What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
foresee
Example
I could foresee that the project would be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. [foresee: verb]
Example
The company needs to foresee potential problems and plan accordingly. [foresee: verb]
Example
The expert was able to foresee the impact of the new policy on the economy. [foresee: verb]
anticipate
Example
I anticipate that the concert will be sold out soon. [anticipate: verb]
Example
The team anticipated the opponent's strategy and adjusted their game plan accordingly. [anticipated: past tense verb]
Example
Based on the weather forecast, we can anticipate heavy rain tomorrow. [anticipate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Anticipate is more commonly used than foresee in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts. Foresee is less common and is typically used in more formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between foresee and anticipate?
Foresee is generally considered more formal than anticipate, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
