it was foreshadowed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was foreshadowed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a narrative element in literature or storytelling that hints at future events. Example: "In the opening chapter, it was foreshadowed that the protagonist would face a great betrayal later in the story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The event didn't quite go the way it was foreshadowed.

The New York Times

None of this is hinted at in his memoir, however, because none of it was foreshadowed in real life.

The Guardian - Music

Today's decision was not a surprise because it was foreshadowed on Tuesday in unusually specific comments by the central bank's president, Wim Duisenberg.

The New York Times

I guess it was foreshadowed in the first episode when Frank comes out to find a dog mortally wounded and, when no one is looking, snaps its neck with no compunction.

The New York Times

This dire turn of events may have shocked some Matrixx shareholders, but it was foreshadowed back in 2002, when reports of smell loss among some Zicam users began surfacing in anonymous Internet posts.

The New York Times

It was foreshadowed by the rise to bestseller status of Thomas Piketty's Capital in the Twenty-First Century, and by the success of the Fight for $15 movement in prompting cities and states to raise the minimum wage.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

So when Erdoğan called the P.K.K. terrorists as it fought in Kobani, it was more than political maneuvering; it was foreshadowing.

The New Yorker

The references to "silence" in the episode are shown as flashbacks in the episode "Day of the Moon" of the next series, suggesting it was foreshadowing to the enemy of the Silence which were the focus of that episode.

Wikipedia

Heard's barrister, Paula Morreau, said: "Obviously it's foreshadowed and they wanted to attempt to … " before White interjected to say she was "just being facetious".

The Guardian - Film

I won't give it away except to say that it is foreshadowed by a mention of his recent magazine story, "The Calculus of Desire," in which several of the women recognized themselves.

The New York Times

It is foreshadowed by some blazingly obvious literary references (to "Hedda Gabler" and "Pygmalion") tucked into the dialogue and the set design in attempts at subtlety that make them all the more ostentatious.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was foreshadowed" when you want to indicate that an event or outcome was subtly suggested or hinted at earlier in the narrative or situation. This is particularly useful in literary analysis or when discussing strategic decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "it was foreshadowed" to describe events that were explicitly predicted or announced. The phrase implies a subtle hint or suggestion, not a clear statement of what's to come.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was foreshadowed" functions as a passive voice construction indicating that something was hinted at or suggested in advance. As Ludwig AI shows, this is often used in narrative contexts to point out earlier clues about later events or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

21%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

14%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was foreshadowed" is a grammatically sound and useful expression to indicate that an event or outcome was subtly hinted at beforehand. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and provides various examples primarily from news and media contexts. Although classified as uncommon in frequency, its proper usage adds depth and insight to discussions, especially in literary analysis or strategic evaluations. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a subtle hint rather than a direct prediction, enhancing clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was foreshadowing

Changes from passive to active voice and implies something is giving a hint to future events.

it was predicted

This alternative suggests a more explicit prediction, rather than a subtle hint.

it was anticipated

This implies a strong expectation that something would happen.

it was hinted at

This suggests a less direct and more subtle form of indication.

it was foretold

This carries a sense of destiny or fate, often used in a more dramatic context.

it was presaged

This alternative is more formal and literary, implying an omen or sign.

it was forewarned

Implies that a warning of a negative event was given beforehand.

it was implied

Suggests that it was understood without being explicitly stated.

it was suggested

Implies a gentle indication of a future event.

it was signaled

Indicates an action or event that served as an indication of something to come.

FAQs

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

Use "it was foreshadowed" to indicate that an event or outcome was hinted at or suggested earlier in the narrative or situation. For example: "The economic downturn was foreshadowed by rising inflation rates."

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

You can use alternatives like "it was predicted", "it was anticipated", or "it was hinted at" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "it was foreshadowed" and "it was predicted"?

"It was foreshadowed" implies a subtle suggestion or hint, while "it was predicted" suggests a more explicit statement about what would happen.

When is it appropriate to use "it was foreshadowed" in writing?

It's appropriate when discussing literature, strategic planning, or any situation where early signs or hints pointed toward a later outcome. Ensure the event was implied rather than explicitly stated.