can be expected

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be expected" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that a certain outcome is likely or certain. For example, "The new policy will bring about significant improvement in our sales performance, which can be expected to continue into the coming months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This can be expected".

The New York Times

They can be expected.

The New Yorker

Rival bids can be expected.

The Economist

More can be expected.

The Guardian

More such operations can be expected.

The Economist

More withdrawal announcements can be expected.

Independent

That can be expected to continue.

The Economist

More extortion can be expected later this year.

The New York Times

Nothing much can be expected soon.

The Guardian - Opinion

A UK release can be expected though.

The Guardian - Film

Others can be expected to follow suit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be expected" when you want to convey a strong likelihood based on existing conditions or evidence. Avoid using it for mere possibilities or speculations.

Common error

Avoid using "can be expected" when the outcome is uncertain or speculative. Opt for phrases like "might occur" or "could happen" to convey uncertainty more accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be expected" functions as a modal construction indicating a prediction or expectation about a future event or outcome. It suggests that, based on current circumstances, a particular result is likely to occur. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

31%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be expected" is a versatile phrase used to express a reasonable degree of certainty about future events based on current circumstances. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various domains, including news, academia, and science. While similar phrases like "is anticipated" or "is predictable" may offer subtle differences in meaning, "can be expected" provides a reliable way to convey expectations about likely outcomes. When writing, remember to use it appropriately, ensuring the prediction is grounded in evidence rather than mere speculation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is anticipated

Focuses on the act of looking forward to something, suggesting preparation or readiness.

may be anticipated

Expresses a possibility rather than a certainty in expectation.

is predictable

Highlights the ability to foretell something based on known patterns or information.

is bound to happen

Implies a sense of inevitability or destiny.

is foreseeable

Emphasizes the ability to anticipate something, often implying a degree of certainty.

is liable to happen

Indicates a tendency or probability of something occurring, often with a negative connotation.

is apt to occur

Suggests a natural or inherent tendency for something to happen.

is set to occur

Similar to 'slated', emphasizing a prearranged or determined event.

is slated to happen

Focuses on a planned or scheduled event.

is within the realm of possibility

Highlights that something is possible, although not necessarily probable.

FAQs

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

Use "can be expected" to indicate a likely outcome based on current conditions. For example, "With the new policy, increased efficiency "can be expected"".

What are some alternatives to "can be expected"?

Alternatives include "is anticipated", "is predictable", or "is foreseeable", depending on the desired nuance.

What is the difference between "can be expected" and "might happen"?

"Can be expected" suggests a higher degree of certainty based on available evidence, while "might happen" indicates a possibility without strong supporting evidence.

When is it inappropriate to use "can be expected"?

It's inappropriate to use "can be expected" when the outcome is purely speculative or lacks a reasonable basis in facts or observations. Using "might occur" is better suited in this scenario.