has been foretold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “has been foretold” is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to convey the idea that something was predicted or announced in advance. For example, “It has been foretold that the world will end on December 21st 2021.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

But their fate has been foretold since ESPN began feeding fans highlights and scores early and often.

The New York Times - Sports

IT has been foretold that into each generation a Slayer is born, and since 1997, that Slayer has been Buffy.

The New York Times

The eventual doom of American blue laws has been foretold, for the most part accurately, since at least the nineteen-eighties.

The New Yorker

This is followed by a plague of revolution that sets Don Victor back on the path to the fate that has been foretold.

The New York Times - Books

They are blamed for the merest wisp of cloud on a sky-blue sunny day or a spot of rain on a bank holiday when none has been foretold.

Independent

During the wedding, though, the catastrophe, which has been foretold in a gorgeous, dreamlike overture, full of dark clouds and nightmarish images of doom, is not something the guests seem to be aware of.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

It was destruction that had been foretold.

The New Yorker

The sovereign debt crisis was one that could have been foretold.

The New York Times

And we were convinced that quality would conquer the off-season sag that had been foretold.

The New York Times

The effect on the bird populations could easily have been foretold.

The New Yorker

But some believed that Selassie was the saviour whose coming had been foretold in the Old Testament.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been foretold" when you want to add a sense of inevitability, destiny, or ancient prophecy to a situation. This phrasing works well in literature, historical narratives, or when discussing long-held beliefs.

Common error

Avoid using "has been foretold" in everyday conversations or business settings, as it can sound overly dramatic or archaic. Opt for alternatives like "predicted" or "expected" in more casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been foretold" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something was predicted in the past. It typically modifies a noun phrase, adding a sense of destiny or inevitability. As Ludwig AI suggests, it often carries a connotation of prophecy.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been foretold" is a grammatically sound construction that carries a sense of destiny or inevitability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to indicate that something was predicted, often through prophecy or divine intervention. While grammatically correct, overuse it in common conversation can come across as overdramatic. While commonly used in News and Media it's important to consider is not very common as usage as explained by Ludwig, it is better to make smart decision based on your specific need.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was prophesied

A direct synonym, maintains the sense of a prophetic prediction.

was destined

Conveys a sense of fate or inevitability, similar to "has been foretold".

was divined

Similar to 'prophesied' but suggests discovery through divination methods.

was predicted

Replaces "has been foretold" with a simpler and more direct term, removing the connotation of prophecy.

was foreshadowed

Implies hints or indications of a future event, making it seem inevitable.

was foreseen

Highlights the ability to see an event before it happens, whether through prediction or insight.

was foreknown

Emphasizes prior knowledge, suggesting that the event was known in advance.

was anticipated

Focuses on the expectation of an event, rather than its prediction through supernatural means.

was predetermined

Suggests that the event was set to happen regardless of external factors.

was expected

Indicates a general expectation without implying a specific prediction.

FAQs

How can I use "has been foretold" in a sentence?

Use "has been foretold" to indicate that something was predicted, often with a sense of destiny or prophecy. For example: "It "has been foretold" that a great leader will rise."

What's the difference between "has been foretold" and "was predicted"?

"Has been foretold" carries a stronger sense of fate or prophecy, implying that the prediction is significant or unchangeable. "Was predicted" is more neutral and simply means that something was foreseen. So while it "was predicted" it might not be destined, but that which "has been foretold" feels inevitable.

What are some synonyms for "has been foretold"?

Alternatives include "was prophesied", "was foreseen", or "was destined". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "has been foretold" formal or informal?

It leans toward the formal side, often appearing in literary, historical, or religious contexts. Simpler phrases are more appropriate for everyday conversation. "Was predicted" is often better for informal conversation.