not to predict

USAGE SUMMARY

"not to predict" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when the subject is unable or unwilling to make a prediction about something. Here are some examples: - It is not easy to predict the outcome of the election. - The expert refused to predict the future of the stock market. - The weather forecasters are not able to predict with certainty when the storm will hit. - It is not wise for us to predict the behavior of others. - The teacher reminded the students not to predict the grades they will receive on the exam.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For preclinical evaluations, the focus is to obtain quantitative predictions of drug effect in mechanistic terms — not to predict future tumor volume beyond the observation period.

CPT: Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology

Their aim is not to predict trends, though.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Our job is not to predict the future.

The New Yorker

Mr. Paul was careful not to predict legislative success.

The New York Times

Thomas was swift enough not to predict how far they would go.

The New York Times - Sports

By Macy Halford January 30, 2011 "Our job is not to predict the future.

The New Yorker

Harari is careful not to predict that these outlandish visions will come to pass.

The Guardian - Books

"An analyst's job is to value companies, not to predict crowd behavior," Mr. Olstein said.

The New York Times

So the real purpose of these drawings is not to predict the future.

The New York Times

Walsh was careful not to predict the outcome of Monday's meeting or set any timeline for resolving the controversy.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, Professor Barnett was careful not to predict that the opponents of the bill would block the legislation completely.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not to predict" to clearly state an intention to avoid speculation or forecasting, especially when precision is impossible or undesirable. This phrasing emphasizes a focus on present understanding rather than future guesses.

Common error

While "not to predict" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. More precise alternatives like "refrain from forecasting" or "decline to project" may enhance the tone and credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not to predict" functions as a negative infinitive indicating the avoidance of making predictions or forecasts. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is prevalent and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

21%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not to predict" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express an intent to avoid making forecasts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its frequent appearance across diverse sources, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While perfectly acceptable in most scenarios, consider using more formal alternatives like "refrain from forecasting" in academic or highly professional writing. The key takeaway is to employ "not to predict" when you want to emphasize focusing on current understanding rather than engaging in speculation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refrain from predicting

Emphasizes a deliberate choice to avoid making predictions.

avoid forecasting

Focuses on abstaining from creating future projections.

decline to foresee

Highlights a refusal to anticipate or envision future events.

choose not to anticipate

Indicates a conscious decision against expecting something in advance.

not to speculate

Replaces prediction with a broader term for conjecture, suggesting caution.

rather not guess

Presents a preference against making assumptions or conjectures.

abstain from projecting

Stresses the act of refraining from making future estimates or plans.

not to estimate

Replaces predicting with a more general term for approximation.

forgo anticipating

Highlights the act of relinquishing the opportunity to foresee.

not to assume

Shifts focus from prediction to avoiding presuppositions about the future.

FAQs

How can I use "not to predict" in a sentence?

You can use "not to predict" to express an unwillingness or inability to make forecasts. For example: "The goal is to understand the current trends, "not to predict" future outcomes."

What are some alternatives to "not to predict"?

Alternatives include "refrain from predicting", "avoid forecasting", or "decline to foresee". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "not to predict"?

Yes, "not to predict" is grammatically correct as it forms an infinitive phrase used to express purpose or intention, in this case, the absence of it. Ludwig AI confirms this by providing numerous examples of its usage in reliable sources.

When is it appropriate to use "not to predict" versus more formal alternatives?

Use "not to predict" in general writing or when aiming for a neutral tone. For academic or professional contexts, consider more formal options like "abstain from projecting" or "forego anticipating" for increased precision.