be expected back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be expected back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who is anticipated to return to a place after being away. Example: "She left for the conference this morning and is expected back by Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Judge Anthony Leonard said Mr. Hayes would be expected back at court during the week of Oct. 21.

The New York Times

While he waited, as incidental music played, the boy idly checked a message from his father: at what time could he be expected back at the encampment?

The New Yorker

Abu Garda will be expected back in The Hague if a trial is scheduled, but he is not obliged to attend interim hearings, the judge said.

The New York Times

And just like Jacques Chirac, the French president, who attended the expo's opening, few of those visitors will be expected back in Nagoya soon even if the new airport does boast a wedding hall and a public bath.The bigger impact from the new airport, therefore, is likely to involve cargo rather than people.

The Economist

Their victory certainly came at a cost given that Coutinho lasted only 17 minutes and was limping so heavily when Ibe replaced him that the Brazilian cannot be expected back for Liverpool's next two Premier League fixtures, at home to Arsenal and Manchester United.

The Guardian - Sport

What time you'll be expected back.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He is expected back next year.

The Economist

Nashville is expected back on More4 later this year.

Independent

Results are expected back today.

The New York Times - Sports

He is expected back Friday...

The New York Times - Sports

He is expected back for the playoffs.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be expected back", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is expected to return and the time frame involved. This avoids ambiguity and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using the past tense of "expect" when the return is still anticipated in the future. Instead of saying "was expected back", use "is expected back" if the person or thing has not yet returned.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be expected back" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone or something is anticipated to return. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment of the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be expected back" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase used to convey an anticipation of return. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, it's most commonly found in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, its specific meaning depends on the context. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding who or what is expected to return, and consider more formal alternatives like ""be anticipated to return"" in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be due to return

Indicates a scheduled or planned return.

be set to return

Similar to "scheduled", but can imply a higher degree of certainty.

be anticipated to return

More formal alternative using "anticipated" instead of "expected".

is supposed to be back

Suggests an expectation or obligation for the return.

be scheduled to come back

Emphasizes that the return is part of a schedule.

be projected to return

More formal, suggesting a prediction based on available data.

be likely to be back

Expresses probability rather than certainty of return.

be slated for return

Indicates that the return is officially planned and announced.

return is anticipated

Passive voice construction focusing on the anticipation of the return.

be reckoned to be back

Less common, more idiomatic way of expressing expectation.

FAQs

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

You can use "be expected back" to indicate that someone or something is anticipated to return at a particular time or after a specific event. For example, "She is expected back from her trip next week."

What's a more formal way to say "be expected back"?

A more formal alternative is "be anticipated to return". This phrase uses more sophisticated vocabulary, suitable for professional contexts.

Is it correct to say "was expected back"?

Yes, "was expected back" is grammatically correct, but it should be used to refer to past expectations. For example, "He was expected back yesterday, but his flight was delayed."

What's the difference between "be expected back" and "be due back"?

"Be expected back" generally indicates a more informal expectation, while ""be due back"" often implies a scheduled or officially planned return.