it is unable to predict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is unable to predict" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing limitations or shortcomings of a system, model, or method in making forecasts or predictions. Example: "The current model is based on outdated data, and as a result, it is unable to predict future trends accurately."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Although it is unable to predict the fluid free-surface elevation equally well, the one-mode model can still be utilized for the design of TLD.

Journal of Fluids and Structures

However, the company warned in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it "is unable to predict the financial outcome of this matter at this time".

Los Angeles Times

It is unable to predict the alveolar over-distension directly.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Previously, Peabody has argued that it was unable to predict the impacts of future policy on its revenues, even though it had made internal projections that regulations could hit the business, a statement from Schneiderman's office said.

The Guardian

For instance, it was unable to predict either the tripping of the SONGS generation units or the collapse of SDG&E and CFE systems by using WECC dynamic simulation models for near-term and long-term planning purposes.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

In a large trial comparing on-demand versus planned relaparotomy for severe peritonitis, the SOFA score showed good discriminatory power to predict hospital mortality, although it was unable to predict the need for relaparotomy [ 9, 37].

Critical Care

While BPROM successfully predicted the -10 and -35 promoter sites for all candidate typhus group sRNAs, it was unable to predict a promoter site for one sRNA candidate (#132) belonging to R. rickettsii strain Sheila Smith.

BMC Genomics

As shown in Figure  2C, the model adequately captured the fermentation dynamics throughout the first 15 hours but it was unable to predict the subsequent reassimilation of ethanol that is evident in the data.

Biotechnology for Biofuels

While PROXIMAL correctly generated the glutathione conjugate (Fig.  6, PCBII9) as a transformation product, it was unable to predict further degradation of PCBII9 into PCB3-mercapturic acid, as KEGG or DrugBank did not include a CYP substrate with this type of reaction center.

BMC Systems Biology

Every project takes time and can evolve so differently from the original idea, that I'm unable to predict how this will develop and what it will become.

Vice

However, predictive modeling is unable to predict what kind of interventions might or might not alter the course of the customer's behavior.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is unable to predict", ensure the subject 'it' is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether 'it' refers to a model, a system, or a person.

Common error

Avoid following "it is unable to predict" with a statement that implies certainty about the future. Instead, acknowledge the range of possible outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is unable to predict" functions as a statement of limitation. It indicates that a particular subject lacks the capacity to foresee or forecast future events. This aligns with the examples provided by Ludwig, which show the phrase used in diverse contexts from scientific models to financial outcomes.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is unable to predict" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for indicating a lack of predictive capability. As Ludwig AI's analysis shows, while the phrase is valid and clear, its frequency is relatively low. The phrase tends to appear in formal, professional, scientific and news-related contexts. When writing, ensure the subject is clear and avoid statements that contradict the acknowledged uncertainty. Consider using alternatives such as "it cannot forecast" or "it is impossible to predict" for variety or emphasis. Overall, while not overly common, "it is unable to predict" is a reliable way to convey limitations in predictability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it cannot forecast

Uses a more concise synonym for 'predict'.

it is impossible to predict

Emphasizes the impossibility of making a prediction.

it is not possible to foresee

Replaces 'predict' with 'foresee' and uses 'not possible' instead of 'unable'.

it is incapable of predicting

Substitutes 'unable' with 'incapable'.

it lacks the ability to predict

Expresses the absence of predictive capability.

it fails to anticipate

Uses 'fails' to express inability, and 'anticipate' as a synonym for 'predict'.

it offers no predictive power

Shifts focus to the lack of predictive power.

it cannot determine

Uses "determine" to mean it cannot establish what will happen.

it is beyond its capacity to predict

Emphasizes the limitations of the subject's ability.

predictions are beyond its scope

Focuses on the limitations of scope regarding predictions.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is unable to predict" to describe the limitations of a system, model, or method in forecasting future events. For instance: "Due to incomplete data, the model "it is unable to predict" long-term trends".

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

Some alternatives include "it cannot forecast", "it is impossible to predict", or "it lacks the ability to predict", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is unable to predict" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it is unable to predict" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English sentence structure.

What's the difference between "it is unable to predict" and "it cannot predict"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "it is unable to predict" may suggest a lack of capability, while "it cannot predict" is a more direct statement of impossibility or limitation. The choice depends on the specific context.