is not a foregone conclusion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is not a foregone conclusion' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to emphasize that something is uncertain and not predetermined or certain to happen. For example: "The outcome of the election is not a foregone conclusion - the polls are still too close to call."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The title race is not a foregone conclusion after all.

The Guardian - Sport

However, he insists it is not a foregone conclusion.

The Guardian - Sport

The success of the ES 300h is not a foregone conclusion.

The New York Times

"While a space race is not a foregone conclusion, it is a possibility".

The New York Times

Other housing experts caution that the F.H.A.'s insolvency is not a foregone conclusion.

The New York Times

The outcome is not a foregone conclusion and final results remain months away.

The New York Times

But that hasn't stopped the Cardinals from reminding observers that a Subway Series is not a foregone conclusion.

The New York Times - Sports

Darika Ahrens, an interactive marketing analyst with Forrester Research, also thinks Pinterest's financial success is not a foregone conclusion.

The New York Times

Qualification is not a foregone conclusion for England, for whom this has been a mixed period of results.

Independent

Let me be clear: the idea of an inevitable Republican landslide in November is not a foregone conclusion.

The New York Times

Although it hopes to rejoin at the earliest opportunity, it is not a foregone conclusion that it will be accepted.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not a foregone conclusion" to emphasize uncertainty, especially when there's a common assumption or expectation of a particular result. This adds nuance and indicates the situation is more complex than it appears.

Common error

Avoid using "is not a foregone conclusion" when the outcome is impossible. This phrase is best suited for situations where a particular outcome is likely or expected, but not guaranteed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not a foregone conclusion" functions as a hedge, softening the certainty of an anticipated outcome. It introduces an element of doubt or possibility, indicating that while an outcome might seem probable, it's not guaranteed. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not a foregone conclusion" is a versatile and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig, for emphasizing uncertainty and challenging assumptions. It's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and business writing. To enhance your writing, use this phrase when you want to inject nuance and suggest an alternative outcome is possible. When using this phrase avoid situations when the outcome is actually impossible. Related phrases include alternatives like "is still up in the air" and "remains to be seen". The phrase's neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication, offering a valuable tool for managing expectations and encouraging critical thought.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not a given

Stresses that the outcome should not be assumed.

is not assured

Focuses on the lack of guarantee for a particular outcome.

is not yet certain

Emphasizes the lack of certainty about the outcome.

remains to be seen

Highlights the unknown nature of the future result.

is still up in the air

Focuses on the undecided state of the matter.

is not set in stone

Indicates that the situation is flexible and subject to change.

is still open to question

Indicates that the matter is debatable and unresolved.

is far from decided

Highlights that the final decision is distant and uncertain.

is not necessarily the case

Suggests that the presumed outcome may not occur.

the jury is still out

Implies that a final verdict or conclusion has not been reached.

FAQs

How can I use "is not a foregone conclusion" in a sentence?

Use "is not a foregone conclusion" to indicate that an outcome is uncertain, despite what may be commonly believed or expected. For example, "The success of the project "is not a foregone conclusion", and requires careful planning and execution."

What phrases are similar to "is not a foregone conclusion"?

Alternatives to "is not a foregone conclusion" include "is not yet certain", "remains to be seen", or "is not a given", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is not a foregone conclusion"?

It's appropriate to use "is not a foregone conclusion" when you want to emphasize that a particular outcome is not guaranteed and that other possibilities exist. This is especially effective when there's a prevailing assumption or expectation.

What's the difference between "is not a foregone conclusion" and "unlikely"?

"Is not a foregone conclusion" suggests that the outcome is uncertain and should not be taken for granted, while "unlikely" implies a low probability of occurring. The former focuses on the openness of the situation, whereas the latter assesses the probability.