is any guide

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to suggest that something should be used as a source of guidance or direction. For example: "Her previous experience in the field is any guide, the project is likely to succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If history is any guide, probably not.

The New York Times

Maybe not, if America is any guide.

The Economist

Not if history is any guide.

Forbes

If history is any guide, yes.

The Washington Post

If history is any guide, we shouldn't hold our breath.

The Guardian

(If history is any guide, they should count on it).

The New York Times

Probably not, at least if history is any guide.

The New York Times

If history is any guide, they will only get louder.

The New York Times

Apparently they do, if the recent past is any guide.

The New York Times

If history is any guide, people are omnivorous and fickle.

The New Yorker

But if history is any guide, its investments should rebound.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is any guide" to introduce a prediction or expectation based on past events or experiences. For example, "If the last election is any guide, we can expect a high voter turnout."

Common error

Don't treat "is any guide" as an absolute guarantee of future outcomes. It indicates a likely scenario based on past trends, not a certainty. Always acknowledge the possibility of unexpected changes or deviations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is any guide" functions as an introductory clause suggesting that past events or experiences can provide insight or predict future outcomes. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is any guide" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to suggest that past events or experiences can offer insight or predictions about the future. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is readily usable in written English. Analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent usage in news and media contexts, with neutral formality. While it’s a useful tool for drawing parallels, it’s essential to remember that past performance is not always indicative of future results, ensuring a balanced and cautious interpretation. Based on previous examples is evident that it's important to consider context and additional evidence to support claims using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if past performance is indicative

Replaces "is any guide" with a phrase that explicitly mentions 'past performance' as the indicator.

if history is a predictor

Substitutes "guide" with "predictor", emphasizing the predictive aspect of historical events.

based on what we've seen before

Offers a more conversational way to say something can be predicted from previous examples.

judging by previous experience

Highlights that the judgment is based on prior experience, rather than abstract history.

if the trend continues

Focuses on extrapolating future behavior based on current trends.

if precedent is followed

Emphasizes adherence to established legal or procedural precedent.

as a rule of thumb

Implies a general principle or practical approach to forecasting.

to use a prior benchmark

Suggests referencing a standard point of reference for comparison.

in light of previous events

Highlights how previous happenings illuminate understanding.

taking a cue from the past

Emphasizes the past as a source of inspiration of guidance.

FAQs

How can I use "is any guide" in a sentence?

You can use "is any guide" to suggest that past events or trends can help predict or understand current situations. For instance, "If last year's sales figures "is any guide", we should increase our inventory."

What phrases are similar to "is any guide"?

Similar phrases include "if history is any indication", "judging by past experience", or "based on previous results".

Is it always correct to use "is any guide" when making predictions?

While grammatically correct, "is any guide" should be used cautiously. It implies a degree of reliability based on past events, but doesn't guarantee future outcomes. It's best used when supporting your prediction with specific evidence or context.

What's the difference between "is any guide" and "might be a guide"?

"Is any guide" implies a stronger degree of confidence based on past events, suggesting that past experiences are likely to be indicative of future outcomes. "Might be a guide" suggests a weaker possibility, indicating that something could potentially offer guidance, but is less certain.