it was predictable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was predictable" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used when something is expected or inevitable. For example: "Many people saw the outcome of the game as predictable, as the team had been on a winning streak for weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was predictable and predicted.

Forbes

It was predictable, and L.S.U.

The New York Times - Sports

Some of it was predictable.

The New York Times - Tech

"It was predictable," Mr. Mann said.

The New York Times - Arts

It wasn't terrible, but it was predictable.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I think it was predictable," Robinson said of the attack.

The New Yorker

This is unprecedented – even if it was predictable".

The Guardian

"It was predictable the far right would do well.

The Guardian - Film

It was predictable they would be accused of anti-Semitism.

The New York Times

Addressing the backlash against him in the US, Snowden said much of it was predictable.

The Guardian

"When things turned around it was predictable you would have a rebound," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was predictable" to convey a sense of inevitability or lack of surprise regarding an event or outcome. It's effective when the situation's factors clearly pointed to a specific result.

Common error

Avoid using "it was predictable" when describing purely subjective matters or situations lacking clear, objective indicators. Overuse in such contexts can make your writing sound dismissive or lacking in empathy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was predictable" primarily functions as a statement expressing a lack of surprise or expectation regarding a past event or outcome. It asserts that the event in question was foreseeable, based on available information or prevailing circumstances. Ludwig examples confirm this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was predictable" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a lack of surprise regarding an event, suggesting it was foreseeable based on existing circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently found in news and media sources but can be adapted for various contexts, though formal alternatives might be preferable in academic writing. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context genuinely supports the assertion of predictability, avoiding overuse in subjective or ambiguous situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was anticipated

Highlights the expectation before the event.

it was expected

Emphasizes the general belief that something would happen.

it was foreseeable

Stresses the ability to see or know something in advance.

it was inevitable

Focuses on the certainty and unavoidable nature of the event.

it was bound to happen

Indicates a strong likelihood or destiny of an event occurring.

it was a foregone conclusion

Implies that the outcome was determined in advance.

it was always going to happen

Reinforces the idea that the event was predetermined.

the outcome was clear

Focuses on the obviousness of the result.

the result was not surprising

Underscores the lack of astonishment at the event.

it was in the cards

Suggests that the event was destined or predetermined.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was predictable" to describe an event or outcome that was expected or seemed inevitable given the circumstances. For example, "It was predictable that the stock market would react negatively to the news."

What's a more formal alternative to "it was predictable"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "it was anticipated" or "it was foreseeable". These phrases convey a similar meaning but with a slightly elevated tone.

Is "it was predictable" suitable for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "it was predictable" might be seen as somewhat informal for academic writing. Using alternatives like "it was expected" or phrasing your sentence to emphasize the factors leading to the outcome can be more appropriate.

How does "it was predictable" differ from "it was inevitable"?

"It was predictable" implies that something could be foreseen based on available information. "It was inevitable", on the other hand, suggests that the outcome was unavoidable regardless of foresight.