predict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "predict" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of forecasting or estimating a future event or outcome based on current information or trends. Example: "Scientists are trying to predict the impact of climate change on global weather patterns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Dreams are predictive in my opinion," she says, adding that "they don't really predict the future, because no one can do that.

The Guardian - Opinion

But he added: "Sometimes parts of the Conservative party move but they move more slowly, or a few paces behind the centre of gravity of social attitudes which have changed and will probably continue to change in ways that it is hard to predict.

The Guardian

Investments will drop by 5.8% and sales by 1.3%, they predict.

The Guardian - Money

Thus it was able to predict "double-digit" enhancement to earnings in the first year of ownership; if achieved, that would be a good start.

The Guardian

Among new releases, one of the hardest outcomes to predict was Spooks: The Greater Good.

The Guardian - Film

One did not need to be a rune-reader to predict their meeting in the second round of Italia 90 was likely to be spicy.

The Guardian - Sport

Something is stirring in Turkey's Kurdish region, and some predict a seismic shift in Turkish politics.

The Guardian

Back in Barry, the series arc rumbles along toward a climax we still can't predict.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Most Labour MPs in its heartland areas where the yes vote is strongest have substantial 30% to 40% majorities, making it far harder to predict which could be most at risk.

The Guardian

Here, we take a glance into the future to try and predict what treats might be in store by the time we reach 2016.

The Guardian - Music

Alan Hay, of the World Influenza Centre in London, suggested the first wave of illness may have already peaked but could not predict how far levels would fall in this phase of the pandemic.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "predict" when you have a reasonable basis for your forecast. For example, base your predictions on data analysis or expert opinion to make them more credible.

Common error

Avoid using "predict" to present personal opinions or hopes as facts. It's more accurate to acknowledge uncertainty by using phrases like "it is likely that" or "there is a chance that" before your prediction.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "predict" is a transitive verb, used to make statements about future events or outcomes. It requires an object, indicating what is being predicted. Ludwig provides several examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "predict" is a frequently used term for forecasting future events based on available information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in various contexts. It's particularly prevalent in news, business, and scientific domains, offering a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "predict", ensure that forecasts are well-supported by evidence and avoid presenting predictions as absolute certainties. Alternatives like "forecast", "anticipate", and "project" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forecast

A more common and general synonym for making a prediction.

foretell

Implies prediction through supernatural or intuitive means.

anticipate

Suggests preparing for something expected.

project

Often used in business or statistical contexts to estimate future values.

estimate

Implies a rough calculation based on available data.

envision

To imagine or expect something in the future, often with a degree of detail.

foresee

To see or know beforehand, often implying insight.

expect

To consider something likely to happen.

speculate

To form a theory or conjecture about something without firm evidence.

conjecture

To form an opinion or supposition about something on the basis of incomplete information.

FAQs

How can I use "predict" in a sentence?

You can use "predict" to forecast future events. For example, "Experts predict a rise in interest rates" or "The model can predict consumer behavior with reasonable accuracy".

What are some alternatives to the word "predict"?

Alternatives include "forecast", "anticipate", "project", and "estimate", depending on the specific context and the level of certainty involved.

Is it always safe to use "predict" when talking about the future?

While "predict" is grammatically correct, remember that predictions are not guarantees. Be cautious about using "predict" in situations where absolute certainty is implied, unless strong evidence supports your forecast.

What's the difference between "predict" and "guess"?

"Predict" implies using some level of reasoning or data to make a forecast, while "guess" suggests a random or uninformed estimate. For example, saying "I predict it will rain based on the forecast" is different from saying "I guess it will rain".