could it be expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could it be expected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when questioning whether something is likely or anticipated to happen. Example: "Given the current circumstances, could it be expected that the project will be delayed?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

What more could it be expected to do on the Boston Symphony's behalf?

The New York Times - Arts

How could it be expected to save civilization from the seemingly invincible forces of darkness?

The New York Times

How could it be expected to succeed with such a start?

The Times

How, in such a short space of time and with no teaching or habituation, could it be expected that the newly insured and the never insured would change their habits?

University of Chicago

However, why could it be expected that the so-called street-level activities are inherently strategic and co-evolve, i.e., that they adopt common HR policies or programs on behalf of an organizational or public service strategy (Clardy 2008; Truss and Gill 2009)?

Business Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Since the sequence Aβ11 28 K16N does not contain residues where trypsin could cleave, it was expected not to be a substrate.

EMBO Molecular Medicine

I could believe it because it was expected, but I couldn't believe it.

Los Angeles Times

Thus, it could be expected that it would be nurses and staff who are delegated a high administrative workload that would hold this perception.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

In cities, cars usually travel at low velocity and it could be expected that disturbance effects could be more important than direct mortalities.

Plosone

If colorectal cancer could be identified at an earlier (asymptomatic) stage, it could be expected that the need for emergent surgery may be reduced.

Annals of Surgical Oncology

It could be expected that these data recording limitations could be overcome in studies in professional sport.

British Journal of Sports Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could it be expected" to question whether an outcome is reasonable or predictable based on available information. It introduces an element of uncertainty and invites consideration of the factors involved.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of passive constructions like "could it be expected" as it can sometimes make your writing sound less direct and engaging. Consider rephrasing to use active voice where appropriate to strengthen your message.

Linguistic Context

"Could it be expected" functions as an interrogative phrase used to question the likelihood or reasonableness of an event or outcome. It serves to introduce an element of doubt or inquiry regarding future expectations. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from scientific predictions to general anticipations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could it be expected" is a grammatically correct phrase used to question the likelihood or reasonableness of an event. Ludwig AI identifies its proper usage in written English. While infrequent, it appears across diverse contexts, including science, news, and academia. For more direct alternatives, consider using phrases like "should we anticipate" or "is it reasonable to assume". Be mindful of overusing passive constructions, and instead leverage the phrase to introduce thoughtful inquiry into potential outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are we to expect

Directly questions whether something is expected.

is it reasonable to anticipate

Changes the modal verb and uses "anticipate" instead of "expect".

should we anticipate

Shifts the focus to proactive anticipation.

is it likely to occur

Focuses on the probability of an event happening.

is it plausible to assume

Highlights the assumption aspect.

can it be foreseen

Emphasizes the ability to predict an event.

is there reason to believe

Focuses on the evidence supporting a belief.

is it justifiable to think

Emphasizes the justification for a particular belief.

may it be presumed

Uses a more formal tone to suggest a presumption.

is it within the realm of possibility

Suggests something is possible, though not necessarily probable.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "could it be expected" to sound more direct?

Consider using phrases like "should we anticipate", "are we to expect", or "is it reasonable to assume" for a more direct tone.

What does "could it be expected" imply about the speaker's certainty?

The phrase "could it be expected" implies a degree of uncertainty or speculation. It suggests that the speaker is questioning whether something is a likely or reasonable outcome, but isn't stating it as a certainty.

Is "could it be expected" formal or informal?

"Could it be expected" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it often appears in more analytical or argumentative writing. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

What are some alternatives to "could it be expected" in academic writing?

In academic writing, you might use alternatives such as "is it plausible to assume", "is it justifiable to think", or "is there reason to believe" to maintain a formal and analytical tone.