types.

The Economist

High values for recreational plots ranchland prices are climbing by 9.5% a year and loose zoning policies not only foretell the creeping suburbanisation of the state but also spell disaster for the few local stockmen who are left.Most harmful of all, however, is the sense of stagnation that afflicts the state.

The Economist

It is impossible to foretell whether any of the above achievements will turn out to be world-changing.

The Economist

Although it is impossible to foretell exactly how enormous, German unification provides a partial guide.

The Economist

In this sense, New Mexico does not foretell America's future; it reflects a chapter of America's past.In this section What on earth were they thinking?

The Economist

Years of writing about the markets left me very frustrated with technical analysis, the belief that chart patterns could foretell market movements.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer “predict” in technical, scientific, or data-driven contexts for clarity and objectivity.

Common error

While both words involve predicting the future, "foretell" often implies prophecy or intuition, while "forecast" suggests using data or trends. Avoid using "foretell" when a data-driven prediction is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "foretell" is as a verb. It describes the action of predicting or prophesying future events. As Ludwig AI explains, it's often associated with prophecy and predictions, differing from simpler prediction by involving signs or intuition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

31%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "foretell" is a grammatically sound verb used to describe the act of predicting or prophesying future events. Ludwig AI confirms that it's appropriate for use in written English. While synonyms like "predict" or "forecast" exist, "foretell" often carries a nuance of prophecy, intuition, or ancient knowledge. As seen in examples from Ludwig, its use is common across diverse sources, including News & Media and encyclopedias, with a slightly more formal or literary tone. Understanding its subtle differences from similar words can enrich your writing and improve clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

predict the future

This alternative is more direct and commonly used, focusing on the act of predicting what will happen.

indicate in advance

This alternative is a more descriptive and less figurative way of saying "foretell".

prognosticate

This alternative is a more formal and technical term for predicting, often used in scientific or medical contexts.

portend

This alternative implies a sign or warning of a future event, often negative.

anticipate

This alternative suggests expecting or preparing for something in the future.

augur

This alternative suggests predicting the future from omens or signs.

foreshadow

This alternative suggests giving a hint or indication of something to come, often used in literature or film.

presage

This alternative suggests a feeling or intuition that something will happen.

divine

This alternative implies discovering something through intuition or supernatural means.

see in the crystal ball

This alternative uses a metaphor and means to predict, mostly used in informal context.

FAQs

How to use "foretell" in a sentence?

You can use "foretell" to describe the act of predicting future events, often based on signs, intuition, or prophecy. For example, "The ancient scrolls "foretell" a time of great change."

What can I say instead of "foretell"?

You can use alternatives like "predict", "forecast", or "anticipate" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "foretell" or "predict"?

"Foretell" and "predict" are both correct, but "foretell" often implies a sense of prophecy or intuition, while "predict" is more general. Choose the word that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

What's the difference between "foretell" and "foreshadow"?

"Foretell" means to predict the future, while "foreshadow" means to give a hint or indication of something to come. "Foreshadow" is often used in literature to create suspense.