that was predictable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was predictable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that an outcome or event was expected or anticipated based on prior knowledge or experience. Example: "When the team lost the game after missing several key players, I thought to myself, that was predictable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Lace and flower prints brought more decoration to a show that was predictable but nicely done, as it ended with black dresses that brought out the grace in lace.

The New York Times

Also there is a strong correlation between Re p, λ 0 − d p and d p (r: 0.99) that was predictable based on Eq. (6) (Fig. 3).

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

Results: PM10 2.5 mass and species varied within and between cities in a manner that was predictable by geographic covariates.

Environmental Health Perspectives

In contrast, transfection of ASO 365 into HGPS fibroblasts reduced progerin levels in cells (Fig.  2C), a result that was predictable from the RT PCR studies (Fig.  1B).

Human Molecular Genetics

That was predictable.

The New York Times

That was predictable too.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Lower prices that are predictable and easy to understand.

The New York Times

One thing that is predictable is that it will develop for the worse.

The Guardian

Arbesman believes that facts and misinformation spread and change at a rate that is predictable.

The New Yorker

"Where are they?" "If there's one thing that's predictable," she said.

The New Yorker

Eventually, in ways that are predictable and unpredictable, the bounty returns to them.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was predictable" to express a lack of surprise about an event, particularly when you had prior knowledge or reasonable expectations. For example, use it to show understanding of the outcome: "Given their history of financial instability, that was predictable when the company declared bankruptcy."

Common error

Avoid using "that was predictable" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated language such as "the outcome was anticipated" or "the result was foreseeable" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was predictable" serves as a comment or assessment regarding a past event, indicating that the event's occurrence was expected or foreseeable based on prior knowledge or circumstances. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that was predictable" is a grammatically correct and commonly understood expression used to denote that an event's outcome was expected or foreseeable. While versatile, it appears more frequently in news and media and scientific contexts. The phrase is generally neutral in register, though more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or highly professional settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is a valid and useful component of the English language, with several alternative expressions that can be used to nuance its meaning, such as "that was anticipated" or "that was expected".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was anticipated

Focuses on the prior anticipation of the event.

that was expected

Emphasizes the common expectation of the event.

that was foreseeable

Highlights the ability to see the event in advance.

that was unavoidable

Suggests the event was impossible to prevent.

that was inevitable

Implies the event was certain to happen regardless of circumstances.

that was bound to happen

Indicates a strong likelihood of the event occurring.

it was only a matter of time

Highlights the temporal aspect of the event's occurrence.

that figured

An informal way of saying it was predictable.

that did not come as a surprise

Emphasizes the lack of surprise at the event.

that was on the cards

Indicates that the event was a likely possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "that was predictable" in a sentence?

You can use "that was predictable" to express that an outcome or event was expected based on prior knowledge. For example: "After the continuous budget cuts, the decline in service quality /s/that+was+predictable/".

What are some alternatives to "that was predictable"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "that was expected", "that was anticipated", or "that was foreseeable".

Is it appropriate to use "that was predictable" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "that was predictable" might sound informal in certain formal contexts. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "the outcome was anticipated" or "the result was foreseeable".

What's the difference between "that was predictable" and "that was inevitable"?

"That was predictable" means the event was expected, while "that was inevitable" implies the event was certain to happen regardless of circumstances. Predictability comes from knowledge, inevitability from an unavoidable course.