predict about

USAGE SUMMARY

"predict about" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You might use it when you expect someone to be able to estimate a certain quantity or figure. For example, "I hope the expert can predict about how many customers we'll receive in the next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We predict about 200,000 candidates this year.

The Guardian

What do you predict about the future of physical archives?

The New York Times

What do you predict about the future of print magazines?

The New York Times

And what did this approach predict about disinflation?

The New York Times

The one thing you can predict about a new Meg Rosoff novel is its unpredictability.

The Guardian - Books

What can you predict about how we'll see it on the 25th anniversary?

The New York Times

Analysts predict about $35 billion of cash generation this year, and more next.

The New York Times

What would a futurist predict about the N.F.L., thinking out to thirty or so years from now?

The New Yorker

p. What does Mr. Woods predict about the quality of digital photography in the next few years?

The New York Times

"There are a million things that you cannot predict about an organism just from having its genome sequence," Green said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

When news outlets like National Public Radio and Washingtonpost.com reported on the editing on Friday, they classified it as another example of Wikipedia's mysterious ability to predict about-to-break news, if we only knew to look there.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "predict about", ensure the context involves a numerical or quantifiable estimate. For general predictions, consider using "predict" alone.

Common error

Avoid redundancy by omitting "about" when the prediction doesn't involve a specific quantity. Saying "I predict it will rain" is preferable to "I predict about it will rain" if you're not estimating the amount of rain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "predict about" functions as a verb phrase used to express an estimation or forecast regarding a particular quantity or outcome. Ludwig indicates it is correct and usable, but it is worth noting that the simple version of this expression, which is just "predict" is way more used and widespread.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "predict about" is grammatically acceptable and mainly used to estimate a quantity, with a more common alternative being the simple verb "predict". As Ludwig AI confirms, while it's a valid phrase, it's more specific in its usage compared to "predict" alone. The phrase appears in news, science, and technology sources and it is not so widespread. Therefore, writers should use it mindfully, considering the context and intent to communicate a quantitative forecast.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forecast approximately

Replaces "predict" with "forecast" and maintains the approximation aspect.

estimate around

Shifts the focus to estimation while retaining the sense of approximation.

anticipate roughly

Emphasizes anticipation with an added element of imprecision.

project nearly

Uses "project" for a more formal tone, indicating a calculated prediction.

foresee approximately

Similar to "forecast", but with a stronger emphasis on insight.

guess around

More informal, suggesting a less precise prediction.

speculate nearly

Indicates a more theoretical or uncertain prediction.

foretell approximately

Implies a prophetic or insightful prediction.

approximate the prediction

Focuses on the act of making an approximation, rather than stating the approximation itself.

predict in the vicinity of

Emphasizes the range or area within which the prediction is expected to fall.

FAQs

Is "predict about" grammatically correct?

Yes, "predict about" is grammatically correct, though it's more common when the prediction involves a quantity or estimate. If you are talking in general you can say just "predict".

When is it appropriate to use "predict about" instead of just "predict"?

Use "predict about" when you're estimating a number or amount. For example, "Scientists "predict about" a one-percent increase in cancer rates."

What are some alternatives to "predict about"?

Alternatives include phrases like "estimate around", "forecast approximately", or "project nearly", depending on the context and level of formality.

How do I use "predict about" in a sentence?

You can use "predict about" in sentences such as "Analysts "predict about" $35 billion of cash generation this year" or "Studies "predict about" one dad in 10 has postnatal depression."