predictable effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "predictable effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing outcomes or consequences that can be anticipated based on certain actions or conditions. Example: "The new policy is expected to have a predictable effect on employee productivity, leading to increased efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is having the predictable effect.

The New York Times - Sports

Predictable effect A number weren't right, but the idea that the injunctions could be breached so blithely had a predictable effect: the judges were outraged.

The Guardian

But over all, there's less to go around, with a predictable effect on price.

The New York Times - Magazine

And this last point, along with the whole horror and scares thing, has a predictable effect.

The Guardian - Tech

What the World Bank tactfully calls a progressive deterioration in governance has had a predictable effect.

The Economist

Perhaps the least predictable effect of a robust euro is on the European Monetary Union as a political experiment.

The New York Times

The deals enabled WorldCom to report rapid earnings growth, which had the predictable effect on the company's shares.

The New York Times - Magazine

The power of March Madness produced a predictable effect on the rating of Saturday night's XFL game between the Chicago Enforcers and the New York/New Jersey Hitmen.

The New York Times - Sports

That a centre-left politician competitively declares her fidelity to a meat product is a predictable effect of the European politics of integration of the last decade.

The Guardian - Opinion

Having health insurance, and especially prescription drug coverage, had a predictable effect: those with insurance were almost twice as likely to use drugs as those without.

The New York Times - Health

Rural rides ReprintsThe air-raids have had the predictable effect of galvanising support for the resistance and steeling Lebanese resolve to tough it out.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "predictable effect" to clearly signal that a result is not surprising given the circumstances. This strengthens your argument by demonstrating a logical connection between cause and effect.

Common error

Avoid using "predictable effect" when the outcome isn't actually obvious or well-established. Ensure the context clearly supports the notion that the effect was indeed predictable to avoid weakening your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "predictable effect" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'predictable' modifies the noun 'effect'. It describes a result or consequence that was anticipated or could have been reasonably foreseen. As indicated by Ludwig, the usage examples confirm its role in describing expected outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "predictable effect" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression to describe an expected outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and various examples showcase its prevalence in diverse contexts such as news, science, and formal writing. While often interchangeable with phrases like "expected outcome" or "foreseeable consequence", "predictable effect" serves as a strong indicator of a logical connection between events. The phrase is best used when the outcome is genuinely unsurprising, as overuse in less obvious scenarios can weaken the statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foreseeable consequence

Replaces "effect" with "consequence" and "predictable" with "foreseeable", emphasizing the anticipated outcome.

expected outcome

Substitutes both words with synonyms that highlight anticipation and result.

anticipated result

Similar to 'expected outcome', but uses 'result' instead of 'outcome'.

inevitable outcome

Suggests the result is not only predictable but also unavoidable.

logical conclusion

Implies the effect is a reasoned and expected deduction.

foregone conclusion

Indicates an outcome that is certain and already determined.

unsurprising result

Emphasizes the lack of surprise associated with the outcome.

easily anticipated outcome

Adds emphasis to the ease with which the outcome could be foreseen.

projected effect

Highlights that the effect was calculated or estimated in advance.

anticipated impact

Replaces "effect" with "impact", focusing on the influence or consequence.

FAQs

How can I use "predictable effect" in a sentence?

You can use "predictable effect" to describe a result that was expected given certain circumstances. For example, "The policy change had a "predictable effect" on employee morale."

What are some alternatives to "predictable effect"?

Some alternatives include "expected outcome", "foreseeable consequence", or "anticipated result". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "very predictable effect"?

While not grammatically incorrect, using "very predictable effect" can be redundant. Consider using a stronger alternative like "inevitable outcome" or rewording the sentence to emphasize the certainty of the effect.

What's the difference between "predictable effect" and "unintended consequence"?

"Predictable effect" describes a result that was expected or foreseen, while "unintended consequence" refers to an outcome that was not anticipated or planned for. They are essentially opposites.