it was foreseeable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was foreseeable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing events or outcomes that could have been anticipated or predicted based on available information. Example: "Given the circumstances, it was foreseeable that the project would face delays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

It was constituted in 1998, when it was foreseeable that the CECL would soon be bringing its work to a conclusion and would wind itself up.

Columbia University

"Even if it was foreseeable, it is no less painful".

The New York Times

The Illinois Supreme Court held that Emma's physician had a duty to her infant because it was foreseeable her children would experience serious complications.

Harvard University

After Daniel sued Jennifer's doctor, the court ruled that the doctor owed him a duty of care because it was foreseeable Jennifer would mature and have intimate relationships.

Harvard University

"It was foreseeable that the European Parliament would refuse," Martin Schulz, the president of the legislature, said at a news conference shortly after the vote.

The New York Times

For supporters of the war, it isn't enough to say that you didn't know this would transpire; it was foreseeable long before the initial invasion.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Due to its functional impact on transcription, it is foreseeable that histone methylation may participate in the regulation of pluripotent states by modulating the expression of pluripotency factors.

Cell Research

For all intents and purposes, it is foreseeable that Iran will use the issue to wage its own media war.

Huffington Post

It is foreseeable what this means for the value of magazines as a whole.

Harvard University

It is foreseeable that, driven by environmental legislation, lightweight products will gain much wider applications in the near future.

Physical Metallurgy

With the rapid growth in the aging population in Hong Kong, it is foreseeable that every flat unit will accommodate one senior citizen.

Cities

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was foreseeable", ensure that the context clearly establishes the basis for the foreseeability. Explain why the event was predictable to strengthen your argument.

Common error

While "it was foreseeable" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing it in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "it was predictable" or "it was expected" often sound more natural in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was foreseeable" functions as a statement of predictability or anticipation. Ludwig AI suggests that it indicates something could have been reasonably expected based on available information.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was foreseeable" signifies that an event or outcome was reasonably predictable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. Though versatile, it finds frequent application in news, academic, and scientific domains. For simpler and more casual settings, alternatives like "it was expected" or "it was predictable" might be more apt. Its usage helps assign accountability and justify actions, emphasizing that the event wasn't a complete surprise. Overall, "it was foreseeable" is a valuable tool for articulating predictability in writing, especially in more formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was predictable

Replaces 'foreseeable' with 'predictable', suggesting a slightly higher degree of certainty.

it was anticipated

Emphasizes the act of expecting something beforehand.

it was expected

Highlights the common belief or anticipation of an event.

it was likely

Focuses on the high probability of an event occurring.

it was to be expected

Adds a sense of inevitability to the outcome.

it was bound to happen

Implies that the event was unavoidable given the circumstances.

it was a foregone conclusion

Suggests the outcome was decided or certain well in advance.

it was in the cards

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate a predetermined outcome.

it was on the horizon

Suggests that the event was approaching and apparent.

the writing was on the wall

An idiomatic phrase indicating an inevitable negative outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "it was foreseeable" in a sentence?

Use "it was foreseeable" to indicate that something could have been reasonably anticipated. For example, "It was foreseeable that the lack of maintenance would lead to equipment failure."

What can I say instead of "it was foreseeable"?

You can use alternatives like "it was predictable", "it was expected", or "it was likely" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was foreseeable" formal or informal?

"It was foreseeable" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly used in formal writing, such as legal documents, business reports, and academic papers. Simpler alternatives are often preferred in casual conversation.

What does "foreseeable" mean?

"Foreseeable" means capable of being anticipated or predicted. When something is foreseeable, it means that a reasonable person could have expected it to happen under the given circumstances.