it was predictable that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was predictable that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing an outcome or event that was expected or anticipated based on prior knowledge or evidence. Example: "Given the team's poor performance throughout the season, it was predictable that they would not make the playoffs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

So it was predictable that the administration and its allies, no longer very successful at claiming that questioning the president is unpatriotic, would use appeals to good manners as a way to silence critics.

The New York Times

It was predictable that the Mets' offense would come up empty with Appier pitching.

The New York Times - Sports

It was predictable that the McCain campaign would go wild over the Clark remarks.

The New York Times

Paul Hibbert Nottingham It was predictable that Clegg would win it.

The Guardian

It was predictable that Richard Spencer's coalition of the contemptuous would come together.

The New Yorker

It was predictable that ancient Gaelic hero-cults would flourish against a backdrop of social poverty and colonial torpor.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

It is predictable that bad things will happen".

The New York Times - Science

"It's predictable that I'm going to tell them to stop the violence," she said.

The New York Times

It is predictable that, at some point, her body will be found.

Independent

It is predictable that some of these trusts will fail, as many have already.

The Guardian

It is predictable that our country will face a tougher challenge in future climate talks," it says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience's perspective when using "it was predictable that". If the predictability isn't universally apparent, provide context or evidence to support the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "it was predictable that" when the outcome was actually uncertain or contingent. Misusing the phrase can weaken your argument and damage your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was predictable that" functions as an introductory clause. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, allowing writers to introduce statements, events, or outcomes that align logically with preceding conditions or established patterns. This signals to the reader that the information is not surprising or unexpected.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was predictable that" serves as a functional introductory clause used to express that an event or outcome was expected based on prior knowledge or circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its use spans across various contexts, primarily news and media, science and encyclopedias, with a neutral register suitable for conveying logical consequences. While the phrase is generally appropriate, remember to use it judiciously only when predictability is truly substantiated by evidence to maintain credibility. Consider also using alternative phrases like "it stood to reason that" or "it was to be expected that" to adjust the tone and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it stood to reason that

Emphasizes logical deduction and expected outcome based on given circumstances.

it was to be expected that

Highlights the anticipation of a particular event or result.

it came as no surprise that

Indicates lack of astonishment due to prior expectations.

it was inevitable that

Stresses the certainty and unavoidable nature of the outcome.

it was bound to happen that

Suggests an unavoidable outcome due to certain conditions or tendencies.

it was a foregone conclusion that

Implies that the result was determined in advance and could not be changed.

it could have been foreseen that

Focuses on the ability to anticipate an event based on available information.

as expected

A shorter form to express that something happened as anticipated.

it was only a matter of time before

Indicates that an event was going to happen sooner or later.

predictably

A single-word adverb expressing that something happened in a way that was expected.

FAQs

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

Use "it was predictable that" to introduce an event or outcome that could have been reasonably anticipated based on existing knowledge or conditions. For example, "It was predictable that the stock market would react negatively to the company's poor earnings report".

What's a more formal way to say "it was predictable that"?

For a more formal tone, you might consider using phrases such as "it stood to reason that" or "it was to be expected that". These alternatives maintain a similar meaning but offer a more elevated register.

Is it always appropriate to use "it was predictable that"?

No, it's important to ensure that the outcome truly was foreseeable based on the available information. Avoid using the phrase if the event was genuinely surprising or unexpected, as this can undermine your argument's credibility.

What's the difference between "it was predictable that" and "it was inevitable that"?

"It was predictable that" suggests an outcome that could be anticipated, while "it was inevitable that" implies an outcome that was unavoidable, regardless of circumstances. "Inevitable" carries a stronger sense of certainty.