be expected to return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be expected to return" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing anticipated actions or behaviors, often in contexts involving schedules, commitments, or predictions. Example: "Employees are expected to return to the office by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

McGregor, Robert Carlyle, Jonny Lee Miller and Ewan Bremner would all be expected to return.

The Guardian - Film

While he will be suspended for the whole of the 2014 season under the arbitration ruling, he would be expected to return in 2015.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet Poulter will be well into his 20s by the time the next movie starts shooting – should it get that far – so cannot reasonably be expected to return.

The Guardian - Film

As a beauty, you will be expected to return to your room and change clothes often; a fresh appearance at mealtimes is essential.

The New Yorker

He reiterated Monday that temporary workers would be expected to return permanently to their home countries after their work period expires.

The New York Times

President Obama already has a Super PAC, Priorities USA, that hopes to raise at least $100 million and can be expected to return the fire already coming from the Republican PACs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

BIG NAMES EXPECTED THIS YEAR -- Scott Verplank is expected to return.

The New York Times - Travel

He is expected to return Monday.

The New York Times - Sports

Kiwanuka, 28, was expected to return.

The New York Times

He is expected to return tonight.

The New York Times

He was expected to return Saturday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be expected to return", ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the returning and the reason or basis for the expectation. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

A common mistake is to write "be expected return" instead of "be expected to return". Always include "to" as it is part of the infinitive verb structure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be expected to return" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating an anticipation, obligation, or likelihood concerning a future action. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase follows standard grammatical rules and is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be expected to return" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express an anticipation, obligation, or likelihood concerning a comeback or reappearance. Ludwig shows the phrase is most commonly found in news articles and scientific papers, having a neutral tone. A key writing tip is ensuring the context clearly defines who or what is doing the returning. Common errors include omitting the word "to". Alternatives include "be anticipated to come back" and "be due back", depending on desired formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be anticipated to come back

Replaces "expected" with "anticipated", emphasizing a prediction based on evidence.

be predicted to reappear

Uses "predicted" and "reappear" to highlight a forecast of a return, particularly after an absence.

be slated to revert

Employs "slated" and "revert" to indicate a return to a previous state or condition according to a schedule.

be due back

A shorter, more informal way of expressing the scheduled return of someone or something.

be obligated to come back

Focuses on the sense of duty or requirement to return.

be required to reappear

Emphasizes the necessity or mandate for a return.

be bound to return

Suggests a certainty or inevitability of the return.

be programmed to revert

Implies that the return is not optional.

be designated to reappear

This alternative suggests a formal return to an earlier state.

be under obligation to return

Reinforces the obligatory aspect of the return.

FAQs

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

You can use "be expected to return" when talking about an anticipated comeback or reappearance. For example, "The injured player "is expected to return" next season" or "Refugees "are expected to return" home after the conflict ends".

What are some alternatives to "be expected to return"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be anticipated to come back", "be predicted to reappear", or simply "be due back", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more formal to say "be expected to return" or "be due back"?

"Be expected to return" is generally considered more formal. "Be due back" is more casual and often used in informal settings.

What's the difference between "be expected to return" and "be forced to return"?

"Be expected to return" implies an anticipation or prediction, while "be forced to return" suggests a lack of choice or external pressure making the return necessary.