predictable future

USAGE SUMMARY

"predictable future" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to events or outcomes that are believed to be likely or expected to occur in the future. Example: Despite the challenges we currently face, we remain optimistic about our predictable future as a society.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

And they have blown the Social Security-tax surpluses meant to offset predictable future shortfalls.

The New York Times - Books

A writer who allows himself to be put in a box is a writer with a puny and predictable future.

The New York Times

By the same token, they provide oil producers with more predictable future revenues, and so allow them to expand more confidently and borrow more cheaply.

The Economist

"We've found some businesses that we think have predictable future cash flows, that we can value and buy at discounts," Mr. Carr said.

The New York Times

Looking into the predictable future, Orson may not be all bad, Gabrielle will get back with her husband, and someone from someone's past will do something.

The Guardian

Her romantic yearnings are tempered by a knowledge that ahead of her is a predictable future leading up to menopause and death.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

In summary, the two approaches to foresight (i.e., prediction and inventiveness) co-exist in the practice of the company: their programmable and predictable future-creating operation provides a solid basis for organisational operation, thus integrating the construction and fathoming of the future into everyday practice.

European Journal of Futures Research

The older generation contrast the time of their youth, the expansive moment of post-independence with its seemingly reliable structures and predictable futures, to the subsequent era of the long 1980s when economic and political decay, exacerbated by international terms of trade and policy directives, eroded their secure trajectories.

Africa

Existence is now not only defined topologically, but it is also predictable: the future can even be forecast through online data mining.

The New York Times

Because it is one element of past behavior that is very predictable for future years.

Forbes

A predictable, programmable future is an essential part of strategy-making and strategic decision-making because a company that operates in a predictable environment possesses the type of stability upon which a genuine long-term strategy can be constructed.

European Journal of Futures Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "predictable future" when you want to emphasize that events are likely to unfold as expected based on current trends or past experiences.

Common error

Avoid using "predictable future" when the situation involves high uncertainty or complex factors that could significantly alter the course of events. Acknowledge potential variables to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "predictable future" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "predictable" modifies "future". It characterizes the nature of the future as something that can be anticipated or foreseen with a reasonable degree of certainty. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "predictable future" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a future that can be anticipated with some confidence. As indicated by Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and formal communication. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to avoid overstating the certainty of future events. Consider alternatives like "foreseeable future" or "projected future" for nuanced expressions. Remember that even in seemingly stable situations, unforeseen factors can alter the course of events, so use "predictable future" judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foreseeable future

Replaces "predictable" with a synonym emphasizing the ability to see or anticipate what's coming.

anticipated future

Focuses on the expectation of events to come, rather than the certainty.

projected future

Implies a more calculated or estimated outlook on what's to come.

certain future

Emphasizes the absence of doubt about the events that will unfold.

assured future

Highlights the confidence and security associated with the coming times.

stable future

Indicates a future characterized by consistency and lack of major changes.

reliable future

Emphasizes the trustworthiness and dependability of future prospects.

expected course of events

More descriptive and less concise, it refers to what is anticipated to happen.

likely outcome

Shifts the focus from the entire future to a specific, probable result.

predetermined destiny

Suggests a future that is fixed and unchangeable, often with a sense of fate.

FAQs

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

You might say, "With current technological advancements, a fully automated society seems like a "predictable future"" or "Investing in renewable energy is key for a "stable future"".

What's a more formal alternative to "predictable future"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "projected trajectory" or "anticipated development" instead of ""predictable future"".

Is "predictable future" always a positive concept?

Not necessarily. While predictability can be reassuring, a ""predictable future"" could also imply a lack of innovation or undesirable stagnation, depending on the context.

What is the difference between "foreseeable future" and ""predictable future""?

"Foreseeable future" generally refers to a time horizon that can be reasonably anticipated, while ""predictable future"" suggests that events within that timeframe are likely to unfold in a specific, expected manner.