was foreseeable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was foreseeable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing events or outcomes that could have been predicted or anticipated based on available information. Example: "The accident was foreseeable given the poor weather conditions and lack of proper signage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

This emergency was foreseeable.

The New York Times

Each of these problems was foreseeable.

The New York Times

Much of this was foreseeable back in 2010.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Even if it was foreseeable, it is no less painful".

The New York Times

"If you take that view, then you are saying that the crisis was foreseeable and preventable.

The New York Times

Once those steps had been taken, a resumption of talks was foreseeable, he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

"That's foreseeable".

The New York Times - Sports

Many of our problems were foreseeable.

The New York Times

Some of the troubles enveloping his government were foreseeable.

The Economist

All of these factors were foreseeable if not foreseen".

The Guardian

"These various logistical issues," the report notes, "were foreseeable and entirely avoidable".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was foreseeable" when you want to emphasize that an event or outcome could have been reasonably anticipated, often implying a failure to take preventive measures.

Common error

Avoid using "was foreseeable" when discussing purely subjective opinions or feelings. It is more appropriate for situations where there is objective evidence or logical reasoning to support the idea that something could have been anticipated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was foreseeable" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, typically used to modify a noun or pronoun, indicating that an event or outcome could have been anticipated. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was foreseeable" is a descriptive term indicating that something could have been anticipated. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct and commonly employed across various fields, notably in news, science, and formal business contexts. While generally neutral in tone, its presence often implies a failure to take preventive actions. The phrase is commonly used and readily understood, making it a valuable part of English vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could have been predicted

Emphasizes the ability to predict the event based on available information.

was predictable

Directly states that the event was capable of being predicted.

was anticipated

Focuses on expecting the event to occur.

was expected

Highlights the common expectation of the event.

could have been anticipated

Combines possibility and expectation.

was reasonably foreseeable

Adds a legal or objective standard of reasonableness.

was a likely outcome

Focuses on the probability of the result.

was bound to happen

Suggests inevitability.

was in the cards

Idiomatic expression indicating a predetermined outcome.

was to be expected

Indicates that the event aligned with expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "was foreseeable" in a sentence?

The phrase "was foreseeable" indicates that an event or outcome could have been anticipated. For example: "The accident "was foreseeable" given the icy road conditions and the driver's excessive speed."

What are some alternatives to "was foreseeable"?

Alternatives include "could have been predicted", "was predictable", or "was anticipated". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the accident was foreseeable"?

Yes, "the accident "was foreseeable"" is grammatically correct and commonly used to suggest that the accident could have been anticipated and potentially prevented.

What does "reasonably foreseeable" mean in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "reasonably foreseeable" means that a person of ordinary intelligence could have predicted the event or outcome under the circumstances. It's often used to establish negligence or liability.