we were able to predict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were able to predict" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the ability to foresee or anticipate an outcome based on analysis or evidence. Example: "After analyzing the data trends, we were able to predict the market's behavior for the upcoming quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

While we were able to predict several novel miRNA candidates using two methods, no predictions were reproducible across all samples and methods.

BMC Genomics

We were able to predict a position for 6076 of these SNPs, hence a prediction rate of about 90%.

BMC Genomics

Before we were able to predict what they would do.

The Guardian

From these data, we were able to predict hybrid joint strengths to within 23.0%.

Composite Structures

Thus, we were able to predict isomerate research octane number under various operating conditions.

Egyptian Journal of Petroleum

Additionally, we were able to predict the fatigue life of laminates subjected to variable amplitude cyclic two-stage loading.

International Journal of Fatigue

We were able to predict the amount of sagging of each material from the analysis results and confirmed noticeable differences.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

Using an energy minimization approach, we were able to predict the number of folds in this regularly folded conformation.

Physics Letters A

In this way, we were able to predict the key factors involved in the control of the G1/S transition.

Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering

As a result, we were able to predict neurogenic dysphagia in early postoperative period in sedated patients with sensitivity 78,6 % and specificity 85%%.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

In the present three cases, preoperative CT revealed the aberrant subclavian artery and we were able to predict the presence of NRILNs.

Surgical Case Reports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were able to predict" when you want to emphasize the effort or ability involved in making a prediction based on available data or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "we were able to predict" excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "we anticipated" or "we foresaw" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were able to predict" functions as a declarative statement indicating a past capacity to foresee or anticipate an outcome. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in scientific and news contexts. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

88%

News & Media

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were able to predict" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a past ability to foresee or anticipate an outcome, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's commonly found in scientific and news contexts. While frequently used, consider diversifying your writing by using synonyms such as "we anticipated" or "we foresaw" to avoid redundancy. The phrase's prevalence in scientific literature underscores its utility in academic and professional communication. Ludwig AI also confirms that this phrase is correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we could foresee

Replaces "were able" with "could", indicating past ability or possibility to predict.

we managed to predict

Substitutes "were able" with "managed", emphasizing successful prediction despite potential difficulty.

we succeeded in predicting

Replaces "were able" with "succeeded in", highlighting the successful outcome of the prediction effort.

we anticipated

Uses a single verb, "anticipated", to convey prediction, creating a more concise statement.

we foresaw

Uses the verb "foresaw", implying an ability to see or know something in advance.

our predictions indicated

Shifts the focus to the predictions themselves, suggesting they pointed towards a particular outcome.

we accurately predicted

Adds the adverb "accurately" to emphasize the precision of the prediction.

we correctly predicted

Adds the adverb "correctly" to highlight that the prediction was right.

it was predictable for us

Changes the sentence structure to emphasize the predictability of the outcome for the subject.

we were in a position to predict

Emphasizes having the capacity and resources to make a prediction.

FAQs

What does "we were able to predict" mean?

The phrase "we were able to predict" means that a group or individual successfully anticipated a future event or outcome based on information, analysis, or prior knowledge.

How can I use "we were able to predict" in a sentence?

You can use "we were able to predict" to describe a successful forecast. For example, "After analyzing the data, we were able to predict the increase in sales."

What can I say instead of "we were able to predict"?

You can use alternatives like "we anticipated", "we foresaw", or "we managed to predict" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "we predicted" or "we were able to predict"?

Both "we predicted" and "we were able to predict" are grammatically correct, but "we were able to predict" emphasizes the ability or effort involved in making the prediction, while "we predicted" is a more straightforward statement of fact.