it is hard to predict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is hard to predict" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing uncertainty or difficulty in forecasting outcomes or events. Example: "Given the current economic climate, it is hard to predict how the market will perform in the next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a platform," he says, "so it is hard to predict its use".

The Economist

But again, it is hard to predict.

The New York Times

It is hard to predict the impact.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is hard to predict that decline, however.

The New York Times

It is hard to predict the effect of the strikes.

The Guardian

It is hard to predict where that plot could lead.

The Guardian - Business

It is hard to predict what the government will do.

The New York Times

"It is hard to predict how these protests might develop".

The New York Times

It is hard to predict the outcome of the vote.

The New York Times

It is hard to predict what will happen there.

The Economist

"Long term, it is hard to predict health care spending.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase when a degree of uncertainty is expected and accepted. Avoid it when a precise prediction is crucial and alternatives should be pursued by other means.

Common error

Avoid using "it is hard to predict" as a blanket statement without providing any context or reasoning. This can weaken your argument and suggest a lack of understanding or analysis. Instead, acknowledge the uncertainty but also offer any potential scenarios or factors that might influence the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is hard to predict" functions as a statement expressing uncertainty or difficulty in foreseeing future events or outcomes. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is hard to predict" is a commonly used phrase to express uncertainty about future events. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While versatile, it's important to provide context and avoid overgeneralization when using this phrase. Alternatives such as "it is difficult to foresee" or "it is challenging to anticipate" can be used depending on the desired tone. Understanding the nuances of this phrase allows for more effective communication when discussing uncertain future outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is difficult to foresee

Replaces "hard" with "difficult" offering a slightly more formal tone.

it is challenging to anticipate

Substitutes "hard" with "challenging" and "predict" with "anticipate", implying a demanding but possible forecast.

it is tough to predict

Uses "tough" instead of "hard", suggesting a more informal and emphatic tone.

it is not easy to predict

Expresses the difficulty using a negation, softening the statement slightly.

it's uncertain what will happen

Focuses on the uncertainty of the outcome rather than the difficulty of predicting it.

the outcome is unpredictable

Shifts the focus to the outcome itself being unpredictable.

it is anybody's guess

Introduces a colloquial expression indicating a complete lack of predictability.

it remains to be seen

Suggests that the outcome will only be known in the future.

forecasting is unreliable

Emphasizes the unreliability of any forecast that could be attempted.

the future is unclear

Highlights the lack of clarity surrounding future events.

FAQs

How can I use "it is hard to predict" in a sentence?

You can use "it is hard to predict" to express uncertainty about future events or outcomes. For example, "Given the current economic climate, "it is hard to predict" how the market will perform next quarter".

What are some alternatives to "it is hard to predict"?

Some alternatives include "it is difficult to foresee", "it is challenging to anticipate", or "it is tough to predict". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it is hard to predict"?

Yes, "it is hard to predict" is grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal contexts. It follows standard English sentence structure and is readily understood.

What's the difference between "it is hard to predict" and "it is impossible to predict"?

"It is hard to predict" suggests a significant degree of uncertainty but leaves open the possibility of some prediction being possible. "It is impossible to predict", on the other hand, indicates that prediction is entirely out of the question. The choice depends on the degree of certainty you wish to convey.