prediction

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "prediction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an educated guess about the future based on past experiences or present knowledge. Example: The meteorologist predicted that the storm would arrive late in the evening.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"These polls are a snapshot and not a prediction," he told STV's Scotland Tonight on Thursday.

The Guardian

His prediction that his coalition would take power in September 2008 by persuading MPs from the government coalition smacked of hubris and the takeover failed to materialise.

The Guardian - Opinion

A firm prediction that the owner of the Daily Mail was poised to buy the Daily Telegraph, when that newspaper was up for sale, is among the endeavours best forgotten.

The Guardian

They'll set up her prediction against an alternative prediction: that no such thing will happen and that people will help.

The Guardian

"The three times I've done this with other patients," he says, "we've always discovered that the latter prediction prevails.

The Guardian

PREDICTION: It is a matter of time before the SNP decides to push the buttons of the Tory rightwing and set off a row that could ultimately split the UK.

The Guardian

PREDICTION: The final choice will be a test of government commitment to the environment.

The Guardian

In a surprise prediction for the vote that took place on Sunday, Duda, who is no fan of the European Union, is expected to capture 34.8% of the vote to Komorowski's 32.2%, according to the Ipsos poll published by the private TVN24 and the state-run PAP news agency.

The Guardian

Ganna said that people should not assume their prediction is set in stone.

The Guardian

He catches a confident prediction from Florida senator Bill Nelson, warming up the audience ahead of Obama's arrival: "Tonight Joe Biden will make mincemeat of Paul Ryan".

The Guardian

There's nothing to stop it," he said in a prediction which would have devastating impact on tax revenues which are already rattling down as production falls.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When making a "prediction", clearly state the basis for your forecast, whether it's based on data, trends, or expert opinion. This adds credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "prediction" as an absolute certainty. Acknowledge the inherent uncertainties by using qualifiers like "likely", "possible", or "potential".

Linguistic Context

The word "prediction" primarily functions as a noun, representing a statement or estimate about a future event. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts ranging from political forecasts to scientific estimations. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The noun "prediction" is a versatile term for expressing expectations or assessments about the future. Ludwig's analysis, combined with examples from authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist, highlights its widespread usage across news, science, and business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that "prediction" is grammatically sound and suitable for use in written English. While versatile, be mindful to qualify "predictions" to avoid overstating certainty, and consider synonyms like "forecast" or "projection" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forecast

Focuses on estimating future conditions based on current data and trends.

prognosis

Emphasizes predicting the likely course of a disease or ailment.

estimation

Highlights the process of approximating a numerical value or quantity.

projection

Involves extending current trends into the future to create a scenario.

speculation

Suggests forming a theory or conjecture without firm evidence.

anticipation

Focuses on expecting or looking forward to a future event.

divination

Implies discovering future events through supernatural means.

prophecy

Suggests a prediction made with divine inspiration or authority.

expectation

Refers to a belief that something will happen or be the case.

guess

Implies making a random or uninformed attempt to foresee the future.

FAQs

How can I use "prediction" in a sentence?

You can use "prediction" to refer to a statement about what someone thinks will happen in the future. For instance, "The economist's "forecast" was that inflation would rise."

What are some alternatives to the word "prediction"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "forecast", "prognosis", or "projection" as alternatives to "prediction".

What's the difference between "prediction" and "forecast"?

"Prediction" is a general term for stating what you think will happen in the future, while "forecast" often implies a more detailed and data-driven estimate.

Is it appropriate to use "prediction" in formal writing?

Yes, "prediction" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when discussing potential future outcomes based on available evidence or analysis. However, avoid overuse, and consider more precise terms like "projection" or "assessment" when applicable.