it cannot be foreseen that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it cannot be foreseen that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing uncertainty or unpredictability regarding future events or outcomes. Example: "In the current economic climate, it cannot be foreseen that the market will stabilize anytime soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

At present it cannot be foreseen that requirements of control measures would cease for any other serovar of Salmonella.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The continued widespread use of poisons, particularly through aerial spraying, will lead to results that cannot be foreseen -- except that life, the indivisible wellspring of all life on earth, will never be the same again," Mr. Hough editorialized in 1958.

The New York Times - Science

A new rechargeable battery technology cannot be foreseen today that surpasses this.

Materials Research Bulletin

The evolution modifies this distribution in a way that cannot be foreseen and the behavior of each element depends upon the elements close to it according to a problem dependent relation.

Future Generation Computer Systems

He is likely to remain unfit for a period that cannot be foreseen with any accuracy.

The Guardian

Some technologists say that once faster networks are deployed, new uses will emerge that cannot be foreseen today.

The New York Times - Science

The act of shooting is to create something in itself, that cannot be foreseen – and I could not foresee the moment when Bomba suddenly broke".

The Guardian - Film

In the Yoruba religion (Nigeria), for example, the god Eshu represents the principle of chance and uncertainty and of all that cannot be foreseen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are too many eventualities that cannot be foreseen.

Huffington Post

This typically implies a dynamic change of the intervention in the course of the implementation process that cannot be foreseen in the planning stage.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Since future cannot be foreseen, it is meaningless to anticipatorily worry about what could be and could be not.

European Journal of Futures Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it cannot be foreseen that", ensure the context clearly establishes what the unpredictable element is. Provide specific details or background information to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it cannot be foreseen that" when a situation is merely difficult to predict, not entirely impossible. Consider using softer phrases like "it is difficult to foresee" if there is a chance of prediction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it cannot be foreseen that" functions as a hedge, expressing uncertainty or the impossibility of predicting a future event or outcome. This aligns with Ludwig's analysis, confirming its role in conveying a lack of predictability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it cannot be foreseen that" serves as a formal hedge to express the impossibility of predicting a future event. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is relatively rare. It appears most frequently in scientific, news and media, and encyclopedia contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context provides sufficient detail about the unpredictable element to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternative phrases, such as "it is impossible to predict that", for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is impossible to predict that

Emphasizes the impossibility of making accurate predictions.

it is not possible to anticipate that

Focuses on the lack of ability to foresee or expect a particular outcome.

the future is uncertain regarding that

Highlights the uncertainty surrounding a specific matter in the future.

one cannot predict with certainty that

Stresses the lack of definitive predictability.

it is undeterminable whether

Indicates that a particular outcome cannot be determined in advance.

the outcome remains unpredictable

Focuses on unpredictability of a situation.

it's hard to say what will happen with

Offers a more conversational way to express uncertainty.

the consequences are unknown

Highlights the uncertainty of effects of something.

we cannot know for sure if

Shows that is impossible to have any certainty.

the future is cloudy in terms of

Emphasizes the lack of clarity about what will happen.

FAQs

What does "it cannot be foreseen that" mean?

The phrase "it cannot be foreseen that" indicates that something is impossible to predict or anticipate with any certainty. It suggests a high degree of uncertainty about a future event or outcome.

When is it appropriate to use "it cannot be foreseen that"?

Use "it cannot be foreseen that" when describing situations where future outcomes are genuinely unpredictable due to numerous variables or inherent uncertainty. It's suitable for formal writing and discussions about complex systems or events.

Are there alternative phrases to "it cannot be foreseen that"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "it is impossible to predict that", "it is not possible to anticipate that", or "the future is uncertain regarding that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it cannot be foreseen that" formal or informal?

"It cannot be foreseen that" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more casual contexts, you might prefer alternatives like "we can't know for sure" or "it's hard to say".