What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
anticipated
Example
I anticipated a fun weekend with my friends. [anticipated: past tense]
Example
The company anticipated a decrease in sales due to the economic downturn. [anticipated: verb]
foreseen
Example
She had foreseen the difficulties that would arise from the project. [foreseen: past participle]
Example
The consequences of his actions were foreseen by many. [foreseen: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Anticipated is more commonly used than foreseen in everyday language. It is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to express expectations or preparations for something. Foreseen, on the other hand, is less common and tends to be used in more formal or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between anticipated and foreseen?
While anticipated is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, foreseen is more formal in nature and is often found in written or academic language.