can be expected of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be expected of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate what is anticipated or considered normal behavior or performance from someone or something. Example: "The level of professionalism that can be expected of our employees is very high."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

The general consensus betrays our low expectations: the best that can be expected of the President is an empty speech and a semblance of dignity in response to softball questions.

The New Yorker

FRANCE SOIR - "Clearly nothing can be expected of 'Les Bleus'.

The Guardian - Sport

Nothing more can be expected of such a document.

The New Yorker

What else can be expected of this soiled government?

The Guardian - Opinion

Little else can be expected of an area "comprised of paving and roofs," he said.

The New York Times

Of course China is modernizing its army, as can be expected of a country its size.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

First, it must be noted that a large degree of non-functional overlap can be expected, because of the widespread distribution of the biochemical events.

BioEssays

Cognitive and behavioral difficulties can be expected because of the patterns of brain injury that have been associated with NE.

European Journal of Pediatrics

These findings suggest that the HS-FFQ provides a reasonable record of adolescent diet, although some attenuation of results can be expected because of nondifferential measurement error.

Diabetes Care

A lower within-population structure can be expected because of a higher density of compatible mates and more random matings.

Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics

As can be expected, regardless of DAs, the Kα peaks of Si at 1.740 keV appeared uniform.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be expected of", ensure that the subject of the expectation is clearly defined. This avoids ambiguity and ensures that the reader understands who or what is being referred to. For instance, instead of saying "Much is expected of this project", specify "Much success can be expected of this project".

Common error

Avoid using "can be expected of" in overly broad or vague contexts. For example, instead of saying "Good things can be expected of life", provide specific examples or conditions: "With diligent effort, positive outcomes can be expected of this initiative".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be expected of" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express anticipation or probability. As Ludwig AI indicates, it suggests that something is likely or predictable given certain conditions or characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be expected of" is a modal verb phrase used to express anticipation, probability, or typical behavior. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "can be anticipated from" for variety, and avoid overgeneralization without proper context. The phrase appears frequently in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, demonstrating its widespread acceptance and use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be anticipated from

Replaces 'expected' with 'anticipated', emphasizing prediction rather than obligation.

is reasonable to expect from

Adds a layer of justification, implying that the expectation is fair or logical.

is it fair to assume of

Shifts the focus to whether an assumption is just or warranted.

one can naturally assume from

Highlights the naturalness or obviousness of an assumption based on available evidence.

one might reasonably look for in

Suggests a justified search or quest for certain qualities or behaviors.

is within the realm of possibility for

Indicates that something is possible or achievable within a specific context or domain.

falls under the obligation of

Emphasizes a duty or requirement that someone is bound to fulfill.

naturally follows for

Highlights a consequence that logically or inevitably results from a prior action or condition.

is commonly attributed to

Focuses on a trait or behavior that is generally or widely linked to a particular person or group.

accords with the nature of

Indicates that something aligns or is consistent with the inherent characteristics of a person, object, or concept.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "can be expected of" for variety?

You can use alternatives like "can be anticipated from", "is reasonable to expect from", or "one might reasonably look for in" to add nuance to your writing.

In what situations is "can be expected of" most appropriate?

The phrase is most appropriate when setting realistic expectations or describing typical behaviors or outcomes within a specific context. It is useful when defining standards or norms.

What is the difference between "can be expected of" and "should be expected of"?

"Can be expected of" describes what is likely or predictable, while "should be expected of" implies a moral or normative obligation. The former is descriptive, while the latter is prescriptive.

Is it grammatically correct to say "could be expected of" instead of "can be expected of"?

Yes, "could be expected of" is grammatically correct, but it expresses a lower degree of certainty or possibility than "can be expected of". It suggests a potential outcome rather than a typical one.