predictably

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "predictably" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an outcome or behavior that is expected or anticipated based on prior knowledge or experience. Example: "The weather forecast predicted rain, and predictably, the skies opened up just as we were leaving for the picnic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Terrorism (including Irish terrorism) emerged as the No 1 priority, followed, less predictably, by cyberwarfare.

The Guardian - Opinion

Christie, viewed by many as the most moderate would-be candidate in attendance, reeled off impressive statistics from his re-election victory in New Jersey last year as he received a predictably lukewarm response from the conservative-leaning audience.

The Guardian

The social media reaction was predictably strong, with the hashtag #strugglestreet again trending at No.1 on the Nielsen Twitter TV Ratings.

The Guardian

The world community responds predictably: diplomacy, sanctions, supporting the internal dissent in the terrorist "safe haven" countries, eventually ordering special military units to deploy and retaliate.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The US government, just as they did with other whistleblowers, immediately and predictably destroyed any possibility of a fair trial at home, openly declaring me guilty of treason and that the disclosure of secret, criminal, and even unconstitutional acts is an unforgivable crime.

The Guardian

According to the poster, it was an attempt to bring "the street sensation that's sweeping the nation" to the masses, yet the decision to cast really awful non-rapping actor Mario Van Peebles as a really-not-awful rapper proved predictably troublesome.

The Guardian - Film

(Those bastards at Cadbury have been torturing me lately with their ceaseless innovations, perhaps most deviously by inserting cheese biscuits – cheese biscuits – into their chocolate, with predictably sexual results).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Oscars, predictably, entirely ignored it, and a smattering of other bodies gave it nods, mostly for its score by Mica Levi.

The Guardian - Film

With an overall budget of £8m, the tabloid press is predictably whingeing about them costing £1m each.

The Guardian - Arts

Many investors will have died in the 20 years since Polly Peck plummeted from the FTSE 100 to ruin faster, and rather less predictably, than Icarus.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Stalin does nyet look like new ager, nyet way," wrote one reader, rather predictably named Boris.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "predictably" to emphasize that an outcome was not just possible, but almost certain based on prior knowledge or patterns. This can strengthen your argument or add a touch of irony.

Common error

Avoid using "predictably" when the outcome is so obvious that it adds no value to the sentence. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive or condescending.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "predictably" modifies a verb or clause to indicate that something happened in a way that was expected or could have been foreseen. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of this word.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "predictably" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverb to indicate that something occurred as expected. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to emphasize a lack of surprise and is suitable for various contexts, most notably in news and media. When writing, be mindful of overusing it in self-evident situations. Alternatives like "as expected" or "unsurprisingly" can provide subtle differences in meaning. The high source quality and expert rating underscore its reliable usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

As expected

This is a direct and straightforward substitute, lacking the adverbial flair of "predictably".

Unsurprisingly

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the lack of surprise rather than the expectation.

Foreseeably

Highlights the ability to see the outcome in advance, adding a sense of inevitability.

Inevitably

Emphasizes the unavoidable nature of the outcome, suggesting a stronger sense of certainty.

As anticipated

More formal than "as expected", suitable for professional contexts.

Consistently

Highlights the regularity and pattern of the event, emphasizing its repeated occurrence.

Typically

Focuses on the common or usual nature of the outcome, implying a general pattern.

Logically

Indicates that the outcome follows a clear chain of reasoning, emphasizing cause and effect.

Understandably

Implies that the outcome is easily comprehended or justified, focusing on its reasonableness.

Sure enough

An informal phrase that confirms the expectation, often used in conversational contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "predictably" in a sentence?

You can use "predictably" to describe an event or outcome that was expected. For example: "The stock market, "predictably", reacted negatively to the news."

What are some alternatives to the word "predictably"?

Some alternatives to "predictably" include "as expected", "unsurprisingly", or "inevitably". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "predictably" and "expectedly"?

"Predictably" suggests a higher degree of certainty and anticipation than "expectedly". "Expectedly" simply means something happened as expected, while "predictably" implies it was almost unavoidable.

When should I avoid using "predictably" in my writing?

Avoid using "predictably" when the outcome is already extremely obvious or self-evident. In such cases, it can make your writing sound redundant or even sarcastic. For instance, saying "The sun, "predictably", rose in the east" is unnecessary.