as can be expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'as can be expected' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is not surprising, especially considering the circumstances. For example, "The new movie was highly anticipated, and as can be expected, the opening weekend was a huge success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As can be expected, some 'severe' findings limit life expectancy and thus argue against invasive treatment.

European Heart Journal Cardiovascular Imaging

Carbon pricing is working as well as can be expected.

Stanford University

As can be expected, Inger came highly recommended on Twitter.

The Guardian

"As well as can be expected," he said.

The New Yorker

"I think she's doing as well as can be expected.

The New Yorker

Preparations are going as well as can be expected.

The Guardian - Sport

"As well as can be expected," she replied.

The Washington Post

Well, as can be expected, both yes and no.

Independent

As can be expected, different interest groups have lined up to support different proposals.

Harvard University

"As can be expected, he was very emotional," Hal Steinbrenner said of his father.

The New York Times

In truth, things are going as well as can be expected.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as can be expected" to acknowledge a situation's inherent limitations or challenges, showing awareness and realism.

Common error

Avoid using "as can be expected" excessively in highly formal writing; opt for more sophisticated alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as can be expected" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to express that an outcome or situation is not surprising, given the circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

27%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as can be expected" is a versatile expression used to indicate that an outcome is not surprising. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain professional settings. Remember to use it judiciously and to consider more sophisticated synonyms when aiming for a heightened level of formality. Its high frequency in sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC underscores its widespread acceptance and utility in contemporary English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as anticipated

Emphasizes prior expectation.

unsurprisingly

Highlights the lack of surprise.

it was to be expected

Uses a more formal and emphatic tone.

predictably

Focuses on the predictability of the outcome.

it comes as no surprise

Highlights the lack of shock or astonishment.

as foreseen

Highlights that something was seen in advance.

it stands to reason

Emphasizes the logical basis for the outcome.

inevitably

Emphasizes the unavoidable nature of the result.

naturally

Suggests an inherent or logical outcome.

par for the course

Implies that something is typical or normal in a particular situation.

FAQs

What does "as can be expected" mean?

The phrase "as can be expected" means that something is happening in a way that is not surprising, given the circumstances or prior knowledge.

How can I use "as can be expected" in a sentence?

You can use "as can be expected" to introduce a statement that aligns with what one would reasonably anticipate. For example, "The project faced several setbacks, but, "as can be expected", the team persevered".

What are some alternatives to "as can be expected"?

You can use alternatives like "unsurprisingly", "predictably", or "as anticipated" depending on the specific context.

Is "as can be expected" formal or informal?

The phrase "as can be expected" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferable in certain professional settings.