predict the outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "predict the outcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when a person is attempting to predict the result of an event, such as the outcome of an election. For example, "The polls are so close that it's difficult to predict the outcome of the election."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We cannot predict the outcome.

The New York Times

No doctor can predict the outcome.

The New York Times - Health

It is easy to predict the outcome of all this.

The New Yorker

Psychics were brought in to predict the outcome.

The New York Times - Sports

It is difficult to predict the outcome of a case.

The Guardian

"Neither party can predict the outcome," he said.

The New York Times

It is hard to predict the outcome of the vote.

The New York Times

Analysts said it was difficult to predict the outcome.

The New York Times

Easy to hold - but hard to predict the outcome.

Independent

That makes it even trickier to predict the outcome.

The New York Times

Simulations are so realistic that they predict the outcome of traditional experiments.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "predict the outcome", clearly define the event or situation you are attempting to forecast. Providing context enhances the clarity and relevance of your prediction.

Common error

Avoid presenting a prediction as an absolute certainty. Qualify your statements with phrases like "it is likely that", "there is a possibility", or "it is projected that" to acknowledge the inherent uncertainty in forecasting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "predict the outcome" functions as a verb phrase, where "predict" acts as the main verb expressing the action of forecasting, and "the outcome" serves as the direct object, indicating what is being predicted. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "predict the outcome" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for attempting to forecast the result of an event. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's commonly found in news and media, but also appears in scientific and business contexts. While offering a prediction, it's crucial to acknowledge the inherent uncertainty in forecasting. When writing, be sure to consider the context and audience, using related phrases like "forecast the result" or "anticipate the consequence" depending on the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forecast the result

Replaces "outcome" with "result", which is a slightly more general term.

anticipate the consequence

Substitutes "predict" with "anticipate" and "outcome" with "consequence", implying a cause-and-effect relationship.

foresee the conclusion

Uses "foresee" instead of "predict" and "conclusion" instead of "outcome", suggesting a final and definite end.

determine the result

Replaces predict with determine. This is slightly different because "determine" indicates something can be established with certainty.

estimate the effect

Employs "estimate" to suggest an approximate prediction, and "effect" in place of "outcome".

gauge the effect

Employs "gauge" to suggest assessing the outcome, and "effect" in place of "outcome".

envisage the aftermath

Replaces predict with envisage, aftermath with outcome, focuses on picturing the state of affairs after the event.

speculate on the upshot

Suggests guessing or theorizing about the final result. "Upshot" is less formal than "outcome".

divine the future

Uses divine, which is less common than predict, and future, which is similar to outcome but more general.

conjecture the denouement

Employs "conjecture" to indicate speculation, and "denouement" to refer to the final resolution, often in a literary context.

FAQs

How can I use "predict the outcome" in a sentence?

You can use "predict the outcome" when discussing events with uncertain results. For example: "It's difficult to "predict the outcome" of the negotiations at this stage".

What's a more formal way to say "predict the outcome"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "forecast the result" or "anticipate the consequence". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a slightly more elevated tone.

Is it always possible to "predict the outcome"?

No, it is not always possible to "predict the outcome" with certainty. Many events are influenced by unpredictable factors. Therefore, it's important to present predictions with appropriate qualifications.

What is the difference between ""predict the outcome"" and "determine the result"?

"Predict the outcome" implies an attempt to foresee a future event based on available information. "Determine the result" suggests establishing the result with certainty, often after the event has occurred or through direct influence.