to foresee

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to foresee" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to predict or anticipate future events or outcomes. Example: "It is important for leaders to foresee potential challenges in order to prepare effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We won't be able to foresee it.

The New York Times - Magazine

The end result is hard to foresee.

The New York Times

Its success was very hard to foresee.

The New York Times

It failed, among other things, to foresee its developer's demise.

The New Yorker

Still, it's hard to foresee anything like a total restoration.

The New York Times - Magazine

They, along with many others, failed to foresee the risks.

The Economist

Others had managed to foresee such a storm.

The New York Times

It struggles to foresee trouble before it arrives.

The Economist

They failed to foresee the 1997 Asian crisis.

The New York Times

It's not just the complete failure to foresee this crisis.

The New York Times

But, as noted, the future is hard to foresee.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to foresee", consider whether "to predict" or "to anticipate" might be more precise, depending on whether you're emphasizing stating a future outcome or preparing for something expected.

Common error

Avoid using "to foresee" interchangeably with the simple verb "to see". "To foresee" implies anticipation or prediction, while "to see" simply denotes perception.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to foresee" is as an infinitive verb phrase. It typically acts as the verb within a clause, expressing the act of predicting or anticipating future events. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the infinitive verb phrase "to foresee" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that means to anticipate or predict future events. Ludwig AI validates its usability across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, where assessing potential outcomes is essential. While synonyms like "to predict" and "to anticipate" exist, understanding the nuances of each can enhance precision in writing. It's also crucial to differentiate "to foresee" from simply "to see", as the former implies anticipation rather than mere perception. Ultimately, mastering the use of "to foresee" allows for more effective communication when discussing future possibilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to anticipate

Focuses on expecting something, often with preparation or action taken in advance.

to predict

Emphasizes stating what will happen in the future, often based on analysis or evidence.

to forecast

Implies using data or trends to estimate a future outcome, especially in business or meteorology.

to envision

Highlights the act of imagining a future scenario, often with a creative or strategic focus.

to anticipate the consequences

Specifically addresses foreseeing the results or effects of an action or situation.

to foresee the implications

Highlights understanding the broader, often indirect, effects of something.

to expect

Indicates a belief that something will happen, with varying degrees of certainty.

to project

Suggests estimating future trends based on current data or performance.

to foretell

Implies predicting the future through supernatural or intuitive means.

to have foresight

Focuses on possessing the ability to anticipate future events and plan accordingly.

FAQs

How can I use "to foresee" in a sentence?

"To foresee" is typically used to indicate the ability to predict or anticipate future events. For example: "It's difficult "to foresee" all the consequences of this decision."

What's the difference between "to foresee" and "to predict"?

While both imply anticipating future events, "to foresee" often suggests intuition or insight, while "to predict" implies using data or evidence. The phrase "to anticipate" may also serve as an alternative to "to foresee".

Which is correct: "to foresee the future" or "to foresee the event"?

"To foresee the future" is somewhat redundant since "to foresee" already implies futurity. Instead, use ""to foresee" the consequences", ""to foresee" the problems", or ""to foresee" the outcome" for a more precise expression.

Are there situations where it's inappropriate to use "to foresee"?

While grammatically correct, using "to foresee" in overly simplistic contexts might sound overly formal. In casual conversation, alternatives like "to expect" or "to anticipate" might be more suitable.