predictor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "predictor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to statistics, data analysis, or any field where one variable is used to forecast another. Example: "In our study, we identified several key predictors of student success, including attendance and engagement levels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whether you would rate your health as excellent, good, fair or poor is a better predictor of death in the next five years for men aged 40 to 70 than physical measures including blood pressure and pulse rate, according to scientists writing in the Lancet medical journal.

The Guardian

A history of attempts is the strongest predictor of eventual completion.

The Guardian

I heard an expression from one of my business professors — that talent flow is the best predictor of future cash flows — and that has stayed with me.

The New York Times

As Ben Page, from Ipsos Mori, put it: "Normally, class is hugely important in British politics, but in the last two mayoral elections that Boris won race was the best predictor of how a ward would vote, rather than class.

The Guardian

Launched in 2003, BBC's Sound of … poll is held in high esteem: while its runners-up have included almost forgotten debutantes such as Tali, Air Traffic and VV Brown, the top slot has been a reliable predictor of success.

The Guardian - Music

Strife is getting more common in lower-middle income countries, and weak government is at least as big a predictor of violence as poverty itself.The MIFFs are a headache for aid donors.

The Economist

But crude extrapolation of the past is a poor predictor of the future: recall the forecasts in the mid-1980s that Japan was set to become the world's largest economy.

The Economist

Yet international rankings now put the country's students well ahead of America's in science and maths (the strongest predictor of future earnings), even as the country spends far less per pupil.

The Economist

During their long run as Top Nation, the Brits had their share of them all.A shift from a unipolar moment to a multipolar one is neither a predictor nor a symptom of decline.

The Economist

Indeed, Tachi Yamada, the head of the Gates Foundation's Global Health Programme, suggests bringing in volunteers from the rich world on a temporary basis, to clear the backlog.The other predictor of the scale of the epidemic in African countries, besides rates of circumcision, requires a rather different approach.

The Economist

Their data suggest that rising levels of mortgage debt are a better predictor of financial crises than surges in other forms of lending.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "predictor", ensure the context clearly defines what is being predicted and what factors are being used as predictors. This clarity improves the overall understanding and credibility of your analysis.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "predictor" as a guaranteed outcome. Instead, acknowledge that predictions are based on probabilities and that other factors can influence the final result.

Linguistic Context

The word "predictor" primarily functions as a noun, denoting something that anticipates, forecasts, or foretells an outcome. Ludwig AI's examples showcase its use in various contexts, from health and economics to social trends, demonstrating its adaptability as a descriptive noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "predictor" is a versatile and commonly used noun that identifies elements with forecasting power across diverse fields. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in neutral to professional contexts, especially within News & Media. While the word is reliable, avoid overstating its predictive power. For those seeking alternative phrases, consider "leading indicator" or "forecasting variable".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prognostic indicator

Refers to an indicator used for prognosis or forecasting in a specific field.

leading indicator

Specifically refers to an indicator that precedes and signals future economic trends.

predictive measure

Highlights the act of measurement in relation to prediction.

forecasting variable

Focuses specifically on the use of the variable in forecasting models.

key factor

Emphasizes the importance of the factor in determining the outcome.

indicative factor

Emphasizes the role of the factor as a sign or signal of something else.

determinant

Highlights the decisive role of the factor in influencing the outcome.

influential element

Highlights the power of the element to affect the outcome.

causative agent

Focuses on the factor as a direct cause of the outcome.

foreshadowing element

Describes the factor as hinting at future events, often used in literature or narrative contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "predictor" in a sentence?

Use "predictor" to describe a factor that forecasts or influences an outcome. For example: "Education level is a strong predictor of future income."

What are some alternatives to the word "predictor"?

You can use alternatives such as "indicator", "forecaster", or "determinant" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "predictor" and "indicator"?

"Predictor" specifically suggests a forecasting capability, while "indicator" simply points to a condition or trend without necessarily forecasting the future.

Is it correct to say "good predictor" or should I use "well predictor"?

"Good predictor" is the correct and more common usage. "Well" is typically used as an adverb, while "good" is used as an adjective to describe the noun "predictor".