are to be expected

USAGE SUMMARY

"are to be expected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is going to occur due to certain circumstances. For example, "Due to the current pandemic, economic difficulties are to be expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fluctuations are to be expected.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So some defaults are to be expected.

The New York Times

The questions are to be expected.

The Economist

Sadly, piecemeal measures are to be expected.

The Economist

Glitches and lateness are to be expected.

The New York Times

Growing pains are to be expected.

The New York Times

Thus, more detainees are to be expected.

The Guardian - Opinion

The jokes are to be expected.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Such things are to be expected.

The New Yorker

Such concerns are to be expected, however.

The Guardian

So large profits and losses are to be expected.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are to be expected" to indicate that an event or outcome is a logical or predictable consequence of existing circumstances. For instance, "Given the economic downturn, job losses are to be expected."

Common error

While grammatically sound, "are to be expected" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using phrases like "it's not surprising" or "that's normal".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are to be expected" functions as a modal expression indicating anticipation or predictability. Based on Ludwig AI analysis, it suggests that something is likely to occur given the current circumstances or context. This phrase is used to convey that certain outcomes are not surprising or unexpected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

29%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are to be expected" is a versatile expression used to convey that certain outcomes or events are predictable or anticipated given a specific context. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears across diverse sources, including news media, scientific literature, and academic texts. Its primary function is to manage expectations, suggesting that something is a logical consequence rather than a surprising anomaly. While suitable for neutral and formal registers, it's advisable to consider less formal alternatives like "it's not surprising" in casual settings. Understanding this nuance can help improve the precision and appropriateness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be anticipated

A shorter, more concise way of saying that something should be expected.

should be anticipated

This alternative uses "should be" indicating a reasonable expectation, rather than a certainty.

can be foreseen

This suggests the ability to predict or see something in advance.

may be predicted

This highlights the possibility of prediction, implying less certainty.

it is foreseeable that

This uses a more formal structure, emphasizing the foreseeability of an event.

one can anticipate

This focuses on the ability of someone to anticipate something.

it is predictable

This emphasizes the predictable nature of an event or outcome.

likely to occur

This highlights the likelihood of something happening.

should come as no surprise

Emphasizes lack of surprise if something occurs, implying expectation.

to be reckoned with

Similar in meaning but this expression suggest a challenge or difficulty will arise.

FAQs

How can I use "are to be expected" in a sentence?

Use "are to be expected" to indicate something predictable or anticipated. For example, "With the increase in travel, delays "are to be expected" at airports".

What's a simpler way to say "are to be expected"?

Alternatives include "should be anticipated", "likely to happen", or "predictable". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "are to be expected" formal or informal?

"Are to be expected" leans towards the formal side. In more casual conversations, consider using phrases like "it's not surprising" or "it's normal".

What's the difference between "are to be expected" and "may occur"?

"Are to be expected" suggests a higher degree of probability or anticipation than "may occur". "May occur" simply indicates a possibility, while ""are to be expected"" suggests that the event is likely based on current circumstances.