it was unforeseeable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was unforeseeable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an event or situation that could not have been predicted or anticipated. Example: "The sudden market crash was unforeseeable, leaving many investors in shock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It applied the latest covering layer by releasing its investigation that still blames Kumaritashvili for his own death and said it was "unforeseeable".

The New York Times

These preconditions were never demanded of Israel, and it was unforeseeable they would ever be met, thus forcing an internal Palestinian government collapse.

The Guardian - Opinion

When the EIP Encephalitis Project was initiated, it was unforeseeable that a virus never before identified in the Western Hemisphere would cause an encephalitis epidemic in the United States.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It is unforeseeable how long this transmission could last," Mr. Chavez said.

The New York Times

It is unforeseeable whether the hyper-cloud of the 21st century will end the regional immersion in institutionalized untruths that was typical of the 20th century.

Huffington Post

What is more, having at first insisted the fault was unforeseeable, it soon became clear that the SNP government had slashed a repair programme in 2010 that would have replaced the cracked section that caused the closure.

The Guardian - Opinion

The company won because it convinced the jury that the assault was unforeseeable.

Los Angeles Times

He has said that the resulting financial crisis was unforeseeable, which is wrong.

The New York Times

As cruelly inevitable as the earthquake was unforeseeable, winter may be an even bigger disaster.

The Economist

That for a period of time whose length was unforeseeable, a player saw the basket with enhanced clarity or a team played with special cohesion and confidence?

The New York Times - Books

Still, he said, the collapse of the pen was unforeseeable: workers on the scene in August reported conditions that were "out of the ordinary and severe".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was unforeseeable" in legal or formal contexts, ensure you can substantiate why the event was truly unpredictable.

Common error

Avoid using "it was unforeseeable" as a blanket justification for failures or oversights. Be prepared to provide concrete reasons why the event could not have been anticipated, rather than using it as a deflection of responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was unforeseeable" primarily functions as a statement asserting the impossibility of predicting a past event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. It serves to explain or contextualize a situation by emphasizing its unpredictable nature.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was unforeseeable" is grammatically sound and functions to express that an event or outcome could not have been predicted. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While relatively rare, its usage spans across different registers, from neutral news reports to more formal legal contexts. It's crucial to use this phrase responsibly, ensuring that the situation genuinely lacked predictability, as misusing it can undermine credibility. Consider using alternatives like "it was unforeseen" or "it was unpredicted" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was unpredictable

Emphasizes the lack of predictability.

it was unforeseen

Highlights the lack of prior sight or knowledge.

it was unanticipated

Focuses on the lack of anticipation.

it was unexpected

Stresses the element of surprise.

it could not have been predicted

A more explicit and formal way of expressing the same idea.

it was not foreseeable

A more formal synonym, emphasizing the inability to foresee.

it defied prediction

Highlights the impossibility of predicting the event.

it was beyond anticipation

Emphasizes the event's surpassing any possible anticipation.

it was out of the blue

Indicates a completely unexpected and sudden occurrence.

it came as a complete surprise

Highlights the surprise element of the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was unforeseeable" to describe an event that couldn't have been predicted. For example, "The extent of the economic downturn "it was unforeseeable" at the time of the initial investment."

What are some alternatives to "it was unforeseeable"?

Alternatives include "it was unpredicted", "it was unforeseen", or "it was unanticipated". The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "that was unforeseeable"?

Yes, "that was unforeseeable" is grammatically correct and conveys the same meaning as "it was unforeseeable". Both are used to describe events that could not be predicted.

What's the difference between "unforeseeable" and "unforeseen"?

"Unforeseeable" describes something that couldn't be predicted, while "unforeseen" describes something that happened without being predicted. For example, "The consequences were unforeseeable," versus "The "unforeseen" circumstances led to a delay."