we can foresee

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we can foresee" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing predictions or expectations about future events or outcomes. Example: "Based on current trends, we can foresee significant changes in the market over the next few years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

McKim: "How long is the foreseeable future?" Pezzullo: "A future that we can foresee".

The Guardian

We can foresee targeting trendy people who go to clubs and bars".

The Guardian

"I don't think that we can foresee a positive effect for the other cases".

The New York Times

As jobs disappear and employers begin trimming expenses, we can foresee people losing health insurance, swelling the ranks of the medically uninsured.

The New York Times

Although flooding is not a problem in Baotou now, urbanisation is happening rapidly and "we can foresee [that] if it continues in the conventional way, urban flooding will heighten in the next five years," he adds.

The Guardian

"We still believe that there is not a scenario we can foresee where Bashar al-Assad can remain in power in a country that so clearly rejects his rule".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

I may be considered a dreamer, but I can foresee the day when we are much more than trading partners.

The New York Times

I can't envisage it being the other way round.' Scudamore can foresee Asian money outweighing domestic money, but adds: 'Quite frankly we play when we play.

The Guardian - Sport

Nobody can foresee it".

The New York Times

Who can foresee and control this action?

The New Yorker

He can foresee what others cannot.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we can foresee" to express a reasoned expectation based on current information or trends. It's suitable when you have some basis for your prediction, rather than a mere guess.

Common error

Avoid using "we can foresee" when the outcome is highly uncertain or speculative. Opt for phrases like "it is possible that" or "it is conceivable that" to convey a lower degree of confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we can foresee" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing the ability to anticipate or predict a future event or outcome. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase suggests a degree of certainty based on available information or current trends. It indicates that the speaker or writer believes something is likely to happen.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Other Related

2%

Independent

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we can foresee" is a common and grammatically sound way to express anticipation or prediction about future events. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suggests alternatives like "we can anticipate" or "we can predict" to fine-tune the level of certainty. The phrase is frequently used in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its versatility. Remember to use "we can foresee" when you have a reasonable basis for your prediction, and avoid overstating certainty in more speculative situations. Its neutral-to-professional register makes it appropriate for diverse writing scenarios, from formal reports to news articles. Always aim to predict with confidence, but not to make guesses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we can anticipate

Indicates expectation, but might imply readiness for what is foreseen.

we can predict

Suggests a more scientific or data-driven estimation of the future.

we can expect

Implies a strong belief that something will happen, possibly based on past experience.

we can envision

Emphasizes the ability to imagine a future scenario clearly.

we can foresee happening

Adds emphasis on the unfolding or process of the event in the future.

we can project

Suggests making an estimate or forecast based on current data and trends.

we can contemplate

Suggests thoughtful consideration of potential future scenarios.

we can infer

Highlights drawing a conclusion or making a prediction based on available evidence.

we can assume

Indicates a belief that something is likely to be true, without definitive proof.

we can speculate

Implies conjecture or forming a theory without firm evidence.

FAQs

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

Use "we can foresee" to express a reasonable expectation about a future event based on present knowledge or trends. For example, "We can foresee increased demand for renewable energy in the coming years."

What are some alternatives to saying "we can foresee"?

You can use alternatives like "we can anticipate", "we can predict", or "we can expect" depending on the context and the degree of certainty you wish to convey.

Is it more formal to say "we can foresee" or "we can predict"?

"We can foresee" and "we can predict" are relatively similar in formality. "We can predict" may be perceived as slightly more technical or scientific, while "we can foresee" carries a slightly broader, more general connotation.

What's the difference between "we can foresee" and "we can envision"?

"We can foresee" implies anticipating an event based on logic or evidence. "We can envision" emphasizes the ability to imagine a future scenario, which may or may not be based on concrete evidence.