is a foregone conclusion

USAGE SUMMARY

"is a foregone conclusion" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a particular outcome is already certain or inevitable. Example: "With their star player injured and a string of losses, it is a foregone conclusion that the team will not make it to the playoffs this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But neither is a foregone conclusion".

Independent

The result is a foregone conclusion.

The Guardian

And the result is a foregone conclusion".

The Guardian - Opinion

This series is a foregone conclusion.

The Guardian - Sport

This result is a foregone conclusion.

The Guardian

Today, universal public education is a foregone conclusion.

Columbia University

The verdict of this show trial is a foregone conclusion.

The Guardian

But the result, should he complain, is a foregone conclusion.

The Guardian

Rumor says his election is a foregone conclusion.

The New York Times - Books

That the game will be riveting is a foregone conclusion.

The New Yorker

With Ms. Spears involved, success is a foregone conclusion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is a foregone conclusion" when you want to emphasize that a particular result is already decided or inevitable, often based on strong evidence or prevailing circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "is a foregone conclusion" when there's still a genuine possibility of a different outcome. It's best reserved for situations where the result is virtually guaranteed, not just highly probable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a foregone conclusion" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that a particular outcome is considered certain or inevitable. Ludwig examples show it applied to elections, sporting events, and even personal expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a foregone conclusion" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey that an outcome is virtually certain. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in a multitude of scenarios, predominantly within news and media contexts. While various alternatives exist, such as "is inevitable" or "is a sure thing", it remains a versatile and widely understood phrase for indicating inevitability. Remember to reserve its use for situations where genuine doubt is minimal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is inevitable

Focuses on the unavoidable nature of the outcome.

is certain to happen

Emphasizes the guaranteed nature of the event.

is bound to occur

Suggests an unavoidable occurrence.

is a sure thing

An informal way to express certainty.

is a done deal

Indicates that the outcome has already been decided.

is predetermined

Highlights that the result was set in advance.

is guaranteed

Focuses on the assured nature of the outcome.

is a matter of course

Indicates that the result is a natural or expected consequence.

is virtually certain

Expresses a very high degree of probability.

is beyond doubt

Stresses the lack of uncertainty regarding the outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "is a foregone conclusion" to express that a certain outcome is inevitable or already decided, such as "Given their dominant performance, the team's victory "is a foregone conclusion"".

What are some alternatives to "is a foregone conclusion"?

Alternatives include "is inevitable", "is certain to happen", or "is a sure thing" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "is a foregone conclusion"?

It is appropriate when the evidence strongly suggests that the result is virtually guaranteed and there is little to no chance of an alternative outcome.

Is "is a foregone conclusion" formal or informal?

The phrase "is a foregone conclusion" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it appears more frequently in news and media than in casual conversation. More formal alternatives exist, but it remains acceptable in most situations.