I expected it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I expected it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that you anticipated a certain outcome or event. Example: "When I heard the news, I wasn't surprised at all; I expected it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I expected it".

The New York Times - Sports

I expected it today.

The New York Times - Sports

"I expected it to be close".

The New York Times - Sports

"I expected it to be more".

The New York Times - Health

"I expected it to be easier".

The New York Times - Sports

I expected it to be a slog.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I expected it from the get-go".

The New York Times - Sports

I expected it and we didn't see it.

The New York Times - Sports

I expected it to be like any other Tuesday.

The New York Times

"I expected it to be a piece of asphalt".

The New York Times

Ninth Crusade "I expected it to be dreadful.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I expected it" to convey a lack of surprise or the fulfillment of an anticipation. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While acceptable, relying heavily on "I expected it" in formal contexts might sound less professional. Consider using synonyms like "I anticipated this outcome" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I expected it" functions as a statement expressing a prior anticipation or lack of surprise regarding a particular outcome or event. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used in various contexts to convey that something was not unexpected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

25%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I expected it" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a lack of surprise or prior anticipation of an event. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. While versatile across different contexts, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "I anticipated it" in certain professional settings. The phrase appears commonly in news, sports, and opinion pieces. Keep in mind to avoid overuse in very formal documents. Ultimately, the appropriateness of "I expected it" depends on the specific context and desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I anticipated it

Formal alternative, implying a more thoughtful or planned expectation.

I foresaw it

Suggests a predictive quality, implying you saw the event coming in advance.

I predicted it

Similar to 'foresaw it', but emphasizes a more analytical or informed prediction.

I assumed it would happen

Indicates a belief that something would occur, often without concrete evidence.

I wasn't surprised

Focuses on the lack of surprise rather than the anticipation.

It was not unexpected

A more formal way of saying you weren't surprised, often used in writing.

I saw it coming

Idiomatic phrase indicating you anticipated the event and were prepared for it.

I knew it was going to happen

Emphasizes certainty about the event's inevitability.

That was to be expected

Impersonal phrasing to say that something was likely.

It was predictable

Highlights that the outcome was easily foreseen based on the circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "I expected it" in a sentence?

You can use "I expected it" to express a lack of surprise about a situation. For instance, "The team lost, but "I expected it" because their star player was injured".

What are some alternatives to "I expected it"?

You can use alternatives like "I anticipated it", "I foresaw it", or "I wasn't surprised" depending on the context.

Is "I expected it" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "I expected it" is more suited for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "It was anticipated" or "The outcome was foreseen".

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

"I expected it" implies a belief that something was likely to happen, while "I hoped for it" suggests a desire for something to happen, regardless of its likelihood.