can be expected to

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be expected to" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate something that is likely or anticipated to happen in the future. Example: With her skills and experience, she can be expected to excel in her new job.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That can be expected to continue.

The Economist

Others can be expected to follow suit.

The New York Times

There can be expected to be many such cases.

Cornell University

"No layperson can be expected to understand it".

The New York Times

And profits can be expected to reverse direction, too.

The New York Times

They can be expected to continue at Centurion.

The Guardian - Sport

The German can be expected to remain solid.

The Guardian - Sport

Putin can be expected to develop these themes.

The Guardian

This legal scrutiny can be expected to intensify.

The New York Times

Thus, it can be expected to speed up the simulation.

Chemical Engineering Science

The ongoing development can be expected to continue.

Computers & Geosciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be expected to" when you want to express a reasonable anticipation based on current evidence or trends. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "can be expected to" when the anticipation is purely speculative or lacks a solid basis. Instead, opt for phrases like "might" or "could" to indicate a lower degree of certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be expected to" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express anticipation, likelihood, or a reasonable prediction about a future event or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

27%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be expected to" is a grammatically sound and versatile way to express reasonable anticipation or prediction in English. Ludwig AI validates its common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. When writing, use "can be expected to" to convey a sense of informed prediction based on evidence, but avoid overuse in purely speculative contexts. Consider semantically similar alternatives such as "is likely to" or "is anticipated to" to add nuance to your writing. Remember, this phrase works effectively in both formal and informal settings, offering a reliable way to communicate future expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is likely to

Emphasizes a high probability of occurrence.

is anticipated to

Highlights the expectation of a future event.

is projected to

Suggests a forecast or prediction based on available data.

is foreseen to

Implies a perception or anticipation of a future event.

is bound to

Conveys a sense of inevitability or certainty.

will probably

Indicates a good chance of something happening.

is apt to

Suggests a natural tendency or inclination.

is inclined to

Implies a predisposition or leaning towards something.

may well

Expresses a reasonable possibility or likelihood.

could reasonably

Highlights a logical expectation based on circumstances.

FAQs

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

Use "can be expected to" to express a reasonable prediction or anticipation. For example, "Given the current growth rate, the company "can be expected to" double its revenue next year".

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

You can use alternatives such as "is likely to", "is anticipated to", or "is projected to" depending on the context.

Is "can be expected to" formal or informal?

"Can be expected to" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile choice for expressing anticipation or prediction.

What's the difference between "can be expected to" and "might happen"?

"Can be expected to" implies a higher degree of certainty based on existing evidence, while "might happen" suggests a possibility with less supporting evidence. "Can be expected to" communicates a reasonable anticipation, whereas "might happen" expresses a mere potential outcome.