I expected that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I expected that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing anticipation or belief about a certain outcome or situation. Example: "I expected that the meeting would be productive, given the agenda we had prepared."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"That's not an excuse, but I expected that".

The New York Times - Sports

"I expected that was going to happen," Woodson said.

The New York Times - Sports

I expected that soon every warning light on the dashboard would be glowing.

The New Yorker

"Here it is: 'As I expected, that Masters man has not given up.

The Guardian - Books

"I expected that sort of performance.

BBC

But I expected that lack of fluency a little, although I wanted us to show a little more impetus".

BBC

I expected that day to leave scars that would last a lifetime.

Huffington Post

But I expected that.

The New York Times

I expected that consent would come easily.

The New York Times

"I expected that," Bruesewitz said, deadpan.

The New York Times - Sports

"I expected that Kobe would sign.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I expected that" to clearly convey that an outcome was not surprising to you, based on prior knowledge or beliefs. It's effective for showing understanding or preparedness in a given situation.

Common error

While "I expected that" is versatile, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound dismissive or lacking in nuance. Consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "I anticipated" or "It was foreseeable that" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I expected that" functions as an independent clause followed by a subordinating conjunction, introducing a dependent clause. It serves to express the speaker's prior anticipation or lack of surprise regarding a particular event or situation. As Ludwig AI explains, this is a correct and usable way to express anticipation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I expected that" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express anticipation or a lack of surprise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable. While prevalent in news and media, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, though more formal settings may benefit from nuanced alternatives. When using "I expected that", ensure it aligns with the tone of your writing and consider whether a more precise synonym might better convey your intended meaning. This phrase is a common and effective way to communicate prior expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I anticipated that

Uses 'anticipated' to suggest a more formal or careful expectation.

I foresaw that

Implies a degree of foresight or prediction about an event.

I predicted that

Emphasizes a prior forecast or estimation of an event.

I assumed that

Suggests a belief taken for granted without concrete proof.

I reckoned that

A more informal way of saying 'I thought' or 'I believed'.

I figured that

Indicates a conclusion reached through reasoning or understanding.

I suspected that

Implies a cautious or tentative belief about something.

I believed that

Focuses on the speaker's conviction or faith in a certain outcome.

It was foreseeable that

Shifts the focus to the inherent predictability of the event.

It was to be expected that

Suggests that the event was logical or inevitable given the circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "I expected that" to express that you were not surprised by a certain outcome or event. For example, "I expected that the project would be challenging, given the tight deadline".

What are some alternatives to "I expected that"?

You can use alternatives like "I anticipated that", "I foresaw that", or "I predicted that" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "I expected that" in writing?

"I expected that" is appropriate in various writing contexts, from informal to neutral. However, in highly formal or academic writing, consider using alternatives that convey a more sophisticated tone, such as "it was foreseeable that".

What is the difference between "I expected that" and "I hoped that"?

"I expected that" implies a degree of certainty or anticipation based on prior knowledge, whereas "I hoped that" expresses a desire or wish for a particular outcome. The former is about anticipation, and the latter is about desire.