is predictable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is predictable" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing something that can be anticipated or foreseen based on certain patterns or behaviors. An example: "The outcome of the experiment is predictable given the established parameters." Alternative expressions include "can be anticipated," "is foreseeable," and "is expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is predictable.

Independent

The response is predictable.

The New Yorker

The setup is predictable.

The New York Times

The end is predictable.

The New Yorker

Some of it is predictable.

The Economist

"The food is predictable.

The New York Times

The com is predictable.

The New York Times - Arts

The outcome is predictable.

Harvard Business Review

Resistance to change is predictable.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is predictable and banal.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

NatureSweet's success was/is predictable.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative reviews (film, books, art), be aware that "is predictable" usually carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of originality or suspense.

Common error

Avoid using "is predictable" when you mean 'predicable'. While they look similar, 'predicable' is a technical term in logic referring to something that can be asserted about a subject, whereas "is predictable" refers to the ability to foresee a future state or event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is predictable" functions as a predicate adjective following the linking verb "is". It serves to attribute the quality of being foreseeable to a subject. According to Ludwig, it is primarily used to evaluate systems, behaviors and outcomes based on their consistency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is predictable" is an essential tool in English for describing outcomes that lack surprise or follow established trends. Ludwig AI identifies it as a highly reliable and grammatically correct expression used across a wide spectrum of authoritative sources. While it is scientifically positive, indicating a stable and understood system, it can be a stylistic critique in the arts, suggesting a lack of creativity. Overall, it is a versatile and common phrase that effectively communicates foresight and pattern recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be anticipated

Uses a modal verb to emphasize the possibility of foresight.

is foreseeable

A single-word adjective synonym that fits formal contexts well.

is anticipated

A passive construction focused on the observer's state of mind.

is expected

A more common and slightly less technical alternative.

is projected

Common in business and data-driven forecasting.

follows a pattern

Explains why the outcome is known rather than just stating it.

is certain

Indicates a higher level of confidence in the outcome.

is inevitable

Suggests that the outcome cannot be avoided.

is formulaic

Often used in a critical sense to mean unimaginative or repetitive.

lacks surprise

Focuses on the psychological effect of the predictability.

FAQs

How to use "is predictable" in a sentence?

You can use "is predictable" to describe anything that follows a pattern, such as "The seasonal migration of birds "is predictable" based on temperature changes."

What can I say instead of "is predictable"?

Depending on your context, you can use phrases like "can be anticipated", "is foreseeable", or "is expected".

Is "is predictable" considered formal?

Yes, it is a neutral to formal phrase. It appears frequently in academic journals and major news publications like the Financial Times and The Economist.

What's the difference between "is predictable" and "is expected"?

Predictability usually implies an underlying law or recurring pattern that makes foresight possible, while "is expected" often relates more to personal anticipation or societal norms.