Foregone Conclusion

[Hundred]

online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443659204577573190122788640.html

"The conclusion is all but foregone, according to party insiders, diplomats and political analysts: Ms. Gu is expected to be found guilty in the murder of a British citizen, Neil Heywood, with whom she had close business ties. "

Is taking "foregone" from before "conclusion" a usage error? Most dictionaries suggest it must be used as "a foregone conclusion", not separately.

[SoothingDave]

It reads fine to me. The common expression is "a foregone conclusion," but I have no difficulty with the example you cite.