to have foresight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to have foresight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to anticipate future events or outcomes based on current knowledge or trends. Example: "Successful leaders tend to have foresight, allowing them to make informed decisions that benefit their organizations in the long run."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"You have to have foresight.

The New York Times

This is slow and requires us to have foresight as to how our actions will impact the generations to come.

The Guardian

But anyone who labels it a failure at this point is either a curmudgeon or an extremely shortsighted person claiming to have foresight.

TechCrunch

Yet while those claiming to have foresight prowess have created lucrative business opportunities, not all groups use scientifically reliable methods useful for preventing security risks.

European Journal of Futures Research

Pro-metheus means "to see ahead, to have foresight".

Huffington Post

He certainly has poor leadership from his superior Chief Spicuzza, whose excuse was a cliché: "Hindsight is 20/20," when she was hired to have foresight.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Forgive, free-up and have foresight to allow yourself to release and remain calm.

WikiHow

Obviously I have foresight to have, you know, just have seen a lot of projects and you develop a game plan, I guess, is the better way of saying it -- of not having a game plan.

Huffington Post

Forgive, free-up, and have foresight.

WikiHow

If the first defendant is deemed to have had foresight of the second crime then under the old rules he or she can be found guilty of both offences.

The Guardian

Boz, Garcia, and Soleio seem to have had foresight that technology would eventually make recording video almost as easy as snapping a photo.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to have foresight" when you want to emphasize the ability to anticipate future needs, challenges, or opportunities, enabling proactive planning and decision-making.

Common error

Avoid using "to have foresight" when describing something that is obvious in retrospect. Foresight is about anticipating events before they happen, whereas hindsight is understanding them after they have occurred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to have foresight" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase. It describes the capacity or ability to anticipate future events or needs, enabling proactive decision-making. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to have foresight" is a grammatically correct infinitive phrase that describes the ability to anticipate future events and plan accordingly. Ludwig confirms its validity. While not exceptionally common, it appears across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, denoting strategic planning and proactive decision-making. Related phrases include "to have vision" and "to anticipate the future". When using the phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the ability to predict and prepare for future events, not simply recognizing them in hindsight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to have vision

Implies a broader, more strategic understanding of the future.

to anticipate the future

Focuses on predicting what will happen, removing the implication of preparedness.

to be forward-thinking

Describes a proactive mindset oriented towards the future.

to plan ahead

Emphasizes the planning aspect, shifting away from pure prediction.

to see the big picture

Highlights understanding the overall context rather than specific future events.

to think long-term

Stresses the temporal aspect of considering distant consequences.

to prepare for the future

Emphasizes readiness and proactive measures rather than prediction.

to look ahead

A more general term for considering the future, lacking the depth of foresight.

to exercise prudence

Highlights careful and wise decision-making with an eye toward potential future consequences.

to possess acumen

Emphasizes keen insight and shrewdness to make the right decisions.

FAQs

How can I use "to have foresight" in a sentence?

You can use "to have foresight" to describe someone's ability to predict future events or needs based on current knowledge. For example: "Successful leaders need "to have foresight" to guide their companies effectively."

What does it mean "to have foresight"?

"To have foresight" means "to anticipate the future", predict future events or needs or understand the likely consequences of one's actions. It's the ability to see what might happen and prepare for it.

What can I say instead of "to have foresight"?

Alternatives to "to have foresight" include "to have vision", "to plan ahead", or "to anticipate the future", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always positive "to have foresight"?

While generally positive, "to have foresight" implies responsibility. If someone "to have foresight" and fails to act on it, they may be seen as negligent or irresponsible.