What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
foresee
Example
I can foresee some problems with this plan. [foresee: verb]
Example
The company needs to foresee potential risks and take measures to mitigate them. [foreseeing: gerund or present participle]
predict
Example
The weatherman predicted rain for tomorrow. [predict: verb]
Example
Experts predict that the economy will improve in the coming months. [predicted: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Predict is more commonly used than foresee in everyday language, especially in informal contexts. Foresee is more formal and less common, but it can be useful in academic or professional writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between foresee and predict?
Foresee is generally considered more formal than predict, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
