Expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "expected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about something that you think is likely to happen based on past experience or current information. Example: I was expecting the train to be on time, but it was unfortunately delayed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Asked if she expected Ukip to run have Labour so close, she said: "To be honest with you I have been through more or less every scenario.

The Guardian

The displaced groups were expected to be living in the tents for up to eight weeks and authorities won't know until Cyclone Nathan has passed whether damage caused is likely to extend that.

The Guardian

I expected that some would object to my participation in an annual forum that is largely comprised of softball questions to a leader unaccustomed to being challenged.

The Guardian - Opinion

Anderson delivered his report to Downing Street on 6 May, the day before the general election, and it is expected to be published in the next few days.

The Guardian

The legislation will include not only the expected snooper's charter, enabling the tracking of everyone's web and social media use, but also moves to strengthen the security services' warranted powers for the bulk interception of the content of communications.

The Guardian

Nigeria's neighbours, Benin, Cameroon, Niger and Chad, were expected to attend, along with US, UK and EU representatives.

The Guardian

It has the second largest oil reserves among the former Soviet republics after Russia, and its oil exports are expected to soar as its huge Kashagan oil field, in the Caspian Sea, develops.

The Guardian

With more than 70% of the poor now living, or expected to live in middle-income countries, these regions would be likely targets for investment.

The Guardian

The move by the leaders of Germany and France, who were upset by Cameron's initial plan to deliver his speech on the same day as their celebration marking their historic post-war reconciliation, means negotiations could take place earlier than No 10 had expected.

The Guardian

The ground can only hold 11,700 people and it was widely expected work would begin to meet the need for rising ticket demand soon after their first promotion to the top flight.

The Guardian - Sport

The vote is expected at around 5pm UK time but a planned press conference with the winner has been postponed until Saturday morning.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure "expected" conveys the intended level of certainty. If the outcome is highly probable, "certain" or "inevitable" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid relying heavily on "expected" in formal documents. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "anticipated" or "projected" to add depth.

Linguistic Context

The word "expected" functions primarily as an adjective or a past participle. It modifies nouns to describe anticipated events, outcomes, or behaviors. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate usage in numerous contexts, as demonstrated in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expected" functions primarily as an adjective or past participle, signifying anticipation or anticipation. Ludwig AI identifies its grammatical correctness and frequent use, especially within news and media contexts. While versatile, it's essential to consider the specific context and intent when using "expected", opting for synonyms like "anticipated" or "predicted" when nuance is needed. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively leverage "expected" to communicate anticipated outcomes with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Anticipated

Focuses on the act of looking forward to something, highlighting the mental preparation and expectation.

Predicted

Emphasizes a forecast or calculated anticipation based on available information.

Projected

Highlights a formal or statistical estimation of a future outcome.

Foreseen

Implies a capacity to see or know something in advance, often through insight or foresight.

Envisioned

Suggests a mental image or concept of a future event, often linked to planning or strategy.

Awaited

Highlights the act of waiting for something, emphasizing the duration and anticipation involved.

Scheduled

Indicates something has been formally planned to occur at a specific time.

Imminent

Stresses the nearness and likelihood of something happening very soon.

Forthcoming

Suggests something is about to appear or happen, often officially or publicly.

Anticipatable

Highlights the inherent possibility of anticipating a particular outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "expected" in a sentence?

You can use "expected" to describe something you believe will happen: "The "expected arrival" time is 5 PM". It can also refer to things that were predicted: "The "expected results" matched the initial hypothesis".

What are some synonyms for "expected"?

Alternatives to "expected" include "anticipated", "predicted", "projected", or "foreseen". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "as expected"?

Yes, "as expected" is a common idiom used to indicate that something happened in the way it was predicted or anticipated. Example: "The team won, as expected".

What's the difference between "expected" and "hoped for"?

"Expected" implies a degree of certainty or prediction based on evidence or past experience. "Hoped for", on the other hand, expresses a desire for something to happen, without necessarily implying it is likely.