Section 4 — Knowing the Rules and Winning Grammar focus

Session 14 Grammar: Forecasting and hedged predictions

Economic forecasting requires language that expresses probability without false certainty. These structures let you make predictions professionally — stating what you expect while being honest about uncertainty.

Grammar Focus

is expected to / is likely to / is forecast to / may / could / analysts anticipate

Financial forecasts are rarely certain. Professional language signals degrees of confidence — distinguishing what is highly probable from what is merely possible. Using hedged language is not weakness; it is precision. Claiming false certainty about markets destroys credibility.

High confidence: is expected to · is forecast to · analysts project
Medium confidence: is likely to · appears set to · is poised to
Lower confidence: may · could · might · there is a possibility that
Conditional: provided that · assuming · if current trends continue

GDP growth is forecast to slow to 0.8% in the coming year, as the lagged effects of rate rises feed through to consumer spending and business investment.

The central bank is expected to cut rates twice before year-end — markets are pricing in a combined 50 basis points of easing.

Unemployment is likely to rise modestly over the next two quarters, as the labor market adjusts to weaker demand in the construction and retail sectors.

Inflation could re-accelerate if commodity prices spike — the base case is continued disinflation, but the risk remains material.

The economy appears set to avoid a technical recession, though growth will remain well below potential for the foreseeable future.

Assuming no further geopolitical shocks, the consensus forecast anticipates a gradual return to trend growth by the second half of next year.

Uncertainty qualifiers

subject to revision barring unforeseen events all else being equal on current projections in the base case scenario