forethought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "forethought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of thinking ahead or considering the future consequences of an action. Example: "Her decision to save money for emergencies was a clear sign of her forethought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No, the core characteristics of the new He-Man are deduction, humour, acuity, forethought; it is an un-gendered sweep of traits that boil down to intelligence.

The Guardian - Film

But when a person in a position of trust decides to betray that privilege, no amount of forethought or red tape can negate the threat they pose.

The Economist

It is particularly odd, as she points out, that he gave so little attention to what would happen after his death: just a bit of forethought would have safeguarded the embassy's physical, financial and archival future.

The Economist

On the other hand, he enjoys the challenge and forethought involved in setting up a shot with an analogue camera.

The Economist

Her youthfulness appeals to the Facebook generation.In sum, the naturalness and easy manner that Thais appreciate in Ms Yingluck is authentic but the fact that it comes over so well is the result of a lot of sweat and forethought.

The Economist

It would also make devices far easier for cyber-criminals to hack and still be ineffective for surveillance.Regardless of the ideological merits of giving authorities access to private communications, it is an unchangeable fact that with modern encryption technology and a bit of forethought a malevolent person can send communications to his collaborators that no carrier or government can see.

The Economist

David Brooks was born in Canada, but rectified that mistake soon afterwards by relocating to New York and then Bethesda, Maryland, where he now writes conservative commentary for the New York Times.If you haven't had the forethought to be born in America, then at least pick your subject with care.

The Economist

But blame human greed, hunger and lack of forethought too.

The Economist

And the conviction is widespread that those who fail to act quickly today may not be around to act with more forethought tomorrow hence the insistence on doing something, anything, whatever the price.

The Economist

Vice Admiral John Currier, the Coast Guard's chief of staff, characterised it as a "routine, low-profile" drill; but, surely, a little forethought would have concluded that unexplained gunboats on the Potomac and radio reports of security zone breaches and shots fired would be viewed as a bit more ominous, on this of all days.

The Economist

But Mr Bush's barging into Iraq without adequate forethought has resulted in a debacle.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "forethought" to emphasize the positive impact of planning or anticipation, highlighting the benefits of considering future consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "forethought" in contexts where it implies excessive or manipulative planning, as this can create a negative perception. Be mindful of potential misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The word "forethought" primarily functions as a noun, denoting the act of thinking or planning beforehand. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts, highlighting its grammatical correctness and semantic versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "forethought" is a noun denoting the act of thinking or planning in advance. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and diverse usage, particularly in news and media, encyclopedias, and science. It serves to emphasize the importance of planning and consideration, and while the term is generally neutral, careful consideration should be given to the context in order to avoid implying excessive or manipulative planning. Related terms include "planning ahead" and "foresight", each with slightly different nuances. When using "forethought", specificity enhances clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foresight

Emphasizes the ability to predict or anticipate future events.

prior consideration

Stresses the importance of thinking about something before taking action.

planning ahead

Focuses on the act of making plans in advance.

advance planning

Similar to planning ahead but emphasizes the temporal aspect.

prudence

Implies careful and wise decision-making, especially in practical matters.

premeditation

Highlights the act of planning or plotting something beforehand, often with a negative connotation.

anticipation

Highlights the act of expecting or looking forward to something.

precaution

Focuses on taking measures to prevent something undesirable from happening.

preparedness

Emphasizes the state of being ready for something.

providence

Suggests divine care or guidance, often implying a longer-term perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "forethought" in a sentence?

"Forethought" is often used to describe the act of planning or considering something in advance. For example: "With a little "planning ahead", we can avoid many potential problems."

What's the difference between "forethought" and "foresight"?

"Forethought" emphasizes the act of planning and consideration, while "foresight" focuses on the ability to predict future events. You use "forethought" when talking about actions taken, and "foresight" when talking about predictive abilities.

What are some synonyms for "forethought"?

Synonyms for "forethought" include "planning ahead", "premeditation", and "prior consideration". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'lack of forethought'?

Yes, it is perfectly correct to use the phrase "lack of forethought" to describe a situation where someone did not plan or consider the consequences of their actions adequately. The phrase is commonly used in formal and informal contexts.