hard to predict

USAGE SUMMARY

'hard to predict' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing something that is difficult to anticipate the outcome of. For example, "The weather is hard to predict this time of year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's hard to predict.

The New York Times

How? Hard to predict.

The New York Times

That's hard to predict.

The Washington Post

Its direction, however, is hard to predict.

The Economist

But psychological processes are hard to predict.

The Economist

"It's pretty hard to predict that".

The New York Times

That said, collapses are hard to predict.

The New York Times - Arts

But again, it is hard to predict.

The New York Times

The results are not hard to predict.

The New Yorker

BUDGET deficits are notoriously hard to predict.

The Economist

"Beyond that, it's hard to predict.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use a thesaurus or Ludwig to find more descriptive alternative to increase the reader's interest, for example you can switch from "hard to predict" to "difficult to foresee", "impossible to anticipate"

Common error

While "hard to predict" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "uncertain", "unforeseeable", or more specific descriptions of the uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to predict" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating the difficulty or impossibility of foreseeing a particular outcome or event. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hard to predict" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to express uncertainty about future events. As validated by Ludwig AI, it is frequently found in news articles, academic papers, and other professional contexts, indicating its wide acceptance and usability. While the phrase is common, it's advisable to sometimes use alternatives like "difficult to foresee" or "impossible to anticipate" to enhance writing style and avoid repetition. When writing, ensure the context clearly defines what aspect is "hard to predict" to provide clarity and precision. Keep the register neutral and adapt your choice of words to suit your intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to foresee

Replaces "hard" with "difficult" and "predict" with "foresee", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

difficult to anticipate

Replaces "hard" with "difficult" and "predict" with "anticipate", keeping the core meaning unchanged.

challenging to forecast

Uses "challenging" to highlight the difficulty and "forecast" as a synonym for "predict".

impossible to anticipate

Emphasizes the impossibility of prediction by using "impossible" instead of "hard" and "anticipate" instead of "predict".

cannot be determined

Highlights the impossibility of knowing the outcome with certainty.

uncertain outcome

Focuses on the uncertainty of the result rather than the difficulty of predicting it.

unforeseeable circumstances

Emphasizes that the circumstances are impossible to see in advance.

the future is unclear

Shifts the focus to the ambiguity of the future, implying that prediction is difficult.

remains to be seen

Indicates that the outcome is not yet known and cannot be predicted at the present time.

it's anyone's guess

Suggests that the outcome is completely random and unpredictable.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "hard to predict"?

Alternatives include "difficult to foresee", "impossible to anticipate", and "challenging to forecast". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "hard to predict" in a sentence?

You can use "hard to predict" when discussing events or situations where the outcome is uncertain. For example, "The impact of the new policy is hard to predict".

Is it better to say "hard to predict" or "difficult to predict"?

Both "hard to predict" and "difficult to predict" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often comes down to personal preference or the desired tone of your writing.

What makes something "hard to predict"?

Factors such as complex variables, incomplete data, or unpredictable human behavior can make something "hard to predict". Consider providing specific reasons to support your statement.